CELEBRATE the Gift of Life
together in their home in Alberta
Scarlett's Transplant Story
Scarlett TRANSPLANT NEEDED:
In July of 2023, Kaitlynn, who was 20 weeks pregnant, and her mother were driving to Lethbridge, which is 925 km away from their home in Grande Prairie, to visit family for a week. During the drive, a neurologist's office called to book an appointment for Scarlett for the following month in Lethbridge. Scarlett, who was 15 months old at the time, had been missing milestones usual for children her age. She wasn’t able to pull herself up to stand or walk, so the family’s doctor had referred her to a specialist. After explaining that they lived far but were going to be in Lethbridge, the office scheduled an appointment a few days later
At the appointment, the doctor expressed serious concerns about Scarlett's breathing and weight. The doctor advised them to go to the emergency room to see a pediatrician immediately and didn’t feel comfortable having them wait longer than necessary. This emergency visit was the first time anyone mentioned Scarlett’s heart condition, which came as a shock to Kaitlynn as they had been attending regular appointments with Scarlett given her slow start to crawl. Scarlett was admitted during that visit with failure to thrive, and the next day, she was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, along with a non-cardiac diagnosis of failure to thrive and global developmental delay. It was no wonder that Scarlett was struggling to crawl with the stress her heart was under. The assessment process for a heart transplant began the following day.
Photo
Isaac, Zach , Scarlett, Kaitlynn & Aria spending time
A Time For Reflection
Message from the Chairman
As the summer sun starts to fade and the trees start to lose their leaves signaling the change of season, it reminds me of the excitement that builds with kids as they prepare to start a new school year.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for some of our Foundation kids who are battling to survive as they wait for a major organ to become available. They would love to be amongst the kids running on the playground without a care in the world. It is because of these kids that I dedicate my life to helping families and children during the most stressful time of their lives!
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors
and supporters who help me in our cause. Your generosity and commitment enable us to continue our vital work at the David Foster Foundation, providing essential support to families in need. Without your contributions, none of this would be possible.
I am especially excited to share with you an upcoming event that holds special significance: the celebration of a milestone birthday at the Hollywood Bowl. This event weekend promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, joy, and the spirit of giving. It’s not just a birthday celebration but a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make together. I look forward
The Spirit of Summer
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
It’s hard to believe that summer is over… I hope it has been a wonderful time to take a break, enjoy the warm weather, and spend quality moments with family and friends.
Over the summer, I was delighted to see all the fantastic photos from our "The Future is so Bright" campaign, featuring our families and their incredible optimism for the future. These images are a testament to the strength and resilience of the families we support.
The spirit of summer was alive, and the smiles and stories shared through our campaign remind us why we do what we do. It's heartwarming to see how much joy these moments bring,
to seeing many of you there, as we come together to celebrate and support our cause.
Thank you once again for your support and dedication to the families we support.
Warm regards,
David
Foster, OC,
OBC Founder and Chairman David Foster Foundation
and it motivates us to continue our mission with even greater passion.
As we move from the warm summer nights to the colder fall days, we see the weather changing and the days getting shorter. Change is often hard and this is very true when it comes to our Foundation families whose lives change dramatically when they receive the news that their child needs a major organ transplant or they will die. It is this sole reason that keeps me up late at night and gets me up early in the morning… To keep pushing forward to create a better awareness of the need to become a registered organ and tissue donor and to raise the much-needed financial
assistance from donors such as yourselves for our families that need it most.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support.
TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING DIFFERENCE!
With sincere appreciation,
HCol Michael Ravenhill Chief Executive Officer David Foster Foundation Honourary Colonel Canadian Armed Forces
410 Tactical Fighter Squadron
Never Forget the "WHY" Message from SVP, Fund Development
The work achieved by the Foundation would not happen without the financial support of many. As the cliché goes, “It takes a village.”
We are extremely fortunate that our Foundation has the benefit of David’s world-wide connections to musicians and artists that he has worked with over the past four decades on his way to 46 Grammy nominations and 16 Grammys and over an astounding 500 million albums sold.
Did you know that David has donated his time to well over 400 charities over the past four decades which explains all his accolades and awards, like the Order of Canada.
Our fundraising events and galas are certainly spectacular, unique, and
extremely successful by industry standards, but it behooves us to never forget the “why,” the purposes, the immediate and direct benefit to Canadian families from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island.
I urge you to refresh yourself and revisit the David Foster Foundation, a Foundation that supports every eligible Canadian family that has a child going through the challenging pediatric lifesaving organ transplant and requires financial assistance. In short, the Foundation creates more tomorrows for families and their children.
I urge you to go to our website, www.davidfosterfoundation.com and under the heading News & Events/Videos, watch the family
Championing The Cause
Message from Director of Family Relations
As we move into the heart of summer, it's an important time to remember the ongoing need for organ and tissue donation. The significance of this cause extends beyond National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month in April and continues to affect many lives throughout the year.
In this edition, we share the story of Scarlett, whose journey to receiving a heart transplant has been both challenging and inspiring. Scarlett's story is featured on pages 1-5, offering a detailed look at the struggles and hopes of her family as they navigated this difficult path. From the initial shock of her diagnosis to the life-changing moment when they received the call
that there was a donor heart for their daughter, Scarlett's journey highlights the critical importance of organ donation. While many children are enjoying the freedom and excitement of summer activities, kids like Scarlett are often confined to hospitals or their homes, recovering from life-saving surgeries or awaiting transplants. This stark contrast underscores the need for increased awareness and support for organ donation. Scarlett's resilience and the unwavering strength of her family serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that organ donors can have.
As we enjoy the long days let us also come together in solidarity to advocate for increased awareness
videos and once again, you will quickly appreciate the “WHY.” In doing so, I hope you will agree with me and consider the David Foster Foundation as a natural home for some of your charitable giving.
With sincere regards,
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
and support for those awaiting life-saving transplants. By sharing stories like Scarlett's and championing the cause of organ donation, we can offer renewed hope and the promise of new beginnings to many individuals in need.
With heartfelt appreciation, Aleea Dahinden
Director of Family Relations
David Foster Foundation
…for months we went to bed every night and woke up every morning not knowing if it would be our last with our baby girl.
Just over a month after her diagnosis, Scarlett was officially listed for a heart transplant at just 17 months old. Scarlett required immediate medical care and monitoring, so both Kaitlynn and Zack unexpectedly had to leave their jobs to be in Edmonton to care for Scarlett and her brother, Isaac. The family was in Edmonton for about a month as Scarlett’s care stabilized.
Reflecting on that initial period, Kaitlynn recalls, “Her diagnosis was a shock. Finding out she’d need a transplant was an even bigger shock. As I said, we had absolutely no idea that things were that bad. All of a sudden, one of my worst nightmares as a parent had come to life. One of my kids is deathly ill, and there is nothing I can do to fix it. There is no medicine to fix it.”
In August, the family was able to return home to Grande Prairie but Kaitlynn was back and forth with Scarlett every other week. Sometimes these admissions were planned and sometimes they weren’t. Sometimes they were one day and sometimes they were two weeks. “It felt like I had to pick between my kids because for the first time they weren’t allowed to be together at night. My husband was forced to be burdened with the need to be with our family over being able to provide for us financially.” Isaac was significantly impacted by his sister’s medical journey. “He’s still a happy boy, but now he’s terrified of new things and breaks down in tears whenever someone tries to go somewhere without him. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve put him to bed and he’s begged me not to leave him, that he didn’t want to lose me. Every time his dad goes to work, he’s in hysterics because he thinks he isn’t going to come back.”
The family had to adjust to the waiting period which was especially challenging given that Kaitlynn was pregnant. “It’s hard to live life when you’re waiting by the phone, and I only had a few months left of my pregnancy. We had no idea if our youngest would be born in Edmonton or in Grande Prairie. I also have kids super fast, so it was a genuine fear that I would have this baby on the side of the road during one of our travels. We decided to get induced at 38 weeks to try and have some control over that situation since we had none over Scarlett’s.”
In February 2024, the family was in Edmonton for a planned appointment Scarlett had. They arrived a day early, and after only a few hours in the city, the hospital called and said there was a heart for Scarlett. Remembering the moment the family got the call, Kaitlynn recalls, “When the doctors gave us her diagnoses, they said, ‘the chances of something happening suddenly and catastrophically were extremely high,’ so getting the call was almost like a weight being
lifted because for months we went to bed every night and woke up every morning not knowing if it would be our last with our baby girl.”
The surgery was successful, and as soon as Scarlett woke up, she asked for her brother. Post-transplant, the family’s social worker told them about the David Foster Foundation (DFF), and DFF was able to provide financial support in the months Scarlett recovered from her surgery as well as with costs associated with follow-up appointments following the family’s return home. “The Foundation made it so that our family could be together during Scarlett’s transplant surgery as well as the weeks afterward when we had to stay in Edmonton. They made it so we didn’t have to worry financially and could instead focus on her recovery and making sure our three kids were receiving the love and support they needed during this hard time.”
Today, Scarlett “is a sassy vocal girl who isn’t afraid to put people in their place. It’s her way or no way. Her vocabulary is incredible. Now that she actually has the energy to walk there is no stopping her. She has to do everything her brother does. She loves to sing and dance. She loves to color, especially on herself, and her all-time favorite thing is Play-Doh. She is so strong and resilient. Even with everything she’s been through, she’s one of the happiest kids I’ve ever met. Everyone she meets loves her.”
Photo credit: Flytographer
Far Left: Scarlett, 2 years old, waiting for her heart transplant at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton AB.
Top and Bottom Left: Scarlett now post-transplant and doing well. Bottom: Scarlett recovering from her transplant.
THANK YOU BC LIONS!
The Foundation is deeply grateful to the BC Lions for their generous donation of two VIP suites on June 27th, allowing Alicia & Aleea to host transplant families for an unforgettable BC Lions game!
The evening was a remarkable experience for all involved, filled with moments of joy, camaraderie, and cherished memories. The two adjacent suites provided a perfect setting for families to come together and enjoy the game in comfort and style. The atmosphere was enhanced with delicious burgers, fries, and desserts, ensuring that everyone had a delightful culinary experience. Before the game commenced, families had the special privilege of visiting alongside the field, soaking in the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming match.
Throughout the game, the BC Lions went above and beyond to make the evening truly memorable. Grey Cup alumni winners visited the suites, sharing stories and inspiring the families with their experiences. Members of the dance team added to the festive spirit, while the mascot brought smiles and laughter to everyone present.
The families who attended expressed their immense joy and gratitude for such a memorable experience. For many of them, it was a rare opportunity to relax and enjoy a special outing together amidst the challenges of their medical journeys. The generosity of the BC Lions in providing this experience not only lifted spirits but also created lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.
On behalf of the Foundation and all the families who benefited from this extraordinary gesture, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the BC Lions organization. Your kindness and support have made a significant impact on our mission to help transplant families thrive and create meaningful moments together. We are honored to have partnered with you in making a difference in the lives of these deserving families.
1. BC Lion's mascot, Leo the Lion visited our families during the game!
2. Alumni players for the BC Lions also visited the box during the game.
3. Thank you BC Lions for gifting us two private boxes side-by-side to share with the families we support.
4. Aleea Dahinden & Alicia Moyes from DFF hosting families at the game.
5. BC Lion Cheerleaders visiting our guests.
6. Roes-Deley family standing with the Grey Cup.
The Future is So Bright!
This summer, the David Foster Foundation embraced a new way to celebrate the bright futures of the children and families we support. As part of our ongoing efforts to bring joy and engage with families of life-saving organ transplant recipients, we created custom sunglasses and sent them to participating families across the country.
These sunglasses are more than just a fun accessory; they symbolize the optimism and bright days ahead for our families. When we shared these sunglasses with the families, we asked them what they were looking forward to. The responses were heartwarming and inspiring, reflecting the resilience and hope that define our community.
Parents spoke of their excitement to see their children reach milestones they once thought impossible, from celebrating birthdays to attending their first day of school. Kids shared their dreams of playing sports, going on family vacations, and simply enjoying everyday moments with their loved ones.
The future is indeed bright, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our community. Your support allows us to continue our mission and witness the remarkable journeys of these children and their families. Each smile, each milestone, and each dream realized is a testament to the power of generosity and compassion.
Thank you to all of the families who have participated and shared why their future is so bright!
Transplant recipient, Luke.
Left: Wes, waiting for a heart transplant, in Toronto, ON. Above: A digital Foundation billboard picturing transplant recipient, Charli.
Transplant recipient, Za-Khari. Transplant recipient, Calvin & siblings. Transplant recipient, Winnie.
The Future's So Bright We Need Sunglasses
By: Cam Tait, Feature Writer
They were called wires. And it made a lot of sense because, honestly, they were made out of wire. Two circle lenses. Green in colour. They looked so cool.
“So cool.
So I asked my mother, who was shopping in a downtown North Battleford, Saskatchewan store called Kresge’s, a department store eventually sold to K-Mart, and asked her to hand them to me.
There they were: my first pair of sunglasses, at age 13. We drove back to our cabin, just north of town, and with these cool new pair of shades – they looked like eyewear sported by Beatle John Lennon – my summer officially started. I wore them. All the time … twice on Sunday. In fact, I wore them so much that the little right wire on the right broke. So, the topic of the small town where my father was born and raised was no longer Cam’s new sunglasses. It morphed into, “What a great tape job on Cam’s glasses.”
Thanks, Dad.
Browsing the internet for the origin of sunglasses and when they started being cool – all sunglasses are cool, right? –are different, depending on where your cursor takes you. One website says a type of sunglasses was around in the 13th century: the Inuit first made and then wore a type of snow goggle made of flattened walrus or caribou ivory with narrow slits to block sunlight. After that, sunglasses entered the pop culture sphere in 1835 when a standard form was made for the United States Army Corps, which
made their way to the Air Force. Hark! What would the 1986 blockbuster movie Top Gun be without the sunglasses on all its characters?
Sunglasses. They are an essential piece of Canadian summer. Their protection, of course, is to block bright sun rays.
As heatwaves crisscross the nation with scorching temperatures sunglasses are an essential part of our summer wardrobe. They help keep us cool, certainly.
We want to share the brightness and privilege of helping – families whose children require organ transplants. We’ve even come out with a special line of sunglasses to help our collective view to see the wonderful pictures of the kids the DFF has helped. There’s no better time than the summer for getting great pictures of kids having fun. I know from my own great experiences of my summers at Saskatchewan’s Jackfish Lake: campfires, countless picnics, family weddings, riding farm equipment, doing things we knew we shouldn’t have but they seemed like such a darn good idea at the time and so many more other activities.
For children who may have had a few extra challenges to get to where they are, every swim stroke, caught baseball, bike ride, slide down the baddest slide, waterski attempt, birthday parties, and more is a major accomplishment. They need to be celebrated. But their feats are so bright we need to make sure we can see everything.
A word of advice: be careful of wired framed sunglasses. I hear they can break. And you don’t want to miss anything.
Transplant recipient, Braelyn. Transplant recipient, Matis. Transplant recipient, Bay. Transplant recipient, John.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS
Life Legacy Members
The Anschutz Foundation
Jim and Sandi Treliving
James Wilson and Vivian Roy
Jim Pattison
Walter and Maria Schneider
Argyros Family Foundation
Joan and Paul Waechter
Kyle MacDonald and John Franklin
Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation in Partnership with Catalyst Capital Group
National Partners
Community Partners
