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FALL 2026 | VOLUME 50
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Za’Khari’s Transplant Journey
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Za'Khari's Transplant Journey
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Message from the Chairman
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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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Za'Khari's Transplant Journey Continued
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biopsy) and later the Kasai procedure before
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact!
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being diagnosed with biliary atresia.
40 Year Anniversary Celebration
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On April 6, 2023, when Za’Khari was just five months old, he was placed
Visionary Award Winner: Kyle MacDonald
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on the transplant list for a liver. “The hardest part was hearing that my
Board Spotlight: Derek Sturko
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Presented with a Key: An Intimate Evening at Government House
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Evanne Fisher & Coen Wallace— Then & Now
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Thank You to All Our Partners
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Thank You Victoria!
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Za’Khari Lewis’ transplant journey began
Za'Khari
when he was just a month old. After a visit
TRANSPLANT NEEDED: LIVER
to SickKids Hospital for a suspected seizure, doctors began investigating what was wrong. Za’Khari underwent exploratory surgery (a
HOME: SCARBOROUGH, ON
child needed a liver transplant to survive,” Cheneice said. “Nothing prepares you for that moment, it’s every parent’s worst fear.” The months leading up to transplant were filled with hospital stays and appointments at SickKids. Because he wasn’t gaining enough weight, Za’Khari had an NG tube placed to help get his body the nutrition it needed. One of the family’s longest hospital admissions was at the end of June, when he was placed on TPN and fat lipids to help him gain enough weight for transplant.
212 HENRY ST., VICTORIA, BC V9A 3H9 OFFICE: 250.475.1223 FAX: 250.475.1193 TOLL FREE: 1.877.777.7675
During this time, Cheneice was in the hospital caring for Za’Khari
DAVIDFOSTERFOUNDATION.COM
“I had to be away from his older brother for such a long time, from
full time while also separated from his older brother, Ka’zi. “Being in the hospital for months was incredibly difficult,” Cheneice shared.
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A Homecoming to Remember Message from the Chairman
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s summer comes to an end and fall settles over our communities, I find myself incredibly grateful for an extraordinary summer and an unforgettable milestone for the David Foster Foundation. This past August, we celebrated the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary in my hometown of Victoria, BC. It was a weekend of spectacular music and celebration, and a moment to honour four decades of hope, healing, compassion, and support for the families who matter most. The days and weeks following the celebration have provided me the opportunity to stop and reflect on just how special the weekend was. From the incredible generosity of our partners, the leadership and dedication of our CEO, Mike Ravenhill, the passion
our staff shows each and every day, and the support of our Board of Directors and the families we have helped over the past 40 years, I am truly humbled by what has been accomplished. And, of course, the support of the Victoria community. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your generosity. Every one of you played a part in bringing this celebration to life, and we could not have done it without you. This anniversary was about recognizing the thousands of children and families whose lives the Foundation has touched over the past 40 years. We are committed to being there for the families who will need us in the years to come, as the support and hope does not end here. The Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to provide financial assistance to families of children going through the
life-saving organ transplant process, as well as spreading awareness and education on the need for more registered organ and tissue donors in Canada and the United States. Forty years ago, I started my Foundation with a simple belief: no family should have to worry about how they will afford paying their rent or feeding their family while their child is going through the lifesaving organ transplant process. Four decades later, that belief remains at the heart of everything we do.
With sincerest gratitude and appreciation,
David Foster, OBC, OOC Founder and Chairman David Foster Foundation
A Community That Made It Possible Message from the Chief Executive Officer
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s I look back and reflect on our 40th Anniversary Celebration of The David Foster Foundation in Victoria, I am humbled by the incredible outpouring of support from our community and Canada at large! After four decades of supporting families across Canada through their organ transplant journey, returning to our hometown of Victoria to celebrate and give thanks to the city and community where it all began was deeply meaningful. Victoria opened its arms to us, and the response from the community was nothing short of extraordinary. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped create such a memorable celebration, and to all those who continue to believe in our mission of
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helping the families with children going through the organ transplant process. The support we received has been a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, anything is possible, and we can make an incredible difference. As we enter a new chapter for The Foundation, we are filled with gratitude of how far we have come and give thanks to the many people who have made it possible. We continue to strive towards creating more tomorrow for the children and families who need us most! With the commitment of our Foundation’s Partners, Board of Directors, and the Foundation Staff, we will continue to support the families in
need and strive to continue creating an awareness and education of the need to become a registered organ donor. This fall, as we settle into yet another new season, we carry the memories of an unforgettable milestone celebration with us. We are incredibly appreciative of Victoria for helping us mark our 40th in such a meaningful way.
Sincerely and with a grateful heart,
HCol Michael Ravenhill Chief Executive Officer David Foster Foundation Honorary Colonel Canadian Armed Forces 410 Tactical Fighter Squadron
THANK YOU! Message from SVP, Fund Development
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s the Senior Vice President of Fund Development for the Foundation, my role over the past decade, through a variety of methodologies, has been to ask you to support the Foundation through your generosity. Although my approach has varied, the end goal has never changed. The essence of my “ASK” has often been introduced through family stories, perhaps a little guilt, a little blame, and finally, an appeal to one’s sense of obligation as it relates to philanthropy. Today, however, I am not asking. I am simply saying THANK YOU. You made me look good! Because of your incredible generosity and continued
support, we achieved our fundraising goal for this year.
Foundation and continue to stand behind the families we serve.
It reminds me of a line from Jerry Maguire, when Jerry comes home to Dorothy after Rod Tidwell has had a sensational football game, “Tonight, our little project/company had a very big night.” Our own very big night culminated in the first week of August, at our 40th Anniversary Celebration in Victoria, BC.
As Amelia Earhart so aptly said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.”
The expression “it takes a village” truly captures the essence of this achievement. In short, we could not have succeeded without the support of countless individuals who believe in the work of the David Foster
Celebrating 40 Years Together Message from Director of Family Relations
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his summer, we celebrated DFF’s 40th anniversary, an incredible milestone and an opportunity to recognize four decades of supporting families through their child’s transplant journey. One of the highlights for me was having so many DFF families be part of the celebration. During our 40th Anniversary Gala, we had the privilege of sharing James’ story and his journey through two heart transplants. It was so special to have James there with his parents, Heather and Steve, and his sister Jade, and to spend time with their family and see how well he is doing. I also had the chance to spend time with past DFF families, including Steven, Jamie, Evanne and Coen. These
families represent so much of DFF’s history, from families we first supported in the 1990s to those whose transplant journeys have been much more recent. Having them together as we celebrated 40 years was a really special reminder of how many families have been part of the Foundation’s story. As summer comes to a close, so do some of the transplant camps and programs DFF helped families attend across Canada. These experiences give children and their siblings the chance to meet others who understand what they have been through, make new friends and, most importantly, have some fun. After 40 years, so much has changed, but the heart of our work remains the same: being there for families when
Thank you for acting. Thank you for being tenacious. And most importantly, thank you for your continued and extraordinary support of the Foundation.
With gratitude,
John Danson SVP, Fund Development David Foster Foundation
How to make a donation to the Foundation: 1. Mail your cheques to David Foster Foundation, 212 Henry Street, Victoria BC V9A 3H9 2. Please call 1-877-777-7675 3. Online through PayPal at davidfosterfoundation.com 4. Electronic funds transfer— please email info@davidfosterfoundation.com they need us. Thank you for continuing to make that possible. With gratitude
Aleea Dahinden Director of Family Relations David Foster Foundation The David Foster Foundation
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June until mid-September, and that separation weighed heavily on me. Trying to be strong for one child while missing the other was emotionally exhausting.” Receiving Za’Khari’s diagnosis was also especially difficult for the family, as they had already experienced serious medical challenges. Ka’zi was born in 2019 with a heart defect and underwent two open-heart surgeries. The initial transplant date was set for August 2023, but Za’Khari came down with a cold, so the surgery had to be delayed until he was strong enough. Before returning to the hospital, the family was able to spend some time at home with family and friends. On September 6, 2023, Cheneice and Za’Khari both underwent surgery. Cheneice was a donor match and donated a portion of her liver to her son. Both surgeries were successful, and they began the recovery process together. “When I found out I was a match, I felt a mix of relief, gratitude, and determination,” Cheneice said. “Relief that I could help save my son’s life, and gratitude that I was even given that chance. There was no hesitation, I knew immediately I would do it. As a mother, you don’t think twice.”
Above: Za'Khari at SickKids hospital in Toronto. Below: Za'Khari with his big brother, Ka’zi.
Recovery was a journey for both mother and son. “For me, healing from major surgery while still trying to be present for my son was challenging,” Cheneice said. “There were moments of pain and exhaustion, but I pushed through because he needed me.” For Za’Khari, recovery meant adjusting to his new liver, frequent monitoring, and slowly regaining his strength. “There were ups and downs,” she said, “but each small improvement felt like a huge victory for our family.” During their time in hospital, Cheneice was unable to work, which placed financial strain on the family. A social worker informed them they might qualify for financial support to help with their financial responsibilities from the David Foster Foundation. “We didn’t have to worry how we were going to afford food, gas, and pay for parking,” Cheneice said. Today, more than two years after his transplant, Za’Khari is doing well and continues to attend regular appointments at SickKids Hospital. “He’s strong, resilient, and full of life,” Cheneice said. “He has a bright personality and a spirit that really shines. Seeing him smile, laugh, and just be a kid again is something I’ll never take for granted.” Za’Khari will require anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life to help his body accept his new liver, along with other medications to maintain certain levels within his body. He must also wear sunscreen because he is at greater risk for skin cancer. Looking back on their experience, Cheneice hopes people understand the realities families face during a child’s trans-
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Photo credit: Flytographer
Above: Za'Khari with life saving machines at SickKids hospital. Below: Za'Khari and Cheneice in April 2024 post-liver transplant.
plant journey. “It’s more than just a medical procedure,” she said. “It’s an emotional, mental, and physical journey for the entire family. Families going through this need support, understanding, and compassion. It truly takes a village to get through something like this.” She also encourages other families to seek support when they need it. “Go for it,” she said. “The David Foster Foundation is an amazing organization with such kind people. You will be taken care of.”
—Cheneice, Za'Khari's mother
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Photo credit: Flytographer
It’s more than just a medical procedure. It's an emotional, mental, and physical journey for the entire family."
40 YEARS OF MAKING F Adam Levine performs at the star studded 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala..
Photo credit: Phil Gudenshwager Photography
Josh Groban takes the stage singing "You Raise Me Up" during DFF's 40th Anniversary Gala
A milestone moment: $14.5 million raised in support of families navigating their child’s organ transplant journey.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
Photo credit: Kevin Light Photography
Photo credit: Wedding Bliss Photography
August 6th and 7th : An Intimate Founders’ Evening and the 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala
Two-time heart transplant recipient James Lazeski with his “Beads of Courage,” alongside CEO Michael Ravenhill.
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or the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, we returned to where it all began: Victoria, British Columbia. It was a truly magical and memorable weekend celebrating four decades of life-changing impact and expressing our gratitude to the donors, partners, volunteers, families, and supporters who have stood beside us throughout the years. From intimate gatherings to unforgettable performances and celebrations, the weekend was a powerful reflection of the community that has helped shape the Foundation’s legacy and impact. The celebration began on Thursday, August 6th with an intimate Founders’ Evening honouring our Board Members and Senior Vice President of Fund Development, John Danson, who retires this year after 14 years of dedicated service. The following evening, guests arrived on an iconic purple carpet, bringing together celebrities, donors, partners, and supporters for an unforgettable Black-Tie Gala. The evening featured extraordinary performances from David Foster, Adam Levine, Josh Groban, CeeLo Green, Chad Kroeger, Pia Toscano, Loren Allred, and The London Essentials, with Rhapsody Orchestra at the infamous afterparty. The celebration culminated in an incredible $14.5 million raised through the generosity of our donors and supporters. This remarkable achievement reflects the power of a community united by the shared purpose of supporting the families of children going through the organ transplant process, and creating a lasting legacy of hope, compassion, and more tomorrows for generations to come.
A DIFFERENCE
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n Saturday, August 8th, the David Foster Foundation did something they had never done before: hosted a special thank-you celebration for the community where it all began.
Daniel Emmet performs heartfelt cover of hit song "Man in Motion" to long-time friend and supporter of the Foundation, Rick Hansen.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
Special thank you to the RCAF 410 F18 Tactical Fighter Squadron and The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron— The Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Canadian Goose display lights up the sky during the drone show finale of the 40th Anniversary Celebration.
The David Foster Foundation
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Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
Josh Groban performs with Victoria’s Sea Star Production Choir as Victoria's community illuminate the harbour with their flashlights.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
Bringing this extraordinary evening to life took an entire community. The Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support. More than simply an evening of incredible music and entertainment, the celebration was a tribute to 40 years of compassion, generosity, and a shared commitment to Canadian families facing the unimaginable journey of a child’s life-saving organ transplant.
CeeLo Green once again takes the stage during DFF's 40th Anniversary community celebration at Victoria's Inner Harbour.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the RCAF 410 F18 Tactical Fighter Squadron and The 431 Air Demonstration Squadron —The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, kicked off the evening with a spectacular surprise flyover. Then, David Foster once again took the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime performance alongside an extraordinary lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, including Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, CeeLo Green, The Tenors, Pia Toscano, Loren Allred, Daniel Emmet, Sheléa, and Sydnie Christmas, with event co-hosts Melissa Peterman and Erich Bergen. The performance was followed with the incredible drone show, and fireworks to bring the magical evening to a close.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
August 8th: The 40th Anniversary Inner Harbour Celebration
Visionary Award Winner: Kyle MacDonald
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ach year, the Foundation honours remarkable individuals through the Visionary Award, recognizing those making extraordinary contributions to humanitarian and business efforts at a local, regional and national level. This year, we are deeply honoured to celebrate a woman whose impact has been nothing short of extraordinary.
banks and retailers, earning the RBC Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award not once, but twice. Never one to slow down, she went on to lead AIRIA Brands Inc., where under her leadership the company's sales and profits tripled in just a few short years before being acquired by Swiss-based Zehnder Group AG in 2022.
We are proud to announce the 2026 Visionary Award Winner and National Humanitarian of the Year —Kyle MacDonald.
Beyond her remarkable business achievements, Kyle's philanthropic heart has driven her to establish scholarships for young Canadian students, champion First Responders and veterans, and make the largest private donation ever to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation in
After founding Phoenix Interactive Design Inc. in 1987, Kyle grew a small startup into a global organization serving some of the world's largest
London, Ontario in support of the Veteran's Care Programme. We are deeply grateful for Kyle's generous support of the David Foster Foundation and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her. Congratulations, Kyle. Your generosity and vision inspire us all.
Board Spotlight: Derek Sturko
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erek Sturko’s involvement with the Foundation began many years ago after attending the after-party of a Foundation event in Victoria. At the time, Derek was in a leadership position with the BC Ministry of Education, and the Foundation was looking to develop a new education and awareness program for high school students. Given his background in education, Derek was invited to join the Board. He was moved by the work of the Foundation and the positive impact it had on children in need of organ transplants and their families. When asked what makes the Foundation’s work so meaningful, Derek points to the incredibly difficult circumstances facing the families the Foundation supports. “They have received what David often refers to as ‘the worst news of their lives.’” While families are focused on their child going through a transplant journey, as well as caring for any brothers or sisters, they are also faced with everyday financial pressures such as rent or mortgage payments and the cost of gas. “The Foundation takes those worries away and lets the family focus on what is most important.” Over the years, Derek has had the opportunity to visit children in hospital who are waiting for, or have undergone, an organ
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transplant, as well as meet and spend time with many Foundation families at fundraising events, including the recent 40th anniversary gala in Victoria. “In every one of those experiences, I have been moved by the optimism, determination and spirit of the kids and their parents,” Derek says. “At the end of the day, they are just kids who are facing an unimaginable challenge—which often continues even after their transplant—in a way one can only marvel at.” Looking to the future, Derek sees opportunities for the Foundation to continue expanding its impact and building awareness around organ donation in Canada. He believes there is an important opportunity to help more people understand the ongoing need for registered organ donors and the difference organ donation can make for families across the country. “The Foundation team has done an amazing job creating the opportunity to support families well into the future, and we look forward to supporting even more people in need.” Outside of his work with the Foundation, Derek especially enjoys spending time with his five grandchildren. “Our grandchildren are such a joy. They say the darndest things and have the most amazing energy and imaginations.” For Derek, that time with family is also a reminder of just how meaningful it is to help give children and their families the opportunity to focus on what matters most—being together.
Photo credit: Wedding Bliss Photography
Presented with a Key: An Intimate Evening at Government House
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he 40th Anniversary Celebration began with an Intimate Founder’s Evening. Hosted by Her Honour, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and His Honour Sergio Cocchia, this evening was thoughtfully curated by Founder David Foster and CEO Michael Ravenhill to honour and acknowledge the many years of service from our Board of Directors and our Senior Vice President of Fund Development, John Danson, who is retiring this year after 14 years of working with the Foundation. These remarkable individual’s generosity, leadership, and friendship have helped shape our Foundation over the past four decades. Set within one of British Columbia's most distinguished official residences, Founders' Night formally opened what was an extraordinary anniversary weekend.
This extraordinary gift from Her Honour and His Honour was a remarkable recognition of David’s contributions and a memorable highlight of the evening. It provided a beautiful and fitting beginning to the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The David Foster Foundation.
Photo credit: Vito Amati Photography
While the evening was anticipated to be a truly momentous occasion, it surpassed all expectations. David Foster was honoured with the presentation of a key to Government House by Her Honour and His Honour. This is the first time a key to Government House has been presented in a prestigious ceremony by Her Honour, making the gesture both exceptionally meaningful and deeply significant.
David Foster and Her Honour, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia with David's key to Government House.
The David Foster Foundation
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THEN&NOW F
COEN WALLACE —> THEN
Evanne Fisher and Coen Wallace first became part of the DFF family as young children facing extraordinary medical journeys. Today, they are thriving young people with passions, goals and futures of their own.
Coen’s transplant journey also began before he was born. In 2010, during a routine stress test late in Tanis’s pregnancy, doctors discovered that something was seriously wrong with his kidneys. Tanis and Chris were quickly sent from Victoria to BC Children’s Hospital, where Coen was born three weeks early with severe kidney disease.
or more than 40 years, the Foundation has had the privilege of supporting families through some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. But our connection with many families does not end when a child receives their transplant
EVANNE FISHER —> THEN Before Evanne was even born, her family knew she was facing an extraordinary battle. During Tamara’s pregnancy in 2004, doctors discovered that Evanne had three extremely rare heart conditions and would need a heart transplant to survive. Tamara travelled from British Columbia to Toronto while still pregnant so Evanne could be cared for at SickKids and Mount Sinai. The David Foster Foundation helped with accommodations, transportation, groceries and other essential expenses, allowing Tamara to remain by her daughter’s side.
Within his first week of life, Coen underwent three surgeries and began dialysis. For the next three years, family life revolved around keeping him healthy enough to receive a transplant. This included 12-hour dialysis treatments at home and, for five months, travelling from Victoria to Vancouver four days a week for hemodialysis. When neither parent was able to donate a kidney, more than 400 people were tested before family friend Don Davidson was approved as Coen’s living donor. During those years, DFF helped ease the financial burden on the family so Tanis and Chris could focus on Coen.
On February 13, 2013, Don donated one of his kidneys Evanne Rae Fisher was born on October 2, 2004, already to Coen. listed for a heart transplant. Just over a month later, on November 9, the call came that a donor heart was available. —> NOW At seven years old, Evanne would once again face transplant, receiving her second donor heart.
—> NOW Over 20 years later, Evanne is a happy and healthy 21-yearold who will celebrate her 22nd birthday this October. She recently graduated from UBC with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, with support from the David Foster Foundation Scholarship Fund. Having known from a young age that she wanted to work with children, Evanne is now taking steps toward a career where she can do exactly that.
Today, Coen is 16 and heading into Grade 11, and life looks very different from those early years spent connected to dialysis machines. Coen loves sports. He is part of a climbing academy, plays racquet sports and soccer, and is a goalie in the Vipers Ball Hockey League. He also loves science and is already thinking about a future career in the medical field.
Transplant will always be part of Coen’s life, including ongoing medications and treatments and the possibility of another transplant in the future. But with his stoic nature, She also works part-time at a local fabric store and loves quilting, sewing and other fabric arts. Most recently, Evanne great personality and sense of humour, Coen continues to thrive. and her mom, Tamara, celebrated just how far they have come with an Alaskan cruise together. From babies fighting for their lives to young people For the Fisher family, their relationship with DFF has continued for over two decades—a connection Tamara describes as being rooted not only in gratitude, but in love and family.
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discovering who they want to become, Evanne and Coen remind us what those difficult days of waiting, supporting and hoping are ultimately about: giving children the opportunity to grow up.
THANKS TO ALL OUR PARTNERS Life Legacy Members The Anschutz Foundation Jim and Sandi Treliving James Wilson and Vivian Roy Jim Pattison
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Walter and Maria Schneider Argyros Family Foundation Joan and Paul Waechter TELUS AWIN (Auto World Imports Network) Paragon Kyle MacDonald and John Franklin The Slaight Family Foundation
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Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation in Partnership with Catalyst Capital Group The Waugh Family Foundation George Vassallo and Christine Cole Dr. Stacie and Richard Stephenson Walter Scott Family Foundation Haim and Cheryl Saban Bonnie Buhler
National Partners Aird & Berlis
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ALLVISION Air Canada Foundation Purolator
Community Partners DeerFields Clinic Boston Pizza International Tom Lee Music
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Staywell Patient Accommodations
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1. Evanne with her mom, Tamara, and brother, Bauer, at the David Foster Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Gala in August 2026. 2. Evanne as a baby during the early days of her heart transplant journey. 3. Evanne and her brother, Bauer, celebrating her graduation from UBC’s Early Childhood Education program. 4. Coen with Don Davidson, the family friend who became his living kidney donor. 5. A young Coen with David Foster, during the Wallace family’s early years with the Foundation. 6. Coen in net, doing what he loves—playing goalie and staying active through sport.
GIB-SAN Pool & Landscape Creations Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour The Hillyard Stephen Group at RBC Dominion Securities
The David Foster Foundation
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Thank You for 40 Years of Support
Together, we can make a difference
Photo credit: Wedding Bliss Photography
To learn more, please visit davidfosterfoundation.com