Winter 2016/2017 Volume 17
CELEBR ATE The Gift of Life
Denmarx Sulio's Story Three decades of raising funds – DFF turns thirty in 2017! Check out more memories on page 12.
WHAT’S INSIDE Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . .
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Message from the SVP, Fund Development . . . . . . . . . . .
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Message from the Director of Family Relations . . . .
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Denmarx Sulio's Story . . . . . . . . . . . Message from the Chairman . . . . .
Celebrating the Gift of Life this Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Life After Transplant . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cherished Memories: Camp Kivita . 9 8 Ways for You to Make Miracles Happen . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Three decades of raising funds . . . 12 Thank You National Sponsors & Life Legacy Member . . . . . . . . 12 Follow us on:
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enmarx Sulio was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at an early age and had his first surgery at two months to fix his bile duct but was unsuccessful. Denmarx had his first liver transplant on March 18, 2013, but unfortunately required a second liver transplant which he received on May 15, 2014. Today, our miracle baby is now turning four in January. He is still going back and forth for check-ups and other blood work, PROFILE but overall, he is a very active and smart kid who enjoys reading, dancing, and singing. He plays well with his older brother John Michael, and Name: Denmarx Sulio Age: 3 years they really enjoyed decorating the Christmas Transplant: Liver tree this year. We cannot thank God enough Date: March 18, 2013 for blessing my son with a second life to & May 15, 2014 be with us and celebrate Christmas this year and all the years to come. We thank the David Foster Foundation who are helping families who are deeply in need of help. We pray that God will bless you more and all your team that are working with you.
You have blessed us with so many things & we owe you a million thanks. – Max and Medine Sulio Two-time liver transplant recipient, Denmarx, with older brother John Michael
Message from the Chairman
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hat an amazing year it has been for the David Foster Foundation! Our success is stemmed from the hard work of our sponsors, volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors. We would not be where we are today without their generous support. I want to acknowledge and thank our National Partners and Life Legacy Members for all their support in 2016. Through their commitment and dedication to our cause, we can continue assisting families with their non-medical expenses as their child undergoes a major organ transplant. Unfortunately, many families will not be returning home this Christmas to celebrate the holiday season as their child’s health requires around-the-clock care. For those families, the thought of going home for Christmas becomes a distant dream. That is why I am so grateful for the hospitals and their staff for providing such incredible care to our families throughout the year. This Christmas, when you are with your family, I encourage you to start a conversation about registering to be an organ donor and your intentions to one day give someone a second chance and give the gift of life.
“This year, Canada’s low organ donor registration rate (18%) was at the forefront of the media and many conversations. I am thrilled to announce that since the beginning of 2016, Manitoba has seen a 16% increase in their registered organ donors!” As 2016 wraps up and we look towards the coming year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the amazing work that has been done this past year. Together, we did make a difference. Together, we brought a glimmer of light and hope into families that needed us the most. Merry Christmas,
David Foster, Founder and Chairman
This year, Canada’s low organ donor registration rate (18%) was at the forefront of the media and many conversations. We collaborated with Transplant Manitoba and ORGANIZE to bring awareness to the province of Manitoba. Together, we focused on education and awareness of the need to become a registered organ donor and the importance to share your wishes with your family and friends. I am thrilled to announce that since the beginning of 2016, Manitoba has seen a 16% increase in their registered organ donors! David Foster with Nazdana, liver transplant recipient, and her sister in Winnipeg, MB.
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Message from the CEO
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017 was an incredible year for the David Foster Foundation! As I reflect on the year, I am truly overwhelmed by the outstanding accomplishments and thankful for all the support the Foundation has received in 2016. This time of year brings joy for many families as they come together to celebrate Christmas with family and friends to exchange gifts in all shapes and sizes. Christmas is a joy for some, and for others, it is a time of stress, financial struggle, and medical challenges. The families we support are also waiting for a gift, however, this gift is a very different one. It is the gift of life through organ donation. Some of our children have waited much longer than a year for their gift. The gift of life is something that should be celebrated and cherished; this generous gift from one family to another allows someone a second chance at living a rewarding and fulfilled life. Over the holidays, I encourage you to talk to your family and loved ones about the importance of organ donation and your wishes. There truly is no better gift that one can give than the gift of life. 2017 is going to be a huge year for the David Foster Foundation! We will be celebrating our 30th year of assisting families from coast to coast with their non-medical expenses. Over the many years I have been involved with the Foundation, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some incredible family stories. Words cannot express the emotion you feel when you know a family does not need to worry about losing their home or having enough money to put food on the table. When a family finds out there is a foundation that will assist them during the most stressful time of their lives and take away financial pressure, it is a constant reminder that life is more than material things. Life is fragile and we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life
that we may never know. By giving the gift of life and becoming a registered organ donor, you will leave a lasting legacy. With our upcoming Miracle Gala & Concert in Vancouver, BC this fall 2017, we will bring families, donors, supporters, sponsors, and the community together to celebrate the 30 amazing years we have helped families in need. I invite you to join us as we celebrate the past 30 years and appreciate all of our supporters that have helped us along the way. From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christmas season with friends and family! Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Mike Ravenhill, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Ravenhill on stage with Piper, liver transplant recipient, showing her life beads at the Winnipeg Miracle Gala & Concert.
David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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Message from the SVP, Fund Development
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e are only a couple weeks away from bringing in the New Year and this will be my final letter for 2016. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support of the David Foster Foundation and the many families we support whose children are going through the life-saving organ transplant process. When we talk about philanthropy and giving, we think about what difference it will make in children’s lives who are waiting on the transplant wait list. I think about our dedicated donors who continue to support and are so committed to a cause that we are passionate about. With the majority of our donors giving more than once, I pride myself knowing we are truly working with a group of individuals and organizations who are caring, compassionate, and wants to make a difference. When I started with the David Foster Foundation in 2013, one of the first organizations to come on board as a National Partner and continues to support us as we move into our fourth year, is AMJ Campbell. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible support from all our sponsors and attendees that participated in three major events this year for the David Foster Foundation: the Miracle Gala & Concert in Winnipeg, MB, Öviinbyrd in Muskoka, ON, and B’nai Brith in Toronto, ON. Your support and commitment has been humbling and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2017 to celebrate the David Foster Foundation’s 30th anniversary!
“With the majority of our donors giving more than once, I pride myself knowing we are truly working with a group of individuals and organizations who are caring, compassionate, and wants to make a difference.” This is the time of year that people celebrate giving and start planning for their next year’s giving through monthly or annual donations. If you, or anyone you know want to support our families as their child goes through the life-saving organ transplant process and requires the support of the David Foster Foundation in 2017, please contact me directly. To our current donors and to our future donors, your support is incredibly important and gratefully cherished.
Sincerely,
John Danson, Senior Vice President, Fund Development
How to make a donation to the Foundation: 1. Mail your cheques to David Foster Foundation, 212 Henry Street, Victoria BC V9A 3H9 2. Credit card–call our Victoria office using our toll free number @ 1-877-777-7675 3. Online at www.davidfosterfoundation.com Keep your eye out for a custom branded AMJ Campbell truck!
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www.davidfosterfoundation.com
Message from the Director of Family Relations
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t is hard to believe that this year is coming to an end, and 2017 is right around the corner. We have been so blessed to have built new partnerships and relationships that allow us to help families from coast to coast in Canada while they battle to save their child’s life. It is always an honour to see up close the impact organ donation makes to the quality of life for both the child and the family. It warms my heart to hear the wait is over and families are finally getting the transplant they so desperately need. Even better is when they get to return home and are reunited with a family, and begin the slow transition back to a more normal life. It is heartbreaking for anyone to see any child clinging to life or watch the fear of a parent slowly losing everything just to be by their child’s side. On the flip side, it is so wonderful to see communities and organizations step up to help relieve any of that burden from a family.
We are so grateful for the ability to keep doing what we do, by keeping families together so that they can return not only a healthy life, but a healthy home. We could not do it without the families that graciously allow us into their lives to share their transplant journey with all of you. To all our generous donors, volunteers, partners, supporters, friends, and families, no matter where you are, or what you are doing this season, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. If you have one awkward conversation this season, let it be to your family and loved ones about your intentions when it comes to organ donation.
Sincerely,
Lara Knudsen, Director of Family & Community Relations
30 Years
OF KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER – WHERE ARE YOU NOW? If you were one of the 1,000 Canadian families over the past 29 years that received assistance through the generous support of the David Foster Foundation, we would like to hear from you. If you are interested in sharing your story please contact: families@davidfosterfoundation.com Lara Knudsen with Adam Ajaj, liver transplant recipient, and his family in Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, AB.
To donate to the David Foster Foundation and support children and their families receiving life-saving organ transplants, please visit www.davidfosterfoundation.com or mail in your donation directly to:
David Foster Foundation, 212 Henry Street, Victoria, BC V9A 3H9 CANADA
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Celebrating the Gift of Life this Christmas‌ The McWilliam Family
The Hague-Wautier Family
Theo loves eating now that he no longer gets sick after every meal, playing at Indigo, going to the library. Since the transplant, he is finally strong enough to walk and loves having daily baths which he missed so much while in hospital. Thank you for everything you do!
Hailey, Lily's mom, was her living donor in 2013. This year, the family celebrated their third liver transplant anniversary. The family is excited for 2017 and setting roots in their new home.
The Grondin Family After 6 long months on the transplant wait list and in hospital, our little girl finally received a donor heart. We are grateful to have our daughter healthy and to be together as a family at home for Christmas.
The Campbell Family Izzy is 2.5 yrs post liver transplant. We are so grateful for life, health and her ability to now be an active kid. Merry Christmas!
The Clarke Family In the year post transplant, we have been blessed to watch Macy snow shoe, ski, skate, swim, play tennis, bike, participate in races, dance zumba, graduate preschool, start kindergarten and blossom into an outgoing and energetic little girl, all because of the power of organ donation.
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The Borrowman Family Last year Phoenix and our family spent New Years with her donor family at Mt. Tremblant. This year we will all be together for Christmas Day. Organ donation has joined our two families with love.
www.davidfosterfoundation.com
with Some of Our Foundation Families The Halfpenny Family After 995 days on the organ transplant list Cody finally received the donor heart he so desperately needed. Cody and his family are so grateful to his donor that not only gave them another Christmas together as a family, but an opportunity to begin a new chapter in life.
The Marshall Family Isla has been doing great post-transplant. She recently celebrated her first birthday, and is a happy little baby. She's quickly learning how to get around, and into trouble! We will forever be grateful for the support we received from the David Foster Foundation.
The Coffin Family
The Hutchinson Family
Piper is two years post liver transplant, and continues to face the challenges of continuing dealing with immunosuppression. This fall Piper, and her family took a much-awaited family trip to Orlando, Florida.
Our daughter was gifted the opportunity to receive a fully functional and healthy heart, at three months old. We know we are lucky and we are grateful.
The Phillips Family
The Dalley Family
Cali celebrated her 5th liver transplant anniversary this year, and Kaitlyn is now seven months post-liver transplant. Both girls are doing well and going strong. We are forever grateful for every day together, organ donation truly is a gift of life!
This year, Shelby and our family will be spending her third Christmas in hospital. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us on our journey since she was seven weeks old. We feel blessed to be able to together a family to share another Christmas with Shelby because of organ donation.
David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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Life After Transplant The Merlino Delorme Family
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ince Aidyn's transplant at the end of September 2014, he has been enjoying his dialysis-free life! One of his favourite things to do is have a bath. Due to medical tubes, Aidyn could not enjoy a bath or swim prior to receiving "Hunter". Aidyn named his kidney after his paired exchange partner, Shelley Hunt. Aidyn now enjoys going to school full-time. Before he was only able to attend twice a week. Aidyn loves to go outside to play with friends and not worry about the interference of tubes connected to his body. Aidyn’s mom, Danielle, says it truly is amazing to watch her son be "normal". The family now has the opportunity to get up and leave without planning around hospital visits. This year, they went camping and experienced their first family vacation in Toronto, ON where they met their Grandma and GO at Canada’s Wonderland, something they could only image about before the transplant. These things may seem small to some, but they are huge accomplishments to the Merlino Delorme family.
“We are so very thankful for the help we received before and during transplant from the David Foster Foundation. We are forever grateful to Shelley for stepping forward and becoming his partner. Without her, there wouldn't be an 'after transplant' story. We hope Mr. David Foster, the Foundation, and everyone reading has a very Merry Christmas!” – Danielle Merlino
Aidyn, kidney transplant recipient, and his family.
The Templeton Family
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Callum, liver transplant recipient, with his mom and dad.
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allum is just shy of turning five years old in January and thriving post-transplant. This past July marked Callum's third liver anniversary! In some ways, it feels like yesterday and other times it feels like a lifetime ago. He's also down to one medication. Callum is attending his second year of preschool, learned to ride his bike this past summer, and learned to swim on our most recent family vacation in Hawaii. To watch him do normal toddler things makes us undeniably proud as the idea a couple years ago seemed unfathomable. Thanks to his donor family, he's able to do those things. We will forever be indebted and grateful as Callum wouldn't be here today without them. Altruism truly does exist. Callum is living proof that organ donation works, so we encourage everyone to have the conversation with their families and loved ones about organ donation and their wishes. The word transplant was certainly not in our everyday vocabulary but it became our reality. Despite the hardships and heartache, we feel like one of the lucky ones to have made it to the other side. – Joon Templeton
www.davidfosterfoundation.com
Cherished Memories: Camp Kivita!
“I really enjoyed camp because it has given me the opportunity to experience activities that children like me couldn't have ever imagined. It has also allowed me to bond with those who've shared similar experiences. I am very grateful.” – Nydia "Camp is amazing every year! It's just so much fun to be around so many amazing people just like me. I love archery, kayaking, tie dye, and everything else!” – Kira
"I have so many great moments at camp. Thank you for making it possible." - Andrea
“I really like having the experiences that I might not have had without your support. Thank you.” – Suzy "Dear David, Mike, Lara and Board of Directors for the David Foster Foundation, we are basking in the glow of another phenomanal summer camp experience for our campers. Thank you so much for your tremendous support over the years. You have impacted and helped to change the lives of many children and teens living with transplants” – With gratitude, Emily, Stacey & Christine David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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8 Ways for You to Make Miracles Happen IMAGINE A DOCTOR TELLING YOU THAT YOUR BABY WAS IN THE END-STAGE OF LIVER FAILURE AND WOULD NEED A LIVER TRANSPLANT TO SURVIVE…
BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR
By becoming a registered organ donor, you may one day save a life. There is a chronic shortage of most organs needed for transplant in Canada and the United States. Talk to your loved ones about your wishes to become an organ donor and register.
DONATE AIR MILES
The donation of Air Miles is a unique way to provide a direct and immediate benefit to the David Foster Foundation. Points are used for travel and accommodation for a family with a child going through this life-saving organ transplant process away from home.
DONATE RBC REWARDS
The RBC Rewards points can be redeemed to make a direct donation to the David Foster Foundation and help a child in need of a lifesaving organ transplant.
THE GIFT OF ARTS AND VALUABLES
As a result of a special partnership with Waddington's, Canada's premier auction house since 1850, you can donate art and valuables with the corresponding funds generated from the sales as a tax-receiptable donation from the David Foster Foundation.
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www.davidfosterfoundation.com
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SPONSOR A FAMILY
The David Foster Foundation has assisted over 1,000 families with children in need of a lifesaving organ transplant. All funds received through the Sponsor a Family program are directed to a specific restricted account. As a result, 100% of the money donated goes to direct family support.
NATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
The David Foster Foundation works with national partners to help raise both funds and awareness of the Foundation's goals to support the nonmedical expenses of families of children requiring a life-saving organ transplant. National partners are recognized on the website, all collateral material, and throughout the annual fundraising gala.
ENDOWMENT
It is the David Foster Foundation’s goal to raise $30 million by the 30th anniversary in 2017. The purpose of the endowment fund is to support all Canadian families who have a child going through the life-saving organ transplant process for years to come.
PLANNED GIVING
A planned gift is typically a charitable donation which can be arranged as part of your overall financial and estate planning during your life time, but is not available to the David Foster Foundation until sometime in the future.
David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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Three Decades of Raising Funds! THANKS TO OUR NATIONAL PARTNERS
THANKS TO OUR LIFE LEGACY MEMBERS TELUS | Slaight Family Foundation Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation in Partnership with Catalyst Capital Group Tan Sri Dr. Francis Yeoh | Jim & Sandi Treliving 12
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www.davidfosterfoundation.com