PROUD TO SUPPORT – THE ABRAMS FAMILY, EASTERN RECIPIENT FOR 2ND QUARTER 2021

July 2, 2021

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $8,900 to The Abrams Family, Eastern Recipient of the 2nd Quarter vote of 2021.

Thank you to Stephanie Nash for bringing this Cause to our attention.


Nomination Story

The Abrams family, from the outside, looks like any “Million Dollar Family”. But in early 2019 their world was turned upside down when their son Harrison (now 9) was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle wasting condition. It is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 3500 (almost entirely) boys. Most people with DMD are wheelchair dependent by age 12, and the loss of muscle continues until it eventually weakens the heart and lungs. The median life expectancy is mid twenties and there is currently no cure.


Harrison is incredibly fortunate to so far be progressing very slowly and enjoying relatively good mobility, but he is still disabled and no treatment will reverse that. Stairs are especially difficult, and many features of the Abrams home are not going to be accessible for him long term. He deserves a home that he can enjoy, with few to no barriers. When they bought their fixer upper in the country in 2017, they were prepared to slowly work away at it. They couldn’t have predicted they would need to put their plans to replace leaky windows on hold, in order to install ramps, lifts, widened doorways, and the myriad of other modifications needed to make the home safe for their child.


Due to the pandemic, they’ve experienced some income loss, and yet their modest single income is considered “too high” for much of the funding from the available charities, who are already stretched thin and have extensive waiting lists. They will be using as much of their equity and credit as they can, but it will never be enough. Time is not on their side as they simply can’t predict when Harrison’s mobility needs will change, or when he will require a wheelchair full-time. It’s their sincere hope to have much of the needed work done as soon as possible in preparation for his future needs, as well as to make things easier for him now.


No parents should ever have to watch as their child’s muscles slowly deteriorate and find him confined to a wheelchair before the age of 12. The Abrams family need to make their home safe and accessible for their 9 year old son and they need our help to make it happen.


By Brokers Who Care November 3, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Andrea Mundie our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Marci Deanefor bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Mundie is a devoted mother of four—Rex, Dace, Clove, and Penn—facing the fight of her life. Already living with Stage 4 cancer, she has now been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a rare and aggressive complication. Her priority is simple yet profound: to spend meaningful time with her children and create lasting memories while she can. To extend her time, Andrea has begun permanent chemotherapy. But the financial strain is overwhelming. Many of her most urgent needs are not covered by insurance. Funds raised will directly support: Health and wellness costs to ease her treatment Meals and home care for her children Educational expenses to secure their futures Despite her challenges, Andrea’s resilience shines. She celebrated her 50th birthday with loved ones, even while beginning chemotherapy. Soon after, she faced emergency surgery where her heart stopped and doctors cracked her ribs and sternum to save her life. Through it all, she has held onto positivity and humor. A grant from 100 Brokers Who Care would ease Andrea’s burden, giving her peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters most—her children. Your support will provide comfort, dignity, and precious moments of love and memory.
By Brokers Who Care November 3, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Stephanie Salamandyk our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Stephanie Salamandyk, niece of our industry partner Kim Lentowitsch (BDM, Canada Guaranty), was diagnosed with rectal cancer in early 2024. Relentlessly advocating for her own health, she finally got answers and in May underwent emergency colostomy surgery after a tumor caused nearly 100% blockage. She began chemotherapy in July in hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to proceed with further surgeries, including a future reconnection of her colon. Stephanie and her high school sweetheart, Jesse, have been married for 12 years and are raising three young boys—Jackson (11), Lincoln (6), and Parker (3)—along with their two dogs, Peppe and Maymay. Active in her community, Stephanie was recently nominated as president of her local community center. Despite her strength and commitment, her illness has left the family facing financial strain. As a part-time contract worker, she does not receive EI or disability benefits. Jesse, a long-haul truck driver and the family’s primary income earner, will need to take unpaid time off to support Stephanie and care for their boys. A grant would provide much-needed financial relief, easing the burden and allowing Stephanie to focus on healing and family during this challenging time.
By Brokers Who Care June 24, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Brodziak Family our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Crystal Mamchur for bringing this Cause to our attention. On August 13, 2024, Ryan Brodziak’s life changed forever. While walking with his 11-month-old son, Ozzy, and their puppy, Gouda, an out-of-control vehicle struck them on the sidewalk. Ryan suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia, while Ozzy sustained a skull fracture and a broken arm. Six months later, Ryan remains in intensive rehabilitation after months in the ICU and multiple surgeries. His journey is uncertain, requiring daily effort to regain strength and adjust to life with a spinal cord injury. His wife, Bailey, has been his unwavering support, balancing new motherhood with being Ryan’s primary caregiver and advocate. She has put her career on hold, navigating hospital stays, rehab programs, and financial stress—all while ensuring a loving home for Ozzy. Ryan has always given back. As the former owner of The Local Omnivore, Gravy, and Gorilla restaurants, he built community spaces and organized charity events, including an annual Bikeathon to support Edmonton’s unhoused population. He has always stepped up for others—now, he and his family need that same support. A Brokers Who Care grant would be life-changing, helping with critical home modifications, rehabilitation costs, and mobility equipment. Just as importantly, it would provide financial relief for Bailey, allowing her to focus on their family’s well-being without overwhelming financial strain. This isn’t just about helping one person—it’s about lifting a family who has given so much to their community.
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