PROUD TO SUPPORT – THE DON REILLY & FAMILY RECIPIENT FOR 1ST QUARTER 2021

100Brokers • March 5, 2021

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $4,050 to Don Reilly & Family, Recipient of the 1st Quarter vote of 2021.

Thank you to Frances Hinojosa for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story

On October 16th, 2020 at the age of 49, our beloved Don Reilly was given the unimaginable diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Him and his family and friends were told an unfair prognosis and sent on their way. Every hope and dream of the future flashed through their minds and they immediately started to mourn all the things that may never be.

This disease is unforgiving. It is a motor neuron disease that gradually robs the person of their life. It was just so hard to believe, so unfair. Don has always been committed to living an active lifestyle. He is an avid cyclist who enjoys a challenge. He loves running, working out, skiing, playing tennis and golf and of course a fierce drummer for the band CROWE that he is a founding member of. He is also the most amazing Dad to his three girls; Katie 19, Lauren 16 and Jocelyn 6. Whether it’s teaching his girls how to ride a bike, downhill ski or to learn how to skate, Don has always been an active Dad with his kids. So, the question that crosses our mind is…..Why?

Which brings us to a story of love, hope and faith. In 2014 Don and his family faced another traumatic moment in their lives when they lost their son William who was stillborn. Even though they were broken by their loss they never gave up hope on one day having a baby. A few months after losing William to their surprise they found out they were expecting. Unfortunately, they were once again faced with the unimaginable, when Carolyn went into preterm labor and on December 24th, 2014 their daughter Jocelyn was born just shy of 25 weeks. Although the doctors gave them some tough odds they refused to give up hope. Over the course of 115 days while their baby fought for her life in the NICU, through brain bleeds, blood transfusions, infections, they never stopped believing that one day they would bring their healthy baby home. Now six years later Jocelyn is perfect in every way.

Anyone who knows Don knows that he is a fighter. Through his stubborn will, focused mind and strong discipline, he intends to do everything in his power to heal his body. REILLY HEALS is our vision for life. We need your help so Don can win this fight against ALS. With the support of his friends and family we’ve created a GoFundMe Campaign REILLY HEALS to help raise the funds required to support Don and Carolyn as they face not only this devastating diagnosis, but the massive financial burden that comes with it. From renovating their home, so Don can safely live there for as long as possible, to purchasing specialized equipment he needs, to accessing current breakthrough medications, the costs are enormous. The need is immediate, as the equipment list is long including walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, ramps, patient transfer lifts, ceiling track systems, straight stair lifts, hospital beds and basic communication devices.

In addition to equipment and caregiving needs Don also needs resources to access the new treatments and trials that are showing encouraging results. In the unlikely event that there are excess funds after these urgent priorities are met, the extra funds will be placed into a Trust Fund to be divided amongst Don’s three daughters and Carolyn.

May 9, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Chico - Battling Cancer our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Chico is a loving husband and father who has always given back to his community, family, and friends. His life changed unexpectedly when he suffered a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His family has stood by his side through every challenge, and he has been unable to work due to his condition. Despite exhausting all conventional treatment options, there is still hope. Optune Gio is a device that could slow the tumor's growth and give Chico more precious time with his loved ones. However, the cost of this life-extending treatment is overwhelming, and his family urgently needs support to afford it. Chico's journey has been incredibly tough, but the community has rallied around him. Your support, no matter the size, will go directly toward his care, easing the financial burden on his family during this difficult time. Together, we can help Chico access the treatment he needs and allow him to focus on what matters most—spending time with the people he loves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this critical time.
By Brokers Who Care May 9, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lawson-Needs Our Help our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. About a year ago, what appeared to be a routine illness became a life-threatening crisis. Lawson developed massive blood clots, and during a procedure, his heart stopped. He went without oxygen for up to 45 minutes and required CPR and ECMO life support to survive. Against incredible odds, Lawson is still here. He is now off life support, but he sustained significant brain injury. His recovery requires ongoing, intensive therapy, specialized care, and long-term medical support. Before this, Lawson was an active, sports-loving kid, often found at the rink supporting his older brother Cooper—a team captain who continues to show remarkable strength and leadership through it all. Today, Lawson’s family is navigating time away from work, ongoing medical travel, and the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding their lives around his recovery. Your vote is more than financial support—it’s access to therapy, care, and the opportunity for Lawson to reach his fullest potential. Lawson has already shown incredible strength. With our support, his story can continue to be one of resilience, progress, and hope.
By Brokers Who Care February 16, 2026
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Let's Cure Lucas - Fighting an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disease our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lucas Azevedo is a four-year-old with an ultra-rare gene variant affecting the RBM28 gene—a condition so rare that only one other child in the world has been discovered with it. This disease is currently unnamed and has no cure, but his smile and spirit inspire everyone around him.  Lucas lives with significant physical challenges. His ultra-rare gene variant affects all four of his limbs, his balance and coordination, his speech, his oral strength, and much more. His muscles are both tight and fragile, making even the simplest movements a challenge against gravity itself. Nothing happens automatically for him—every movement requires intention, strength, and support. The RBM28 variant affects his cerebellum, the area of the brain vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. While there is currently no cure, gene therapy has been developed and has proven successful in stopping progression for many ultra-rare diseases. Lucas's family is hopeful about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs. In the meantime, Lucas works incredibly hard six days a week undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and hydrotherapy to build strength and independence. His goal is to walk independently, run, jump, and ride a bike. Your support directly funds the therapies and care that allow Lucas to keep fighting and growing stronger. Together, we can help this remarkable little boy achieve his dreams and contribute to the research that may one day lead to a cure. Thank you for standing with Lucas and his family in this urgent fight.
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