Tight spaces between baby areas meant nurses had to navigate between parents. Specialized equipment could be brought in as needed.
In this fourth post leading into Alyssa’s November 17th birthday celebration, I take a break from the tears to instead highlight the urgency of this call to action.
Since Alyssa’s only home was in the NICU at SickKids, it was and will always be very special to us. But hospital design teams objectively describe it as outdated, crowded, and unable to meet today’s standards of infection control.
Each year, SickKids Hospital accepts hundreds of newborns that are so sick they need highly specialized skills, expertise and equipment to get a better chance at a strong start in life. The NICU is one of the busiest in Canada and treats 800-1000 newborns per year. In 2003, the role of the Neonatal Transport Team was expanded to include the transport of infants of up to two years of age.
SickKids has identified the following clinical area transformation requirements for the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU).
Did you know:
Due to medical advances, babies born as early as 22 weeks and weighing as little as 450 grams are surviving more often.
These children need specialized care, as they are highly susceptible to infections, sensitive to noise, and dependent upon technology to breathe and moderate their body temperature.
In the GTA, fragile babies with additional medical challenges that require surgery or sustained life support can only be treated at SickKids.
The 34-bed NICU at SickKids is one of the busiest in Canada, running at capacity most days and providing leading-edge care to more than 570 critically-ill babies each year.
And yet it is out-of-date, crowded, noisy and cannot easily accommodate current technologies, infection control standards, or the one thing all newborns need most: their parents.
With four to six patients to a room, each encircled by equipment—monitors, diagnostic tech, ventilators, central lines—parents are given a rocking chair in a taped off area and noise-canceling headphones to create privacy.
The average length of stay in the NICU is 14.5 days, but it’s not uncommon for families to stay for months.
Mary trying to calm Alyssa while the nurse recorded her weight. The lack of space and the need for procedures and diagnostics meant that there was no place for parents to sit or sleep beside their critically ill newborn, and larger diagnostic technology could not be brought in but rather Alyssa had to be prepped and stabilized for transport to each appointment.
What the new, state-of-the-art building will provide:
Premature and critically-ill babies and their families the environment they need to properly heal and grow.
Large, comfortably furnished private rooms for every patient and their family will encourage bonding, reduce parental stress and infection risks, and enable better health outcomes.
An expanded unit with 23 more beds will ensure capacity to accommodate more critically-ill babies and their families.
Added space, modular walls and flexible electrical wiring so lifesaving equipment doesn’t get in the way of families and staff, and the unit can adapt as future medical interventions and treatments change.
Smart window glass for precise light and temperature control.
Diagnostics will come to the bedside so fragile patients don’t have to be moved.
For more information about the vision and commitment required to unleash the full potential of SickKids Hospital, please visit www.fundthefight.ca.
Newborn babies will have a better chance at a strong start via the new 57-bed NICU, AND your donation will also address issues where ceiling height, HVAC systems and space are restricting the hospital’s ability to adapt to advances in critical care technology.
While natural light is a positive feature of a healing environment, blazing sunshine through outdated windows can cause babies to overheat and adds one more variable – an inconsistent ambient temperature – for overworked nurses to manage.
The fundraising flash mob, where we asked everyone to give 20 dollars for Alyssa’s birthday, was a tribute to NICU staff and also a promise to them. We vow to always have their backs, respect their expertise and do our utmost to provide the infrastructure they need to do their important work.
Also, did you know that November 17th happens to also be World Prematurity Day? Let’s hit that donate button, send our $20 and proudly share our good deed. If you know you won’t be online on November 17th, there is nothing stopping you from donating NOW, while you are here.
Keep the conversation going! Make this your profile picture for the weekend, let everyone know that #20for20 means ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DONATING $20 :), and share the link: www.MotorcycleforMiracles.com/DONATE.
Don’t forget to add the hashtags #Love4Alyssa and #Love4____, filling in the blank with the name of someone special to you, in whose honour you would like to dedicate this birthday gift to Alyssa. In recognition of World Prematurity Day, it may be someone you know who was a preemie or had a preemie. Or it may be any child or family who has been touched by the care received at their Children’s Miracle Hospital.
Let’s hear it for NURSES! Have a look:
Thank you for sticking with me throughout these posts. Your interest and attention mean the world to us and your comments have been uplifting. Finally, thank you for putting your money where the miracles are. Know that you are making a difference. On behalf of the Johnson and Schroeder families, and as Alyssa’s Mom, I say on behalf of our angel, I love you and I love that you donated.
It’s Alyssa Rae’s birthday week, and tonight I’m sharing the end of her earthly journey. With all my heart, I hope that my earlier posts, about our first child’s birth, the story about her short but impactful life, this story of saying goodbye, and tomorrow’s call to action, can each inspire compassion and giving. It’s all for this Saturday’s fundraising flash mob of remembrance, love, and hope. Please don’t turn away from this painful recounting of what we went through. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet, and if we want to keep to humane in humanity, we need these stories.
Our friend Tony captured some of what I’ve been going through this week, and more tears flowed from the sentiment in this art. As per Tony’s wishes, click on the picture to donate.
Tomorrow, I will write more about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at SickKids, where the best of humanity gathers to distribute miracles. Staff here are the best of the best and so deserve the very best of what modern medicine and design can give them. These NICU doctors and nurses have all gone through at least 10 years of schooling and another who-knows-how-long in specialized training when they answered a call to be angels on earth for very sick babies. They are on their feet, improvising, constantly learning and teaching others, for long hours. They fall in love with babies and their families, and when they lose one, they grieve too. With nimble fingers and steady hands, nurses are caring for the very tiniest, most fragile infants all while listening and responding to parent questions, adjusting monitors, untangling lead lines and charting on computers. They take leave in order to recover from heartbreak, to attend funerals, to debrief with counsellors. So Saturday’s online fundraiser, where you’re asked to give 20 bucks for Alyssa’s birthday, is also a tribute to NICU staff and a promise to them that we have their backs, we see their good work and we respect their knowledge, expertise and the way they combine that with compassionate, loving touch. Also, did you know that Saturday just happens to also be World Prematurity Day? Let’s hit that donate button, send our $20 and forward it on for the whole world.
Friends, I feel so raw right now. I’m not fit to do what I want to do so I’m summoning my Mama Bear side, ready to attempt to take unspeakable grief and transform it into a better world.
Grandma Audrey and Grandpa Ernie Schroeder, December 4, 1998
So after we signed the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, there was a shift in energy in her room. The nurses anticipated our need for privacy and any new preemie roommates were kept to a minimum. The previous sense of momentum and urgency had come to a halt and we felt we had lost our footing. Whereas previously we had rejected invitations to talk to the SickKids chaplain, Michael Marshall, now we sought him out. We liked him instantly. He had a ponytail, little round glasses and a quirky, endearing way of rubbing his chin before responding. We told him our whole story and he seemed to soak it all up, like he had nowhere else to be. He got us talking about the bike trip, our marriage, our relationship with religion (or lack thereof) and our shifting framework of spiritual beliefs. We talked about Alyssa’s catastrophic condition and helped us to make peace with how her story would end. Also, because Pastor Michael had lost an infant son there at SickKids Hospital years prior, we knew he knew our pain.
Grandma Clara and Grandpa Dave Johnson, December 4, 1998
Michael introduced us to the concept of having a special gathering in a circle of love around Alyssa. Together we came up with an order of service for a blessing that Michael would lead, incorporating poetry, ancient writings, and some elements of transformation. On December 4th, twelve of our closest family and friends joined us in Alyssa’s room for the Blessing. Alyssa was laying in her cushy nest, dressed in a long white embroidered gown and sweet little cap. Bruce and I held her hands and the circle formed right there in the middle of the NICU room. Michael handed out programs, spoke eloquently and involved everyone in the readings and in a ritual with water and earth. Bruce read the Shel Silverstein poem, Forgotten Language. As Michael finished the blessing, we heard “Appalachian Lullaby” and held each other’s hands:
Grace, mercy, peace that passes all understanding keep you always in the radical awareness of this gift of life, a knowledge of hope and a love that challenges us to seek justice, peace and freedom. And may God’s blessing create, restore and sanctify you. Amen.
~Michael Marshall
The love in that room was so beautiful and it was all inspired by Alyssa. She was the strongest link in our chain. It helped me transcend the physical agony I was going through. Even though it was a warm room, I was wearing a thick fleece jacket over my blouse. Moms out there, you’ll understand this best, my breasts felt like they were about to burst. I hadn’t pumped since the night before, because the reality was, Alyssa would no longer need to be fed. But bodies don’t always follow instructions immediately, and so my bra, even with breastfeeding pads stuffed in thickly, was soaked. I was so tender, I couldn’t hug anyone. As a first time Mom, I was learning that the intense mother-baby bond was not just a fondness — it felt like being physically tethered. How would I survive letting her go?
On December 6th, after more loving but sad visits with family, we gathered with our parents and siblings into a room with an interior room, where they could wait nearby while we went in to slowly say goodbye to our precious daughter.
After removing all but the breathing tube, Nurse Janet skillfully assisted us in bathing Alyssa in nice warm water, rubbing her with baby lotion. At last, the tape came off and we could see her adorable upper lip and have a long conversation with her. She was awake, calm and held eye contact with us. It rocked my world. With her eyes, she said she was ok. Throughout her short life, she had a sort of knowingness about her. It was the greatest gift of my life, to have our souls communicating “it’s all right” to each other. I am sobbing as I write this, but please don’t think it’s due to a painful, tragic moment. It’s the beauty. My God, life is amazing. And death…dare I say it? Can be beautiful. We aren’t conditioned to think that. That there is such beauty available to us, when we surrender, let go and love.
We were also accompanied by a doctor named Doctor. Previously, when we’d hear “Paging Dr. Doctor” over the loudspeaker, we’d crack up. She was the kindest soul and she was there to make sure that throughout the process, Alyssa was never in pain. Together, Bruce and I sat and held Alyssa, with lights from the sky and city blinking through the dark window. All tubes were now removed and for many minutes, she stayed with us. We held onto each breath, and even as they got farther apart and smaller, I held out hope that she would prove all the doctors wrong and start breathing on her own. Her heart was at the surface of her skin, so we could see and feel it slowing. I was wishing that we could all just be preserved at that moment because surely we couldn’t go on without her? I had a very clear and very irrational thought, that seemed to emerge from rational thinking, that I was going to die. Not just from heartache, but literally that the physical bond being what it was, her last breath simply must be mine as well.
At 8:08 p.m, on Sunday, December 6th, 1998, Alyssa flew to heaven. And I didn’t.
Bruce and I stayed with her for a long time. At last, we could get a good look at her. Hold her upright while looking out the window. Put our cheeks to hers and continue to make her promises. We promised we would never forget her. That we would say her name. That any other children we were blessed with would know about her. And, I whispered, please come back to us. Then, one by one, our parents came in to hold Alyssa and say goodbye. I was somewhat amazed and extremely touched by the sight of them rocking her body so lovingly. Their tears flowed and flowed, and I knew that they were sad both as grandparents losing their granddaughter and as parents witnessing their own children in anguish.
There were other matters, the menial matters of transporting her body, getting the death certificate and organizing a memorial service at the funeral home. Numbly accepting and recording hundreds of gifts of flowers, mementos and cards. Twenty years ago, other than the outpouring of love and sympathy, the most meaningful gifts we received were the gifts given to The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, in tribute to Alyssa Rae Johnson. It was enough to buy another glider rocker and other comfort items for the NICU.
After Alyssa’s death, SickKids continued to reach out to us, with letters, booklets, and photos they had taken and had printed for us. The SickKids chaplain, Michael Marshall, led her funeral in Wasaga Beach, and a couple of our very favourite nurses came all the way up to attend. It was overwhelming and so very meaningful to have them there.
Note: If you or anyone you know is in a similar circumstance, I highly recommend the booklet titled “Loving and Letting Go: For parents who decide to turn away from aggressive medical intervention for their critically ill newborn” by Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D., ISBN: 1-56123-060-X
Tonight, once again, I am remembering. It’s Alyssa Rae’s birthday week, and I’m sharing her life – and as an extension, our lives, in hopes that it will reach you. I pray that 20 years after her arrival, Alyssa’s life story can inspire reflection and giving. It’s all for a fundraising flash mob of remembrance, love, and hope. Please don’t hesitate to spread the word, let’s build some momentum toward her November 17th birthday so together we can raise as much as possible, in increments of $20.
For four long days after Alyssa was born and transported to SickKids Hospital, I stayed checked in at Mt. Sinai Hospital for C-section recovery, but I was only there to sleep and let the nurses do their charting. Otherwise, Bruce helped me throw a bathrobe over my hospital gown and boldly broke me outta there by wheelchair. After sleeping on a lumpy couch in some kind soul’s office, or tucking inconspicuously into a closet for the night, he would dash back to Mt. Sinai, I’d hop on, and he’d catch me up on what the morning nurse had reported as he sped me across the tunnel and up to the 2nd floor, NICU at SickKids Hospital.
Alyssa was in a typical NICU room, which was divided into 6 stations. Six babies, usually in incubator-type isolettes, could be monitored and cared for by 6-10 highly trained NICU nurses in this room. Thankfully there were a couple of empty areas at the time of Alyssa’s arrival. Alyssa was at the far left, close to a large window, and we were happy she would have tons of natural light by day and a view of the moon and stars at night.
Spending the day with Alyssa was mesmerizing. The hours felt like minutes. We were getting to know her and she was a beautiful baby, with blonde hair and the kind of deep blue eyes you’d more likely see in some wizened old storyteller than in a fresh infant. Compared to the other babies who were mostly extreme preemies, she was huge at 6 lbs 2 ounces. We could have happily just perched there holding her fingers, talking and singing to her. There was a lot to do and learn though. Thankfully, the nurses recognized that we were hands-on parents, and they were happy to teach us what all the tubes and machines did, so we could alert them to anything that looked concerning. The “leads” that went to the monitors had a certain way to be rearranged for different procedures, like changing the dressing on her omphalocele and changing her diapers. The monitors became something we relied on to tell us whether she was uncomfortable or upset. When her oxygen saturation was dropping or her heart rate was spiking, it was hard for me to stay calm. The monitors were Alyssa’s only voice, as she had no other way to express the terrible pain of getting her heel pricked for the 12th time that day, or having her lungs suctioned for the 3rd time that hour.
We were also engaged in her care plan, and keeping track of various specialists, tests and surgeries. We were welcomed to stay at her side when physicians made their rounds. Interns were always at the periphery, taking notes, and occasionally asking questions. We had long since given up any idea of privacy or shyness. We were fierce advocates for anything and everything that could any way help Alyssa, and we figured if an intern from overseas asked something no one else had thought of, well that could be a lifesaving breakthrough. We were open to it all. The first major repair was booked for November 20th, when she was just 3 days old. Omphaloceles were nothing unusual to the surgeon who was scheduled for Alyssa’s “closing” surgery and it was upon meeting Dr. Ein when it started to sink in, what an extraordinary hospital we had lucked into, with SickKids. Bruce described him perfectly in a letter updating friends and family, after our first week with Alyssa:
Dr. Sigmund Ein, he with the ancient crackled white shoes and the hospital badge with his photo showing a cut-out of Hulk Hogan: this man operated on our baby within her first few days of life and managed to tuck in most of her liver and, more importantly, cover her heart with skin. He basically took Alyssa out for a test drive to see what she’d do. She “did” just fine. A confident man, that Dr. Ein. As they were wheeling Alyssa toward the surgery room, I said to a nurse: “Excuse me, I see that no one witnessed my signature on the surgical consent form.” The nurse smiled and called to Dr. Ein, ahead of us in the hall. “Dr. Ein, Daddy Johnson says that you didn’t witness his signature.” The good doctor stopped at the door, pulled his mask down and said to me, smiling: “God is my witness.” The kind of confidence you want to see in the man who, forty minutes later, would be holding your daughter’s tiny beating heart in his hand. Alyssa is recovering well now and they plan to start weaning her off of the respirator tomorrow. This may be a slow and painful process but we have every confidence she can do it!
As the days rolled on, a tiny spark of hope that Alyssa could survive started to kindle. We were told by Dr. Ein to be cautiously optimistic. Music to our ears. She was being fed through an NG tube and we were so relieved to see her first poops. Her digestive system was functioning! Dr. Ein humoured our questions about how she would play sports, and explained in detail, the process of gradually tucking all the organs back in and closing an omphalocele.
If this was to be a long-term stay, there was no way we could afford a downtown hotel, so volunteers in the atrium gave us the number for the nearby Ronald McDonald House. This was a residence about 5 or 6 long blocks from SickKids, where for a minimal ($15 at the time) charge, parents and siblings of young patients could feel at home away from home. What a stroke of luck that they had a room for us and we could come the next day. There was a phone for local calls in the room, and long distance in the hallway, and a nice shower, and a super comfy bed. We were given a cupboard and part of a fridge if we wanted to stock up. Occasionally, volunteers, pro athletes and celebrities would stock up the communal kitchen, with giant cheesy lasagnas and tins of fresh-baked cookies. We were so grateful! It was November, with all its brisk and blustery weather, and the walk worked wonders to clear our minds and energize us for the day ahead. We would stop and grab a coffee, then high tail it up to Alyssa’s room from morning til they booted us out at bedtime later at night. The night shift nurses knew that with any change at all with Alyssa, to call us. We weren’t sleeping well anyway and were always hungry for updates at the late-night shift change. When friends would visit and bring a snack or meal from the Atrium, we would reluctantly retreat to the parent break room. Ah, the old parent break room. I think it’s gone now. It was a rectangular room with one door, a couple of phones, and upright chairs. Imagine no cell phones, you’re facing each other in stark lighting and listening to each other’s heartbreaking stories as they fill in loved ones from afar. Sounds terrible, but it actually brought us together and soon enough, we were learning each other’s babies’ names, complications, and outlooks. There were very very sick preemies, babies in need of organ transplants, triplets with chromosomal challenges. I started to feel relatively lucky because Alyssa’s prognosis was looking better and better every day. And although a transient, ever-changing group, we started to feel that for brief moments we could support each other, cry with each other, and celebrate each other’s milestones and victories.
This was at the gentle, lofty height of the roller coaster of Alyssa’s 20 days. Bruce and I leaned on each other and kept a positive attitude, as if this were just another mountain, even if we had to push our bikes instead of easily ride them. I had my Mom with me a lot, too, which was a great comfort. She had a cassette player for us, and a couple of lullaby tapes and some folk music from Minnesota. We carried it with us to a vacant office so I could pump some breast milk in private. The doctor had said I could finally provide breast milk for Alyssa to be fed through her NG tube, so I should collect it in lab jars, write my name and date on it and store it in the fridge near the nursing station. I would need to buy my own pump which was a huge expense – $300! We didn’t have $300. So the world’s greatest social worker took up our cause and wrote to companies on our behalf, for a discount or donation. She did it! She got us an amazing pump, with all the bells and whistles. We would be able to keep it and we imagined how handy it was going to be when we brought Alyssa home, to be able to pump and leave a bottle for the babysitter. We were starting to dream!
It was so nice to welcome visitors. Aunt Cathy was always there, even when we couldn’t be, she would sit with Alyssa before her workday started at nearby Toronto General Hospital. She left us adorable notes as if written by Alyssa and would have all the nurses oohing and ahhing at her latest finds from Baby Gap and Gymboree. Blanket sets with matching hats, the cutest outfits. It was a bit of normalcy, for our sweet girl to be spoiled by her Aunt, and we appreciated those gestures so much. We appreciated all the gifts from friends and were allowed to decorate Alyssa’s area with family photos, homemade cards, a dream catcher, a teddy bear with a “womb” heartbeat, personalized Christmas ornaments, mini angels. There are photos of visits from our parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and best friends that we will always cherish. Our family doctors Myrna and Amar came to meet her and help us understand the next steps, and colleagues from RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach blew us away with a wonderful photo album, filled with best wishes and by taking up a collection so that we could stress a little less about missing work and covering all the living expenses. There were a couple of gifts of money that left us speechless. We’ll never forget when one couple came to see us and quietly slipped us a hundred dollar bill, and another acquaintance mailed us a cheque for $100 in the hopes that we’d use it for a massage or some healing indulgence. We were gobsmacked. Those donations of kindness and generosity were so impactful, we remember every single gesture. We learned something about giving then, by being at the receiving end. We learned that people who need the help the most, don’t even realize it at the time.
When Alyssa was 8 days old, and nurse Judy was on (one of our favourites, she loved Alyssa so dearly and we loved her back) we were given our first chance to hold our baby. For over two hours, we took turns holding and rocking her for the first of very few times. She was on the ventilator so we couldn’t hold her against our chests. How I wished I could hold her tight, with her cheek to mine. But this was heaven, and her oxygen sats showed that she was melting into the moment as well. The next day, although she was retaining fluid and really puffy-faced, the respiratory team turned down her ventilator a notch or two. The nursing staff poured their hearts into caring for her and involving us. The smallest gestures of kindness from these rockstar nurses would make us blubber, we were so emotionally charged. Seeing a nurse kiss Alyssa’s little foot after a needle poke, arriving to see the night nurse had cut her bandage into the shape of a heart, the trust they had in as parents, to do dressing changes and diaper changes without supervision. Seriously if you are a NICU nurse, heck if you know a NICU nurse or even just spot one anytime anywhere, give them a hug and all the respect you can express. Anyway, these nurses infused us with hope: maybe we’d see if those little lungs had any get-up and go on their own!
Sadly, these hopeful highlights were not to last. The next day, Alyssa underwent more testing. Ultrasound, ECHO, blood tests. There were discussions about blood type and a blood transfusion, about Alyssa perhaps receiving blood from Bruce, who was also O+ type. The ventilator could not be sustained at a lower level and her lungs needed more and more suctioning to stay clear. Given the discomfort of these procedures, tests and just being stressed, the doctors decided she should be given morphine to calm her and reduce her pain. She rarely opened her eyes now.
Then came the saddest day: November 29th. We say that December 6th was the saddest day, but when I really think about it, November 29th was just as life-shattering. While Bruce and I were with her, and she was being suctioned yet again, the day turned very very bad. It pains me to return to this moment and I struggle with how to fully describe it. Or even if I should fully describe it. I mean, what is the benefit to anyone, to know what happened next? Alyssa turned blue. The nurse, who of course was now and forevermore my least favourite, started bagging her and pushing alarms. Code blue. RT. Stat. The world stopped. Can you remember where you were, November 29, 1998? I think about that. RIGHT NOW is somebody’s November 29th. My heart is in my throat at the thought.
The team of respiratory therapists flew in with their cart full of meds and tanks and clipboards and somebody took charge. Alyssa was being breathed and still, her blood oxygen saturations were disastrous…this was full respiratory distress. She endured nearly 30 minutes of super-low blood oxygen while the RT team got her cleared, but now she was only breathing with the ventilator, which was turned up to provide 100% oxygen, so she wouldn’t have to struggle or try to breathe on her own that day.
That crash was followed by the start of the seizures. I don’t remember if they were always at night and I didn’t see them, or if I just blocked them out, but I don’t remember witnessing them. Still, they were severe and frequent enough to call for yet more testing. EEG. Head ultrasound. ECHO. Chest X-ray. At 2 weeks old, doctors decided she would need “the oscillator” which sounded like a torture device to me, and from what I understood, once a baby was on this more extreme ventilator, it would be much harder to wean off from it. Another CT scan… and when all results were in and confirmed with national and international pediatric expertise, it was time for what we dubbed “The Talk.”
As Bruce described later in an email update, the great fear of brain damage was realized by the CT scan and other tests, which revealed not just that there was an irreparable injury to her white and grey matter but also that her brain was small for her skull size and that her brain stem had severe problems as well. If it were just the omphalocele, she could make it, the surgeons told us. If her lungs had developed a bit more, she might have had a chance, the neonatologists told us. But her hypoplastic lungs, an omphalocele containing liver and intestines, her heart being outside her chest cavity, all that plus a damaged brain with a brain stem abnormality causing the horrific seizures…it all pointed to a life of severe debilitation.
We wanted a second opinion and Dr. Moore, Alyssa’s earlier neonatologist, concurred with Dr. Whyte. And so did Dr. Pearlman and every NICU nurse we spoke to. Still we were wavering. This was our daughter’s life we were discussing. And then our Dr. Ein came along Thursday evening and took us into the Parent Care room. The bad news room. The man who had just a few days before saved Alyssa’s life with his great surgical skill, was now recommending that we choose the hardest path of our lives so that Alyssa could have the easiest path: to let them disconnect her from the ventilator. Dr. Ein, he of the take-no-prisoners school of surgery…told us that as hard as it was, if she were “an Ein baby” he would let her go. No question. And then his eyes filled with tears and he left the room.
~Bruce
It is an impossible question, isn’t it? Would we be condemning her to a life of pain if we lacked the courage to disconnect her from the machine that breathed for her? What if? What if? I wonder if tonight, there are parents looking at a DNR form, having decided that the most loving action they can take is to take no more heroic actions to keep their child alive. I can only hope and pray that they too are surrounded by loved ones, are supported by a few hundred years of combined pediatric doctor and nurse experience and can open up to the painful reality that not every life must be sustained to be impactful. Even a 20-day life is a miracle, or miracle enough. Miracle enough to never be forgotten. As much a miracle as any of us can be, pebbles dropping in a pond, sending out ripples so enduring that even they can even make the world a better place. There were no quiet ponds that night, as freezing rain pelted the windows at SickKids Hospital. It was December 3rd, 1998, and we signed the DNR.
Today, I am remembering. It’s Alyssa Rae’s birthday week, and I’m bound to be crying anyway, so let me pour it out to you. Let me pour it all out and please, let my words inspire reflection and giving. It’s all for a fundraising flash mob of remembrance, love and hope. Donate a crisp 20 on a crisp fall day…today. Spread the word! If you are new to this thread of posts, for a better understanding, start with yesterday’s post.
Twenty years ago today, I was in a grip of fear and uncertainty that I was determined to pry loose. When you are pregnant, the word ‘possibility’ infuses your every breath and thought. After all, you are in creative mode, to the very depths of your being. How can that be anything but positive? To be presented with evidence that all is not well when for seven blissful months you were over the moon with dreams and excitement, it takes time to reconcile.
Maybe it takes 20 years.
Two of us wearing raincoats…I know, let’s do your dream trip, Inuvik to Ushuaia together! But not on motorcycles, on bicycles. It’ll be fun!
First, for those who haven’t met me and Bruce, a bit of context. In 1998, we were fresh off the heels of an odyssey on two wheels. We had met in the Arctic when I was on a 2-month canoe expedition and he was at the apex of a long motorcycle journey. Both journalists, we got to know each other via snail mail, then joined dreams to adventure from north to south, with Bruce’s chosen route (Inuvik, NT to Ushuaia, Argentina,) and my chosen mode of transportation, bicycles. Halfway through that trip, we got engaged.
There was no doubt in our minds that if we could weather the challenges of 24/7 togetherness and support each other through cholera, dysentery and a million daily decisions, we would be able to pedal past the rest of life’s more banal ups and downs with relative ease. Nothing stopped our progress for long and before we knew it, we were back home surrounded by family and friends, tying the knot in the town of Lutsen, Minnesota and celebrating on the shores of Lake Superior. While planning that wedding, I trained and ran a marathon, Bruce studied for his real estate exams and our families met. It was truly an awesome, healthy, joy-filled time of our lives.
After the bike trip and the wedding, we decided to start our new life together in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, mainly because we had no money and needed a place to live. Bruce’s parents had a separate basement apartment and had offered it to us, while they were between tenants. It was in that cute little apartment, at the end of March 1998, when a pregnancy test stick turned pink-for-positive. Turns out I was 5 weeks pregnant, which means we conceived Alyssa just after my 30th birthday.
We shared our news with our families on Easter Sunday. Such an exciting spring, with a baby on the way! We had a core list of friends that we shared the news of our pregnancy with by email, and I am thankful we have many of them printed out, as a reminder of how elated we were to be growing our family…and the outpouring of support and love during the ups and downs that would follow.
About 6 months later, we were brand new homeowners of a riverfront cottage in dire need of renovation. With the baby’s due date being November 28, there was a time crunch to make this little house a snug home for our new addition. Bruce’s brother, nephews and our best friends were incredible, helping us rip, tear down to the studs, insulate, re-drywall, jack up and level floors and replace beams. His parents were rocks of support for us and invited us to share countless meals. I was limited to scraping. Multiple layers of wallpaper, glued-down old cat-pee-soaked carpet underpad, old kitchen tiles, you name it, I scraped it, because I was getting to the point where energy was waning.
Because I was new to Canada and awaiting permanent residency status, I didn’t have health care. Throughout the spring and summer, I had been jumping through multiple hoops to get my immigration status to the point where I could receive my OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance) card. At the time, that little card would be my ticket to free prenatal care. I had passed the medical exam, filled out the paperwork, received a “fulfillment in principle” promise and the date when I would be “Landed” as a permanent resident.
This is my belly, peeking out of my bathrobe in our apartment in Wasaga Beach, in the early fall of 1998. Up until about two weeks before giving birth, being pregnant felt like a time of creativity, where I could be carefree and careful at the same time.
Meanwhile, a friend of a friend who was a new local female doctor generously took me on as a patient. Dr. Monte and her husband Dr. Singh would be with us all the way through to delivery and beyond. Meeting Myrna and Amar was probably one of the luckiest moments of my new life in Canada. To this day, I feel they are earthly angels. They are incredibly caring, knowledgeable, beautiful people. At each appointment, my blood pressure was excellent and the baby’s heart rate was strong and steady. Early on, I had so much energy I was biking across town to do yoga. Bruce was newly-licensed as a real estate sales rep and I focussed on assisting with marketing. I was biking up and down neighbourhoods where Bruce had his shiny new RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach For Sale signs up, passing out the “Just Listed News” pamphlets I had created. I was loving Wasaga Beach, with its forest trails, beach boardwalks and small-town friendliness.
Together with Dr. Monte, we decided that it would be ok to wait for our first ultrasound, rather than pay a huge fee. In those days, you assumed if you made it past 3 months, you were golden. I was to receive my OHIP member status on October 31st so we booked our first ultrasound at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital the following Monday, November 2nd.
Frankly, there is just no way to sugarcoat what our first ultrasound was like. The only way I can forgive the tech is that he had never seen anything like it, and wasn’t trained in bedside manner. Maybe he was new. Or tired. Or scared for us. But my God, we were first-time expectant parents! We thought we were going to find out if it was a boy or girl, make sure he or she was getting in position for delivery. The ultrasound took forever, but we figured that was normal. The tech kept adding some more ice-cold gel to the wand and going back and forth, at a Zamboni pace over my giant belly, clicking and typing, measuring and switching screens. Breaking an awkward silence, Bruce asked: “so…got all the fingers and toes?” The tech contorted his face into a blank expression and told us he couldn’t share ultrasound findings. He turned away, mumbled our doctor would be in touch, and left the room.
Driving home, we were paged to come in to speak with Dr. Monte. I said to Bruce, “Whatever it is, promise me, please promise me, you won’t try to be strong for me.” If we were going to be blasted with bad news, I desperately wanted someone to be in the puddle with me. He promised me not to be strong. Haha. When Dr. Monte closed the door behind her and welled up with tears, my ears filled with the cotton of shock and denial. I could see her lips move, could see her point to a paragraph in a gigantic medical encyclopedia, could make out a word or two. “Orillia.” “SickKids.” “Mt. Sinai.”
From that moment on, everything happened fast. Never again would I share a carefree moment singing or reading to my growing baby, wondering only who she would look like, gleefully feeling that inner tickle as our baby’s feet rolled across my tummy. What followed instead: consultations, diagnostics, tests, and more tests. Tearful talks with more doctors. Flow charts that said if this, then that. These were dark and confusing times.
At our second, more revealing ultrasound at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, it was confirmed that our baby indeed faced numerous complications. The fact that some organs were outside of the body, like a giant hernia contained in a sac, was the least of the concerns. New words for new parents. Not words like lullaby, diaper genie, baby shower (I had cancelled the one my friends had sweetly scheduled).
Omphalocele. Ectopia Cordis. Hypoplastic. It was all too much. Too cold, too clinical.
We had to know the gender of our baby before we carried on. And so we found out: a girl! That brought us happiness! We knew right away that her name was Alyssa. We knew too, that her middle name would be Rae, as it was also feisty Grandma Johnson’s middle name.
Knowing her name, we could carry forward, and asked friends in the medical field if they concurred with everything the best children’s hospital in Canada had told us. Still shell-shocked, we rallied some key individuals for advocacy and moral support. Sisters who were nurses, distant friends who were surgeons and doctors. We wanted everyone’s take, translation and explanation. Thanks to sister Cathy’s repetition of the translations, it could finally sink in that her heart was not protected by her ribs but instead was partially at the surface and would need to be surgically covered with skin, her chest cavity was small, they weren’t sure if she had a diaphragm and even if she did, her lungs may be too small to function.
We were told that a long-needle aspiration, called amniocentesis, would provide a more thorough prognosis. Then we’d know if she had other challenges that went as deep as chromosomes. Two days later, after Bruce’s 34th birthday, we took our first of many trips to Toronto, with stops at Mt. Sinai Hospital and SickKids Hospital. The amniocentesis was gruelling, so painful and scary, but our spirits were lifted to learn that the results were good. No chromosomal abnormalities at all!
An internal echocardiogram also showed that Alyssa’s heart was anatomically perfect and strong. It was just in the wrong place. We could tell by the way the doctors shared the news that this was very promising indeed. I would deliver our Alyssa Rae by C-Section the following week at 38 weeks gestation, at Toronto’s Mt. Sinai Hospital, which connects to SickKids via a tunnel.
After we had processed all the theories and information as best we could, we realized that in spite of an uncertain future, right now, Alyssa was safe. I was safe. I didn’t feel any different, physically. Her heart rate was still perfect. The contrast of real-time (me and Bruce and our happy baby) vs storytime (the doctors) made me feel like the whole thing was a nightmare. Surely soon I would wake up.
Wow, I had no idea this would be so long. If you’ve gotten this far with me, you must know us, or maybe you’re a parent or just a very patient reader. Thank you for your interest. You know where this is going, you know Alyssa Rae doesn’t make it. I hope you’re not pregnant and starting to freak out. Omphalocele is very very rare, it’s random and no matter what, you’re going to be ok. I just had to interject that!
You might assume, knowing that we are all about raising funds to support children’s hospitals, that the system must have been so perfect, and we are just so grateful for everything that we want to give back. I’m here to tell you that 20 years ago, the system was not all roses and sunshine. But even the toughest times have a purpose, in hindsight. And in contrast to the toughest moments, there were so many moments of hilarity, humour and levity. The SickKids doctors and nurses that we were introduced to before Alyssa even emerged were incredible. Seriously so compassionate and thorough, anticipating our questions and reassuring us. SickKids is a teaching hospital, so there is never a lack of interns asking questions. There was a lot of conversation, which helped us figure out what our questions were. SickKids staff even found a family that we could talk to, whose child survived omphalocele and was doing well.
November 17th, 1998, 9:03 am: our family is born.
On Tuesday morning of November 17th, 1998, we gathered with our closest family members and Bruce and I prepped for the surgical theatre. It was finally time for my spinal epidural. These photos really tell a story. Here I am, reassuring Bruce with a glance that I was really fine, and not to worry, during my C-section. We were about to meet Alyssa! I didn’t care what the doctors thought, this was our daughter. She was going to be fine. It’s like I wanted to beam out hope and trumpet joy. A new baby was coming and everyone should really just chill out.
According to Bruce, I was amazing. But all I had to do was lay there and talk to the most beautiful anesthesiologist on the planet. She held eye contact with me and was so in tune with my breathing, with my fears, with my every heartbeat and dip of blood pressure. I felt held. I wish I knew her name, I would write her a letter of thanks. But back to Bruce. HE was the amazing one. He had to stand there, all gowned up, and witness the unimaginable. He stroked my forehead and reassured me as the all-female surgical team expertly made a “bikini line” incision, then pulled our baby out, first head, then body. He saw them quickly checking my intestines for nicks, inch by inch, as you’d do for a flat bicycle inner tube. He didn’t pass out. He didn’t puddle. Anyway, this was no time or place to be strong or not strong.
This proud and hopeful Daddy is everything to us.
We were tender and happy, the surgical team was casual and confident, everyone just was who they were. I don’t remember the next part, it was chaotic, but the omphalocele was wrapped in medical cellophane and Bruce recalls Alyssa’s bleating cry being stifled by a breathing tube. He describes that moment, and really the whole story is so beautifully told by Bruce, I cry when I read those newsletters, even today.
SHE DID IT! Alyssa Rae Johnson came into the world at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday November 17, 1998. And, like her parents, she savors a challenge and so entered our fine world with not a whimper but a BANG. During Mary’s C-section, while I watched, stunned, as the team of doctors pulled her head out, followed by her shoulders, torso and legs, Alyssa chose to let the world know that she intended to fight the grim prognosis of the various doctors by screaming at the top of her little lungs—those same lungs that we were worried may not work. She cried out as the transport team whisked her off into the next room and she kept crying until they put the breathing tube down her throat. She hasn’t made a sound since then, as the tube robs her vocal cords of their precious right to holler. But we have a girl. A brave, courageous, fight-filled wonderful GIRL, with all of her parts intact (though some of them happened to be outside of her in what turned out to be a smaller-than-anticipated omphalocele!). She has astounded the doctors at Sick Kids Hospital and hopefully will continue to astound those around her for at least the next 123 years! A girl… a beautiful little girl. Mary and I are the proud parents of a baby girl with downy blonde hair, blue eyes, a cute button nose and an attitude!
~Bruce, first time Dad
A captured moment that will always stir up mixed emotions. First time Mom meeting daughter, while the angelic anesthesiologist continues to watch over us.
Fleeting, gut-wrenching. I wanted to hold her but knew I couldn’t. All I could see was her beauty, all I wanted to do was communicate a warm welcome to her. To be a calming presence. To the team of doctors, this was a very very sick baby in need of saving and an adult patient who needed to be closed up and brought to recovery. Bruce was torn between these two scenarios. What was his role? His heart was divided, and I can only imagine his turmoil once Alyssa was transported by tunnel from Mt. Sinai to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at SickKids and I was fully checked in with all the other new Moms in the C-section recovery floor (I’m sure it has another name, but let’s just call it Hell). For both of us, there were visiting hours, and this was before cell phones and texting. Bruce would run back to me to report how Alyssa was doing, but I was on heavy pain meds and couldn’t sit up or get up.
I did not have a private room. I was put in a room with a new Mom of a healthy baby, with a mini-family party going on. There was squealing laughter, balloons, and praise for how well she did. She just “couldn’t wait to get out of there”…well I just couldn’t wait for her to get out of there either. It wasn’t their fault. How would they have known who was behind the curtain, cold tears rolling silently down hot cheeks? My empty arms made my heart ache and I was deliriously desperate for an update. That night, a nurse turned on some kind of required video for new moms in the C-section ward: a how-to for breastfeeding. How to hold your baby so she latches on well, how to care for cracked nipples from all that nursing. Reassurance that you can pump and store your milk, so that your husband can share in the joy of feeding your child, too. Oh. My. God. Why did they think I needed a breastfeeding tutorial? All I needed was Bruce, Alyssa and more pain meds. It was the middle of the night and I was hitting the call button. Nobody came. I cried out: “Somebody?” “Hello?” until finally I stopped feeling sorry for myself and got mad. Rage propelled me out of bed, to the nurse’s station where they were sitting around drinking coffee. They looked at me and said, “Oh do you need something?”
That did it. This Mama Bear felt her claws coming out. I was getting the hell out of dodge. I needed to be at SickKids with my husband and baby and the Universe was certainly conspiring to motivate my lightning speed recovery.
In honour of Alyssa Rae’s birthday week, I am pre-launching a special event that will be taking place this SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th: a one-day only, online fundraising flash mob of hope, remembrance and love. Stay tuned, as I will be posting daily up to Saturday.
I will tell my story, which is the story of a first-time mother, new to Canada, who discovers her baby may not survive. It’s a story of pregnancy and birth and a sweet soul’s 20 days on earth. To help you understand what a miracle it truly was to be gifted those days with Alyssa at the hospital that would be her only home, I’ll try my best to explain her condition and how we were asked to surrender to the mystery of life, science and medical decisions.
Looking back, it occurs to me that Bruce and I remained intact and more resilient than ever, thanks to the support we received from family, friends, community and SickKids Hospital personnel including doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors and foundation staff. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.
Finally, I’d like to highlight the fact that while the staff at Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals are second to none, the expert nurses and doctors at SickKids Hospital are working in an outdated facility with faulty infrastructure that makes life harder for babies, kids and parents. There is an audacious plan in place to help. I’ll explain why we are ALL IN for SickKids Hospital and why anyone who experiences the specialized care offered at a CMN hospital, either through their personal story or the story of a loved one, is often moved to give back.
I have mixed feelings about sharing all this on social media. I don’t want to give the wrong impression, that I seek attention or pity, but I am determined to keep it real. Of course it’s sad, when any new parents are given booklets titled “The Loss of Dreams” and find themselves reading “A Broken Heart Still Beats” instead of “What to Expect Your Baby’s First Year.” It was life-altering to the point where I felt my DNA had been reorganized and my priorities would never be the same. I want my story to be a genuine truth-telling about children’s health care, which could really be called family health care, because when a baby or child is sick or injured, in many ways it’s the parents who suffer most. At CMN hospitals, the need to support the whole family is not just understood, it is an integral part of what they do. I hope my story honours Alyssa, touches you and inspires you to respond.
What we’re humbly asking is for you, dear friends, to open up to the idea of many people giving a small amount, to great effect. For just one day, next Saturday, you’ll be asked to click on the Donate button and give $20. The hashtag in play this week is #20for20 in tribute to Alyssa Rae’s 20th Birthday, in honour of the miracle that she lived for 20 days, and in recognition that a $20 donation is not only affordable, it is HUGELY IMPACTFUL when we all do it together.
The other hashtag I’m using is #Love4Alyssa, because we love saying her name, especially on her birthday. I invite you to share this post on your social media profiles and add your own #Love4______, filling in the blank with the name of a baby, child or friend you would love to honour as you spread the word about Saturday’s fundraising flash mob. If your not a facebook person, kindly forward this event announcement to friends by email.
If Bruce and our daughter Holly can spend six months riding to the Ends of the Earth for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, if our youngest daughter Jossy can miss her Dad and sister intensely but bravely keep her chin up, knowing it’s for such a good cause, and if I can go out on a limb by pouring my heart out on the page this week, then you can act too, by donating on Saturday. Let’s do this!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post: Alyssa Rae Johnson, Pregnancy and Birth
Many thanks to RE/MAX Integra Ontario-Atlantic’s video wiz David McFarlane for putting together this awesome recap of the first two months of The Ends of the Earth Ride 2018. After checking off the first 3 of 15 countries, Miracle Riders Bruce and Holly are looking back with awe and gratitude at the incredible generosity of people met on the road so far, and looking forward to the beautiful sites and exciting adventures that lay ahead.
Miracle the Motorcycle is fuelled by your messages of encouragement and we are all so grateful for your donations to the cause of children’s health…of which 100% goes to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital of your choice (Donate Here!).
Thank you for your interest and please share this video!
Hello! A little bit of news from beautiful Wasaga Beach, Ontario. The countdown is ON!
Here we are announcing Motorcycle for Miracles 3.0, also known as Ends of the Earth Ride 2018.
Facebook Live:
YouTube:
We are showing up for kids in the best way we can, going the distance for children’s health. Will you be part of the journey with a donation? Head over to donate here!
Supporting the Children’s Miracle Network is the right thing to do. As Real Estate professionals, it’s so easy to leverage our donations through RE/MAX to make meaningful contributions toward the wellbeing of children. We have all been affected in some way through our families and the need for quality care cannot be underestimated. Together, we can make a difference!
About Tony
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Tony has been licensed since 1991 and part of the RE/MAX family since 1993. A 3-term elected Director of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Tony was President of the Association in 2008. He was RE/MAX Camosun Oak Bay’s #1 Agent, 2015. He has been active on committees for the Provincial Association and CREA, earning him the 2009 RE/MAX Western Canada Special Service Award. Tony is a RE/MAX Chairman and Lifetime Achievement recipient.
Tony supports his local community by having served on Boards including the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, Hospice Society, Dragonboat Festival Society, Cool Aid Capital Campaign, Anawim Companions Society and more plus he remains an active Rotarian, Knight of Columbus, Odd Fellow and supporter of Canadian Blood Services.
2013 CFAX 1070 “Community Leader of the Year” Board memberVictoria Hospice Society ~Anawim House~AREAA Vancouver President Asian Real Estate Association of America- Vancouver Chapter Member Royal Oak Rotary, KofC 7934, IOOF, Cool Aid Society Capital Campaign Volunteer Canadian Blood Services, PBS KCTS9
Bryce Hansen is an award-winning real estate agent located in the Comox Valley on beautiful Vancouver Island. He’s lived in the Comox Valley all of his life and is proud to be raising his two daughters (Jade and Kiana) there with his wife Tara.
Bryce is deeply motivated to support the Children’s Miracle Network, as the children’s hospital has had a major impact on his family. Now 14 years old, Jade was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only 5 years old. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have provided major relief to their family throughout the years, and have provided incredible support to his family throughout their journey learning to cope with Type 1 Diabetes.
Bryce’s family wishes to support the CMN in any way possible, in hopes the CMN can continue to provide support for other families in need as well. On behalf of the Bryce Hansen Team and family, thank you to the CMN for all the great work you do!
More About Bryce and His Team in Comox
Bryce has strong ties to the community, dedicating his time to many organizations within the area and making the most of the island lifestyle! He also plays on the RE/MAX hockey team and coaches his daughter’s hockey teams during the hockey season – a true Canuck. For more information about Bryce’s services, many awards and his outstanding team, click here.
Kids are our future, let’s make it a better world for them all.
Léo was born and raised in the Tri Cities and has been practicing real estate for over 20 years. Team Léo is consistently rated in the Top 100 RE/MAX teams for properties sold. He has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards for his community involvement such as:The Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal,Children’s Miracle Network Volunteer Award for raising over $100,000, Reader’s Choice Award in “The Now”, and the RE/MAX’s Community Care Award. He truly exudes what his branding states “THE PRIDE OF THE COMMUNITY”.
Team Leo specializes in Coquitlam and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Their never-say-quit philosophy is Leo’s mantra. Home buyers and sellers are turning to Léo for help because they know he’ll do everything possible to make their move a fun and enjoyable experience. “I do everything from A to Z” says Léo with a grin. “My clients mean the world to me and anything I can do to help make their purchase or sale easier is well worth my time and effort.”
Léo’s tremendous energy and enthusiasm is matched only by his genuine concern for his client’s needs. Whether they’re buying or selling a home, Léo always ensures they are making a sound investment decision. His top priority is to help them make a move that not only fits their immediate needs, but their long term goals as well. It’s just one more step he takes to see that his clients have a balanced and informed perspective when it comes to something as important as their home.
Leo Bruneau and his team of capable real estate professionals can make purchasing a home much easier and worry-free. From finding the right home for you, representation during the negotiation process, inspection, and paperwork, Team Leo will take care of you, the homebuyer. If you’ve been eyeing areas around Burnaby, Port Moody, or Port Coquitlam for beautiful houses for sale, why not take the next step to homeownership with Team Leo’s help?
How to Reach Leo:
Léo Bruneau Team Léo, Realtor RE/MAX All Points Realty 101-1020 Austin Ave Coquitlam, BC V3K 3P1 Tel: 604-936-1111 Email: leo@teamleo.com Online:
Walt Disney once said, “Do what you do so well that people will come back and bring others with them.”
The above quote could easily describe the philosophy behind the Thorne, Maisey, and Bongers Team. Their work standards are non-negotiable. Every real estate transaction is completed according to what they feel is right by their industry credentials, by their heart, and, most-importantly, by their clients.
For this reason, most of their business comes from repeat or referred clients. Thorne, Maisey, and Bongers don’t spend time or money on attracting new clients in the conventional way of knocking on doors or advertising in real estate papers.
Instead, they invest in other ways which benefit their clients directly. That means they stay current in their field, up-to-date on technology, and involved in what’s happening in the Langleys by participating in local events and supporting charity efforts.
As real estate consultants, as they prefer to call themselves, they advise their clients on all the pros and cons of each purchase and sale.
Michael Thorne, Personal Real Estate Corp.“His patience, concern, and professional guidance, for each step along the way, assist his clients in fully understanding the impact of the decisions they are making.”
Michael’s years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction have endeared him to his many clients, who return the loyalty and trust by recommending him to others. Michael not only understands the selling and the purchasing aspects of real estate dealings, he also knows the emotional concerns in making a home a reality. He’s there by your side, or just a phone call away, for your every question – till completion.
Office Phone:1-800-668-8661
Mobile Phone:604-807-0352
Jorda Maisey, Personal Real Estate Corp.“She is blessed with the ability to match each person with the right home and help them achieve their goals within their budget.”
Beyond Jorda’s business background, financial expertise, and area knowledge, it’s her personal commitment and her caring qualities which her clients appreciate. Over the years, Jorda has acquired many lifetime clients. Her secret? She never looks at just one facet of a person’s involvement in real estate. Jorda looks at the whole picture, over a long period – a lifetime, to be exact. With her client’s expectations in mind, and the facts, Jorda helps her clients make the best decision possible.
Office Phone:1-800-668-8661
Mobile Phone:604-760-7030
Trisha Bongers, Personal Real Estate Corporation“Her talent for real estate marketing, and an eye for detail, sets Trisha apart when it comes to marketing her client’s biggest investments.”
Trisha knows that every property has a buyer. You just have to allow buyers to find it. As part of her team’s philosophy, she’ll tell clients when it’s not a good purchase. It’s not about getting the sale for Trisha. It’s all about having satisfied clients. Having grown up, worked, and completed her university degree in Langley, Trisha is confident in getting to know her client’s needs and what property fits them.
Office Phone:1-800-668-8661
Mobile Phone:604-306-7472
What Drives Tamara and Shannon to Be Such Avid Supporters of CMN?
This cause helping sick and injured children hits close to home for both the sisters as they each have 2 children; Tamara with 2 girls and Shannon with 2 boys. They also have another sister, Tiffany, with 2 twin boys and although Tamara and Shannon haven’t had to have extra care for their children, their little nephews spent the first 2 months of their lives in the hospital. The care they received was incredible, but that is because of fundraisers like this that help.
About the Stone Sisters:
Tamara and Shannon grew up truly negotiating around the dinner table, with both parents in real estate it was inevitable that the sisters would enter the business. Voted Kelowna’s Best REALTORS® 4 years in a row and with over 33 years combined experience they have no turning back and absolutely love what they do. Take a look at what Tamara and Shannon have to say about their career in Kelowna:
How to Reach Tamara and Shannon:
Stone Sisters Group RE/MAX Kelowna Call Direct:(250) 717-5061 or (250) 862-7675 Web: www.stonesisters.com Email: info@stonesisters.com
Christian’s Motivation for Supporting His CMN Hospital
“My first daughter was born via emergency C-section after a long fought labour by my wife. My wife was rushed into surgery and before I knew it I was in scrubs and was told what to do (none of which I recall). Grace Maria Twomey came out clenching her fists and screaming to the world…a true Twomey.
I remember before we heard boy or girl, before we heard 10 fingers and toes, before we heard anything we heard “Ohhhh that’s quite a mole”. Grace had a large mole which took up half of her shin on one leg.
As the first year progressed each doctor’s appointment we continuously heard about this mole and how “they” were concerned about it. As a father I of course knew she was beautiful, mole and all. Finally we were referred to a dermatologist.
The wait for the dermatologist was excruciatingly long. Months went by and my wife and I decided that we loved Grace just the way she was. If they told us to get rid of the mole we would politely decline. Who needs a scar anyways?
Finally the appointment came around and after reviewing the mole I remember the doctor asking us to sit down. He calmly explained that it was highly possible that the mole was cancerous and if we were lucky enough that it was not cancerous already, it would be soon.
My world stopped, the lights went out in my head, and all I could see was white. The doctor was speaking but all I could see was his lips move. My body virtually shut down.
We were scheduled for a two part surgery to remove the mole and send it away for testing. The first surgery happened very quickly after our appointment and I remember how scared my wife and I were. When Grace was wheeled away I remember hardly being able to stand, I was scared, I was not in control, I was literally at the mercy of the doctors and God at that moment.
Grace made it through the surgery with flying colours. Her follow-up surgery was scheduled for a few weeks later and now all we had to do was wait for the results. A few short days later we were called back into the dermatologist’s office and drove there holding our breath. I’m happy to say by the grace of God we were the lucky ones. Grace did not have cancer.
I am motivated to help the Children’s Miracle Network because of the tireless effort of all the doctors and nurses that we encountered at the Children’s hospital. I want to help because I know we were lucky, I know it could have been very different and I want to be part of the support that families need.”
As a Professional
After almost a decade of being the top producer at Lonestar Realty, Christian Twomey made the move to RE/MAX in 2008. Christian decided that RE/MAX would offer his clients the absolute best in technology, market exposure and support. And it has proved to be great decision!
One thing that is key in Christian’s life is giving back to his community. Christian has always had a passion for making a difference and does so whenever he can.
In his work life, Christian donates a portion of all of his earnings to the Children’s Miracle Network. For every sale made, a portion is given to this charity to help repair hearts, mend broken bones, treat cancer and – most importantly – give hope to families and children that walk through the children’s hospital doors each day. RE/MAX is the largest contributing sponsor to the Children’s Miracle Network in Canada. Since Christian became a Sponsor in 2008, he has donated in excess of $10,000 for Canadian kids!
The Kids with Cancer Society is another organization that Christian is extremely passionate about. He heads the planning committee for organizing the Revving Up For Kids Motorcycle Adventure and was one of the original members of the event. For four days, participants travel through Alberta and British Columbia in the name of a child living with cancer. Each rider and passenger is required to raise at least $1,000 in pledges. One hundred percent of these pledges go directly to support children with cancer and their families, enabling the organization to provide more than 50 programs and services. This year they completed the 11th annual ride and have collectively raised over $2.2 Million to date.
Over the past six years, Christian has volunteered to head down to El Salvador to build homes for people in need. El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, and many of the country’s people live in extreme poverty in poorly constructed homes. When Hurricane Ida hit this already troubled country, over 16,000 homes were destroyed. Christian has taken great pride in being a part of this initiative and has gained many great friendships in the process. This project has had a huge impact on him as a friend, father and husband and is near to his heart.
Life is precious, and sometimes requires the healthy to help the un-healthy battle through the tough times, so that everyone can enjoy and life long healthy lives!
Great job with all you do to help our children!
Ken Eddy is a Realtor from RE/MAX Real Estate Central in Calgary, Alberta. He is also a Speaker and Author but more importantly a long time supporter of CMN!
Ken has been helping clients buy and sell Real Estate since he began his career with RE/MAX back in 1988. He has become a student of the industry and has constantly advanced his education year after year.
His commitment to the Real Estate Industry has helped propel him to be the recipient of just about every sales award that RE/MAX has to offer, including the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement award.
Ken has focused on guiding the team to represent the best interests of our clients with up to-date marketing for listings and home search programs for buyers. In addition, Ken has implemented cutting edge social media programs to help maximize the exposure and utilize all the available tools of the Real Estate industry.
Ken also helps his fellow Real Estate Agents by hosting several Real Estate Seminars throughout the year across North America.
To Contact Ken:
RE/MAX Real Estate (Central)
206 2411 4 Street NW
Calgary, Alberta
T2M 2Z8
My name is Nick JM Profeta and I’m honoured to be part of this group.
I was born and raised in Calgary and work with my wife Heather Profeta at the Connect Real Estate Group at RE/MAX Real Estate (Central). When we are not busy selling homes we spend most of our time with our 2 children, Rachel (8) and Giancarlo (4). I also spend my time as the Chief Happiness Officer and Manager at our office.
I was fortunate to start with RE/MAX and have been with them at the same office since 1992. I’m proud that RE/MAX Real Estate (Central) is the top-producing single office in the whole RE/MAX system for the past 17 years. I was the recipient of the Calgary Real Estate Board “Realtor of the Year” Award for 2012.
I have created, organized and hosted over 100 charity events in the past 25 years, including the Realtor Roundup and an Annual Realtor Christmas Holiday Party known as Nico-Nite.
Heather and I are proud to support the Alberta Children’s Hospital and CMN. We are fortunate to live in a city with an excellent hospital and know many people who have benefited from their care. We are proud to be able to share our success with them.
A Note from the Profeta Hare Silberman Team:
Patrick Hare
Martina Silberman
Albert Mah
Heather Profeta
Nick JM Profeta
“Thanks, Bruce Johnson! We are proud to be part of Motorcycle for Miracles.”
CRAIG is a proud husband & father, amateur triathlete & community volunteer
KELLY is a proud hockey & soccer mom & supporter of all things ‘local’
What does the Miracle Home Program and Supporting CMN Mean to Craig and Kelly?
We’re both RE/MAX REALTORS® and proud supporters of CMN! As RE/MAX agents and parents, donating to CMN on a per transaction basis was automatic. We both believe any parent who’s child needs critical medical care should get it. It wasn’t until Craig and his wife welcomed (and almost lost) their twins in 2014 that it became deeply personal. Thanks to the intensive care received over the course of 3-weeks in the NICU the “Twinado” is happily and healthily wreaking havoc everywhere they go!
To Reach Kelly or Craig at ComingHome Real Estate, RE/MAX Professionals in St. Albert, Alberta:
I donate to the Children’s Miracle Network in honour of my late daughter Ruby Jayne, for all of the children who are at the network hospitals, and their parents who need the research and facilities.
Born and raised in Edmonton, I am one of the city’s biggest fans. I have a great appreciation for the diversity of communities in Edmonton, and have helped clients in every area of Edmonton plus all of our suburb communities. I sell condos and houses to people from all walks of life: first time buyers and sellers, military and government relocations, upsizers, downsizers, and those just wanting a change of scenery.
My clients prepare to go paperless, prepare for on-the-spot data, and most of all prepare to have a lot of fun. Yes, I get genuinely excited about the quirks of character homes, walkable neighborhoods (dare you to say coffee or bakery and I will happily share my favorites), and ooooh yes green home improvements. I have been a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX since 2008, and love being a professional shopper, advisor and friend to my clients.”
I feel so blessed that my own two children and four grandchildren are all perfectly healthy. I want to help those families whose children have medical issues that require specialized treatment and care.
About Joyce:
Licensed Realtor since 1984
Licensed Broker since 1995
#1 RE/MAX Agent/ Team in Saskatchewan each year since 1995
Top 10 Team in Canada 2003 to 2015 inclusive (thirteen consecutive years)
Top 10 Team Worldwide 2006 to 2014 inclusive (nine consecutive years)
#1 Team in the World in 2008
Inaugural Circle of Legends recipient 2006
Inaugural Luminary of Distinction recipient 2012
Diamond Award recipient each year since the inception of this award (11 consecutive years)
Following a successful 12 year television sportscasting career, Craig Adam began his real estate career in 2002. Committed to his clients and his community, Craig brings a high level of expertise, professionalism and superior client-care which are all instrumental to his success. “Treat people the way you would want to be treated!” Craig explains.
Born in Saskatoon and raised in the small northeast community of Hudson Bay, Craig has called Regina home since 1996. He’s actively involved in the community and over the years has been the Honourary Chairperson for the Canadian Paraplegic Association’s Wheelchair Relay, President of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, plus volunteers his time to emcee various fundraising events throughout the province. Craig and his wife Debra Duncan are also huge supporters of the Children’s Miracle Network.
“I’ve lived in other provinces and have travelled coast to coast, and I can honestly say there’s no place like Saskatchewan. I have strong roots in the province and believe it’s important to give something back. I’m passionate about the province and it’s people, ” Craig says.
Debra Duncan, RE/MAX Crown Real Estate, Regina, SK
Debra holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2002 and is a member of the CFA Society of Saskatchewan. Following an 18 year career in corporate finance, banking and investments, Debra became a REALTOR® in February 2009.
Debra’s experience in Real Estate transactions include residential and farm mortgage financing, corporate lending and farmland market evaluations and sales. She also has extensive knowledge in new home construction. Over the years she’s been actively involved in her community through the Joints in Motion marathon fundraiser for the Arthritis Society of Canada and the Founder of the annual MO-VEMBER Fundraising Event supporting men’s health and the Hospitals of Regina Foundation (HRF). Debra and her husband Craig Adam are also proud supporters of the Children’s Miracle Network. She is an avid golfer and loves traveling.
Debra is a member of the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS). CLHMS is an indicator of competency which signifies that the agent is a member in good standing of the Institute, has met strict education requirements and has documented experience in the top 10% of their market. Debra was born in Saskatchewan and has called Regina home since 1998.
How to Reach The Craig Adam Real Estate Team in Regina, SK
What motivates me to support CMN is that until becoming a parent only a few short years ago, I wasn’t truly aware of the amazing support, research & joy that CMN provides to families across our country each and everyday. Now that I am a parent, you begin to look at life a little differently. You realize how precious life truly is and how important it is to support CMN so that our children can continue to be the sparkle in our lives.
About Jesse Peters:
Other than being a husband to his beautiful wife Michelle and a father to their two wonderful children, Harper and Sawyer, Jesse is well-known in his community and to the RE/MAX world as the “Social Savvy” Realtor® at RE/MAX Executives Realty. Jesse is a solo agent who lives and works in the city of Winnipeg, where he was raised.
With a background in creative advertising & marketing, Jesse is an industry thought-leader when it comes to the utilizing the power of video and social media. He strives to create daily content to engage his community & help raise the bar in the real estate world.
Jesse became a licensed REALTOR® in 2012 and has been in the Top 2% of agents in his province for multiple years. He is a multi-Platinum Award winner with RE/MAX and was being recently nominated for the Top 40 people Under 40 in Winnipeg.
How To Reach Jesse at RE/MAX Executives Realty in Winnipeg, MB:
When Bruce told me that he was planning this cross Canada ride, I excitedly wanted to jump on board with both moral and financial support. I first met Mary and Bruce in March 2014 at the RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas. My friend Valerie Garcia at RE/MAX Integra said to me “You have to meet Bruce!” I remember being invited to attend the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) breakfast that morning where Bruce was the guest speaker. It was for Broker/Owners of “Miracle Offices” and since I’m not a Broker/Owner I wasn’t even supposed to be there. With a little bit of fate I was in. Bruce spoke and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room including mine. Instantly I felt a connection and a friendship was born. And now the Johnson Family are an important part of my life. I wish for the entire world to see how amazing they truly are and the special gift they have given back to Sickkids Hospital in honour and memory of their precious daughter Alyssa Rae.
Vince in the Community
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and my family roots reach back to the early 1950’s. I am very proud of my community and I believe in its prosperity & future giving back to it wherever possible. One of my ongoing commitments to my community is being a contributor to the The Miracle Home Program®, where participating RE/MAX Agents donate a percentage of each real estate transaction to their local Children’s Miracle Network member hospital. The member hospital I am please to support is SickKids in Toronto. This is where the majority of Thunder Bay’s children received specialized care.
Vince’s Community Work:
Creator and Champion of Vince Mirabelli Pediatric Endowment Fund at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Founding Chair of the “Save A Heart Ball” which has raised over $250,000, plus raised an additional $750,000 separately towards cardiac care at the
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Director on the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation Board
Companion to a child with cancer volunteer at Camp Quality
Past Director on the Board of Directors of Children’s Wish Foundation
Financial Supporter of:
Children’s Miracle Network | Camp Quality | Vince Mirabelli Pediatric Endowment Fund | Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre | St. Joseph’s Hospice Palliative Care Program | Tamarack House (housing cancer patients) | George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Children’s Centre | The Arthritis Society | Diabetes Association | Mary J.L. Black Library | St. Patrick’s Auditorium | Lakehead Region Conservation Authority | Hazelwood Lake Centre | Canadian Mental Health Association
Marilyn has enjoyed living and raising her family in Wasaga Beach for the last 35 years. In 1989 Marilyn had the opportunity to open a RE/MAX office in Wasaga Beach and has never looked back.
In the early 1990`s when RE/MAX partnered with CMN her office jumped on board and immediately started raising funds. Over the years RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc. has had bake sales, poker runs, yard sales, golf tournaments and participated in the Miracle Home Program. Today Marilyn manages the Brokerage with her partner and oldest son Jason Ruttan.
They have 2 locations in Wasaga Beach and a 47% market share of the real estate business in town.
Jason and Marilyn are very proud to be Champion Agents supporting Bruce and Holly on their Motorcycle for Miracles journey!
About Jason Ruttan
Jason is a fourth generation Realtor. Having grown up in the RE/MAX atmosphere, the business became not only second nature to him but the foundation to his extensive real estate knowledge and exceptional service. Since 2004 Jason has been a proud member of the Georgian Triangle Association of Realtors and specializes in the Wasaga Beach, Collingwood and Town of the Blue Mountains real estate markets in Ontario, Canada.
To Reach Marilyn or Jason at RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach
“Our 6 year old daughter Sofia is what motivates us to support the Children’s Miracle Network. We are very familiar with SickKids Hospital as Sofia has been a Type 1 diabetic since the age of 2.5 and she had right middle lobe syndrome in her lung since she was born.
We have spent many a night in emergency at SickKids and we always know we are in good hands. It’s the most amazing place and the saddest place at the same time. Sofia has been through a lot over the years and continues to visit SickKids every 3 months for a diabetes checkup. We are always amazed at the job they do keeping smiles on the kids faces when they are dealing with whatever they have to deal with. SickKids and CMN are amazing organizations and we gladly support and help out as much as possible.”
As professionals:
Stuart Sinclair – Finding a home that was “just right” for his family was a journey and so he wanted to dedicate his time to assisting other families with this exhaustive process.
Working with RE/MAX’s leading brand and serving the Greater Toronto Area with a focus on Caledon and Bolton, Stuart is thankful to be able to bring expertise to home owners and buyers alike. RE/MAX is the largest real estate company in the world with over 100,000 Sales Associates in more than 6,300 offices operating in more than 78 countries worldwide. Along the way of earning an income for his family, he is a supporter to many charities including, Sick Kids Hospital, Children Miracle Network, The Fight Against Breast Cancer, and many other local community initiatives.
The Stuart Sinclair team’s marketing campaigns and commitment to refined service has earned them many awards including: Executive Award, 100% Club and even Platinum Awards.
Stuart and his team continue to improve on their services to exhibit a truly exceptional real estate experience for their customers.
Timea Edelenyi – From a Hungarian descent, Timea studied her early years of schooling in Europe. She moved to Canada with her family in 1994. And with time, Timea fell in love with what Canada had to offer and thanks her parents immensely for migrating to this beautiful country we call home.
Timea has lived in the Bolton/Caledon area for the last 13 years and has true appreciation for the town’s beauty, safety, and friendly people that reside here. She believes Caledon is a perfect, quaint and family oriented town thus loves working here as a Realtor. Timea is so patient when working to find a house to call a “home” for new families to grow into or for empty nesters to down size.
Her background in teaching, customer service, sales and hospitality is an asset for her real estate career. Knowing that buying or selling real estate may be one of the greatest and wisest investments one makes, having a background in education, Timea takes the time to educate her clients on various approaches. She respects that each individual has a different learning style. Using statistics, graphs, visual presentations, or a written analysis of the current Real Estate Market, Timea provides ample information for both her buyers and sellers.
Timea believes her success in real estate comes from her philosophy of valuing people over properties. Treating clients with respect and ALWAYS putting the best interest of her clients FIRST, is her way of doing business. Timea’s positive attitude and her ability to see the bright side of every situation, always leads to successful results. Her clients have provided extremely positive testimonials regarding her strong work ethics and devotion. They also share the fact that Timea offers strong negotiating skills, honesty, and always feel honoured when a client allows her to be part of their home buying or selling process.
Finally, Timea prides herself in having the ability to build trusting and lasting relationships, through providing an outstanding service. She believes it’s always a great feeling to make a difference in people’s lives! Not only for her clients, but also for the rest of the world, and this is evident through her support for the Children’s Miracle Network and The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
As the Stuart Sinclair Team’s client, you are able to receive a trustworthy representation and be able to make knowledgeable decisions for all your family’s real estate needs.
Lois Sinclair is a the team “field” realtor as well as Stuart’s Mother! Lois brings over 20 years of experience to the team, making her an exceptional asset. Her calm demeanor and soft spoken nature puts buyers at ease.
Readin’ and drawing was where I spent most of my days. Chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool Playin’ some soccer when I wasn’t in school. From my earliest days lookin’ for ways to do good I got into a lot of little projects no time to be spared When people need help you know I’ll be there.
I started buyin’ and sellin’ houses ’bout 2011 Looked at my life and said ‘this must be heaven’ Looked at my city and knew I was finally there To do the most good because I really do care.
Tony’s CMN Story:
“Living in Hamilton it is impossible not to be aware of McMaster Children’s Hospital, SickKids Hospital down the road in Toronto, and their affiliation with The Children’s Miracle Network. My life had been touched a number of times by family and friends whose children spent time in the care of the dedicated and selfless doctors, nurses, and support staff at both of those amazing places.
My first personal encounter came with the birth of my first son, Matteo. When Matteo’s mother’s water broke we immediately noticed that something wasn’t right. After 16 hours of labour and a stressful few moments after birth (that felt like hours) where Matteo was not breathing, our newborn son was taken from us directly to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for observation.
My heart sank and my nerves were on fire. I feared, as most parents would, the absolute worst and while remaining hopeful, I less than patiently waited for horrible news to arrive.
Thankfully, after five restless days in the NICU we got the all clear and were finally allowed to take our little boy home for the first time.
We had a similar scare with our second son, Luca, when five months after an uneventful birth we spent another five days at MacKids, this time in isolation not knowing what was wrong with our little baby boy.
Throughout both experiences and more than a little of my nervous ranting, pacing, and otherwise panicked behaviour, the doctors, nurses, and staff at MacKids remained professional, compassionate, and caring. They got my family and I through days that seemed endless and without hope. I can never thank them enough for the kindness they extended to us and I can never do enough to help them in return.
Social Media Handles:
Fb.com/TheGeekyAgent
Twitter.com/thegeekyagent
Instagram.com/thegeekyagent
YouTube.com/thegeekyagent
Snapchat.com/thegeekyagent
Playstation Network @thegeekyagent
PokemonGo @thegeekyagent
“I’ve always been charitable, I’ve never turned down anyone looking for donations…even the annoying handouts at the local grocery store! I was introduced to CMN through the RE/MAX organization and began contributing with every home I have sold going back at least 7-8 years.
About 6 years ago I received a call from a good friend of mine who I know to be rather stoic in nature. He’s the type of guy who professes to never cry! Well, that turned out not to be true because I received a call from him late one evening and all I could hear on the other end of the line was uncontrollable crying. After a minute or so he managed to blurt out, “JAAAAAYYYY, I think my son’s going to die!” This began a 5-year journey for his son and the family to return to good health. I shared in many of those difficult days with them at the hospital in London and witnessed the incredibly good things those saints are doing to save the lives of our kids.
I’m supporting the Motorcycle for Miracles Charity Ride because it’s simply the right thing to do. I have two very healthy kids, neither of whom have required the use of SickKids Hospital and for this I know I’m truly blessed. So, to honour this blessing my family and I wanted to raise our hands and say HELL YAH we are in for this incredible cause!”
About Jay’s Real Estate Career:
At the ripe old age of 18 yrs old Jay was released out into the world armed with “A Licence to Sell”. Jay admits he hadn’t the slightest idea what he was doing, all he knew was that he was fulfilling the vision he had since he was only 13 years old. Fast forward 21 years and the focus of that vision has improved immensely. “Passion for anything in life can’t be learned. It either is, or it is not!” When it comes to real estate and everything that relates to it you can be 100% certain Passion is what you’ll get from Jay. Anyone finding themselves in need of a Realtor in Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga, ON would be in very good hands with Jay Shearer and his support team. He promises a professional home buying and selling service based on absolute transparency and brutal honesty. Jay’s well rounded skill sets make even the most difficult negotiations seem like a walk in the park.
No Stranger to Charitable Involvement
Stanch Supporter/Rider for Realtor’s Care Charity Motorcycle Ride (Almost $1,000,000 raised collectively to date!)
Children’s Miracle Network
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Past Board of Director for MREB and WECREB
Inaugural Task Force Member for the YPN (Young Professionals Network) Ontario
As single mother of 2, top area realtor, community activist and philanthropist, I have had my fair share of obstacles to overcome in both my business and personal life. I have been fortunate to be blessed with a family that has for the most part been in good health, but being in a business that takes you into people’s lives, families and homes, I have seen first hand the suffering and heartbreak as well as the joys and triumphs that having a sick child generates. I believe that we all have a responsibility to give of ourselves and that giving start the receiving process. I have the power to shine light onto any situation and aim to serve as motivation to others that life is beautiful and grand and that in the face of adversity and in times of challenges that there are people in the world who really do care. It is my duty to share this gift with others and being inspirational and making a difference in peoples lives is my motivation.
With over 10 years of real estate experience & 12 years of education in Personal development, having been trained in both Canada and the US, I have had the honour and privilege of coaching people and helping them in the areas of life that matter to them.
Passion, strength, relentless effort and an unwavering commitment to excellence have been, and will continue to be my guiding principles. I aim to impress on people that you truly can HAVE IT ALL!.
Now specializing in the purchase and sale of luxury properties and specialized projects in Italy, I am happy to share my international contacts and network to assist sales associates and the general public in buying or selling real estate abroad.
Find Alex at:
Alex Lombardi, Salesperson | Consulente Immobiliare Internazionale
I was never fully aware how much Toronto SickKids Hospital and their staff do for Children and Families until I met Bruce Johnson and his family. We take so much for granted as life sails along smoothly until you or someone you know is struck by illness. Children’s Miracle Network and Toronto SickKids are here every single day helping families cope when something does happen with kind and supportive staff and the latest in treatments and research. This would not be possible without our donations and initiatives like Motorcycles for Miracles. We often say and hear that “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” – I am honoured to a part of that Village.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Evelyn has a passion for real estate that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary for every move! Clients rave about her dedication and professionalism, citing her knowledge, experience and integrity as the key components of their decision-making process. Jennifer strongly believes in advocating for her client, representing her buyers and sellers with the utmost fiduciary duty and care, both in the new and resale markets.
Jennifer’s ability to evaluate quality and identify concerns ensures client loyalty and has earned her the respect and admiration of industry insiders. Jennifer utilizes all of the marketing tools in the RE/MAX portfolio to negotiate the very best outcome for her clients and maximizes the latest in technology and social media to network around the globe. All of this translates to the high level of performance that Jennifer has become famous for. Her insight and understanding of housing trends and forecasts, local economic and political environments and government issues and legislation make her an indispensable resource for all buyers and sellers in Durham Region.
In pursuit of your first home or that special property, contact Jennifer Evelyn, where real estate is all about realizing your dreams and celebrating your success!
How to Reach Jennifer Evelyn at RE/MAX Jazz Inc., Brokerage in Oshawa, ON:
Geoff’s Heartfelt Message and the McGowan Family’s CMN Story
Geoff and Bobbie are the kind of people you always feel lucky to have met. They are gracious, kind, ambitious, and as you can see from the video above, big-hearted.
Here they are at a recent fun family trip to PEI with their daughter Cara!
Geoff and Bobbie the professionals:
Whether you are moving around the corner or around the world, Geoff & Bobbie are Ottawa realtors who have the expertise to get you where you want to go. Their experience and enthusiasm for assisting their valued clients in the sale and purchase of all types of Ottawa, Ontario real estate, truly lifts them “Above the Crowd”. Highly skilled in the appraisal and marketing of homes in the Ottawa area, Geoff & Bobbie’s expertise assures you of a pleasant and successful real estate experience, whether you are listing your property or purchasing a home. So if you are thinking of buying or selling a residence in the National Capital Region, please consider Geoff & Bobbie as your most valuable resource for Ottawa homes and properties.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE OTTAWA AREA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TOUCHSTONE ISSUE FOR GEOFF & BOBBIE.
Even before they became one of Ottawa’s leading real estate teams, they were active in contributing and giving back to their neighbourhood through charity work with:
the Children’s Miracle Network
CHEO
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Canadian University of Women’s Scholarship fund
several Minor League Hockey Teams
Annual sponsorship of, as well as, personal participation in Ottawa community events such as:
the “Clean-Up Beaverbrook Day”
the “Christmas Food Drive”
“The Yard Sale for the Cure”
“CHEO Fundraisers”
“Canada Day Festivities”
How to Reach Geoff and Bobbie:
RE/MAX Affiliates Geoff and Bobbie McGowan Realty Ltd, Brokerage
5517 Hazeldean Road
Ottawa, ON K2S0P5
We were very blessed to only have to visit CHEO for the run-of-the-mill bumps, bruises and bit-through tongues with our two children (more with one than the other). One of the biggest reasons we support CMN would have to be our niece Chrissy and her husband Chris’ twin daughters Charlotte & Alexandra (Alex).
Chrissy went into labour at 24 weeks with no warning. Late that night Alex was born. Charlotte lasted another 5 days. Alex was 1lbs 1oz and Charlotte was 1lbs 5oz. They spent 4 and a half months in the hospital. During that time Charlotte had heart surgery at 2 weeks old. Alex needed the same surgery but was too sick to have it done. At just 3 weeks they thought Alex was not going to make it, but by some miracle and her determination, she pulled through. Chrissy finally got to hold Alex for the first time when she was just over a month old. She was ventilated for 2 months, Charlotte for 1 month and then move up to CPAP and then just oxygen. Charlotte came home on oxygen and was on it for almost a year. They both suffered many infections due to their poor immune systems. Alex had eye surgery at 3 months old. They finally got to come home 2 weeks after their original due date.
Alex and Charlotte were followed by CHEO very closely for the first 3 years. They are now healthy 7-year-olds with next to no health issues! The service they received from CHEO and the NICU at the General was unbelievable; so many amazing doctors and nurses there.
It was during Bruce & Holly’s first Motorcycle for Miracles adventure that it really hit me. The Johnson family story touched me. It was that summer that I changed my contribution model from transactions I did to transactions the team did and Doubled Up the contribution amount.
Here are a couple of pics of my little giggle monsters! Love them to bits!
Moe and Susan’s Community Involvement:
Proud supporters of the Kanata Food Cupboard through food drives and donations
Susan is the founder and Co-Chair of the Zombie Run for Humanity, now in its 4thyear. A 5KM cross country race with obstacles (& of course Zombies…). Done completely through volunteers and all proceeds raised go directly to “Habitat for Humanity – Greater Ottawa”
Moe is the President of the “Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata”
Susan and Moe generously donate portions of their commissions from every purchase or sale, not only that they do, but also every member of their team does to CMN, and more specifically Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Susan has been recognized by Distinctive Women Magazine as the Philanthropist of the Year two years running for her
Children’s Miracle Network; the name is why I decided to donate towards such a cause. Truthfully, I watched the video of why Bruce decided to do the Motorcycle for Miracles ride. And that in itself, is why I decided. For someone to go above and beyond and ride across the country with his daughter, made me realize why can’t I help out too? Even though I am not riding across the country this small donation will help others realize children are our miracles.
I find that this ride is a way to bring heart, strength, love and awareness into each and everyone’s home. I am not personally affected by the children’s miracle network, but know people who have been fortunate enough to have used their support and services. It’s all about the saying: “A little bit goes a long way.”
About Erin
Raised in a “Real Estate Family” in the Toronto area, I moved to Barrie in 2010. With the encouragement of family and friends, I launched myself into a real estate career, joining a top producing brokerage in Simcoe County. This is where I now represent my clients homes and estates.
The love in that room was so beautiful and it was all inspired by Alyssa. She was the strongest link in our chain. It helped me transcend the physical agony I was going through. Even though it was a warm room, I was wearing a thick fleece jacket over my blouse. Moms out there, you’ll understand this best, my breasts felt like they were about to burst. I hadn’t pumped since the night before, because the reality was, Alyssa would no longer need to be fed. But bodies don’t always follow instructions immediately, and so my bra, even with breastfeeding pads stuffed in thickly, was soaked. I was so tender, I couldn’t hug anyone. As a first time Mom, I was learning that the intense mother-baby bond was not just a fondness — it felt like being physically tethered. How would I survive letting her go? 
After removing all but the breathing tube, Nurse Janet skillfully assisted us in bathing Alyssa in nice warm water, rubbing her with baby lotion. At last, the tape came off and we could see her adorable upper lip and have a long conversation with her. She was awake, calm and held eye contact with us. It rocked my world. With her eyes, she said she was ok. Throughout her short life, she had a sort of knowingness about her. It was the greatest gift of my life, to have our souls communicating “it’s all right” to each other. I am sobbing as I write this, but please don’t think it’s due to a painful, tragic moment. It’s the beauty. My God, life is amazing. And death…dare I say it? Can be beautiful. We aren’t conditioned to think that. That there is such beauty available to us, when we surrender, let go and love. 
Tonight, once again, I am remembering. It’s Alyssa Rae’s birthday week, and I’m sharing her life – and as an extension, our lives, in hopes that it will reach you. I pray that 20 years after her arrival, Alyssa’s life story can inspire reflection and giving. It’s all for a 
Alyssa was in a typical NICU room, which was divided into 6 stations. Six babies, usually in incubator-type isolettes, could be monitored and cared for by 6-10 highly trained NICU nurses in this room. Thankfully there were a couple of empty areas at the time of Alyssa’s arrival. Alyssa was at the far left, close to a large window, and we were happy she would have tons of natural light by day and a view of the moon and stars at night.
a certain way to be rearranged for different procedures, like changing the dressing on her omphalocele and changing her diapers. The monitors became something we relied on to tell us whether she was uncomfortable or upset. When her oxygen saturation was dropping or her heart rate was spiking, it was hard for me to stay calm. The monitors were Alyssa’s only voice, as she had no other way to express the terrible pain of getting her heel pricked for the 12th time that day, or having her lungs suctioned for the 3rd time that hour.
When Alyssa was 8 days old, and nurse Judy was on (one of our favourites, she loved Alyssa so dearly and we loved her back) we were given our first chance to hold our baby. For over two hours, we took turns holding and rocking her for the first of very few times. She was on the ventilator so we couldn’t hold her against our chests. How I wished I could hold her tight, with her cheek to mine. But this was heaven, and her oxygen sats showed that she was melting into the moment as well. The next day, although she was retaining fluid and really puffy-faced, the respiratory team turned down her ventilator a notch or two. The nursing staff poured their hearts into caring for her and involving us. The smallest gestures of kindness from these rockstar nurses would make us blubber, we were so emotionally charged. Seeing a nurse kiss Alyssa’s little foot after a needle poke, arriving to see the night nurse had cut her bandage into the shape of a heart, the trust they had in as parents, to do dressing changes and diaper changes without supervision. Seriously if you are a NICU nurse, heck if you know a NICU nurse or even just spot one anytime anywhere, give them a hug and all the respect you can express. Anyway, these nurses infused us with hope: maybe we’d see if those little lungs had any get-up and go on their own!
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and my family roots reach back to the early 1950’s. I am very proud of my community and I believe in its prosperity & future giving back to it wherever possible. One of my ongoing commitments to my community is being a contributor to the The Miracle Home Program®, where participating RE/MAX Agents donate a percentage of each real estate transaction to their local Children’s Miracle Network member hospital. The member hospital I am please to support is SickKids in Toronto. This is where the majority of Thunder Bay’s children received specialized care.
“Our 6 year old daughter Sofia is what motivates us to support the Children’s Miracle Network. We are very familiar with SickKids Hospital as Sofia has been a Type 1 diabetic since the age of 2.5 and she had right middle lobe syndrome in her lung since she was born. 
