PROUD TO SUPPORT THE DEMELO FAMILY EASTERN RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2023

Brokers Who Care • June 12, 2023

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to The DeMelo Family, our Eastern Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2023 vote.

Thank you to Sabeena Bubber for bringing this Cause to our attention.

The Nomination Story:

Here is the story of Sarah DeMelo and her and her families journey over the past 7 months. Sarah's story was brought to me by Kayleigh Kennedy. The Kennedy family received $10,000 from BWC for their son Ethan. They met Sarah during Ethan's treatments and wanted to share her story:

Sarah has 2 young boys, Eliott who is currently 18 months and Benjamin who is now 3. Right before Bennie's 3rd birthday, he was hospitalized for a sinus infection. Sarah knew this was not right and continued to advocate for her son. It wasn't until she brought him back into the emerg after the initial hospitalization that they ran tests and determined that Bennie actually has Leukemia. His diagnosis in mid-August of 2022 was not a sinus infection, it was B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which for children's Bennie's age is a 2 1/2 year treatment process. Her family was gutted and since then they have been navigating his treatments which is a challenging process, especially for a mother watching your baby go through it. Not only having to navigate this with Bennie, but also having a busy toddler at home. Then it got worse for her with her own health scare recently.

Sarah discovered a lump in her throat this winter. As of this moment, they can’t confirm until the tumour is out but her ENT is 95% sure it a head and neck cancer. Specifically a malignant tumour in her sublingual gland which spread to nearby lymph nodes. She is now awaiting surgery to remove two salivary glands and the nearby lymph nodes that are swollen with possible radiation afterwards. She will be followed by an oncology ENT for the rest of her life.

From Kayleigh Kennedy:
I am nominating her because we connected online as my story with my son is very similar. I was actually the fall 2022 recipient in September and when I heard of her story and what she is now going through with her own health, I knew that this was the least I could do to support her. Our boys are both the same age undergoing similar treatment, I know how hard it is. I also have a younger one at home and the challenges alone of having a baby and a toddler undergoing chemo is challenging, emotional, stressful and lonely. I could not imagine having my own health scare on top of it all.

Here is an update on Sarah: https://ca.style.yahoo.com/canadian-mom-tumour-son-leukemia-153148740.html

< Older Post Newer Post >

PROUD TO SUPPORT Brodziak Family RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Andrea Gibson RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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 $3,000 to Andrea Gibson our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Katy Mackenzie for bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Gibson is a Self-Compassion and Mindset Coach, Dance Educator, and Mental Health Advocate who has dedicated her life to helping others thrive. Recently, Andrea received a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer, requiring her to undergo chemotherapy, an upcoming double mastectomy, and radiotherapy continuing into 2025. As a self-employed professional and mother of two, Andrea will be unable to work during her treatment, creating significant financial strain for her family. Andrea’s work has empowered countless women to reconnect with themselves and live intentionally. As a leader in the dance community with over 30 years of experience, she has inspired young dancers to embrace their inner champion and develop mindset tools to navigate challenges both on and off the stage. Andrea’s authenticity, vulnerability, and humour have been instrumental in creating meaningful change in her community. Unfortunately, her cancer diagnosis temporarily halts this incredible work. Without the ability to earn income during her treatment, Andrea faces a challenging road ahead. A $10,000 donation would help alleviate the financial burden on her family, providing critical support during this difficult time. It would allow Andrea to focus on her recovery without the added stress of lost income, ensuring she can heal and ultimately return to her mission of empowering others with the same passion and dedication she’s always shown. Andrea has spent her life giving 1,000% of herself to her clients (including me!), her students, and her community. Now, she needs support to navigate this challenging chapter in her life. Your help will make an immediate and profound impact, providing the relief she needs as she faces cancer with courage and grace.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Daniel Natareno RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

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 Daniel Natareno our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Anthony contento and Michelle Campbell for bringing this Cause to our attention. Daniel Natareno, a well-known and deeply respected figure in the mortgage industry, is currently in the fight of his life against cancer. For the past 1.5 years, he’s faced this battle with strength and grace while receiving treatment abroad—far from work, but never far from hope. The financial toll is growing, and his family is struggling to keep up with mounting medical bills. A devoted father to Daniel Jr. (21), Damellys (20), and Allesandra (5), Daniel’s heart of gold, warm smile, and unwavering love for his children continue to shine through even the darkest days. Your support can help ease the financial burden and bring healing, hope, and stability to a man who has given so much to others. Let’s stand with Daniel and his family in this critical time.