Kiarra and her parents, Christine and RJ
Kiarra's Journey: New Lungs, New Life!
My daughter, Kiarra Kae Leobano, was born on June 20, 2023. At just four months old, she received a double lung transplant—a gift that gave her a second chance at life.
Kiarra
TRANSPLANT NEEDED: LUNGS
HOME: TORONTO, ON
From the moment she was born, our journey was filled with unexpected challenges. Just minutes after holding Kiarra for the first time, doctors noticed something unusual about her breathing. She was admitted to the NICU, and despite hours of monitoring, her oxygen levels remained low. The doctors at the hospital where I gave birth made the decision to transfer her to SickKids Hospital for specialized care. That was the moment I knew something was seriously wrong.
We had no warning as nothing from my ultrasounds had suggested any issues. At SickKids, the medical team ran extensive tests, but they couldn’t determine the cause of her breathing difficulties. On July 4, 2023, they decided to conduct DNA testing for Interstitial Lung Disease. Just 13 days later, we received the devastating diagnosis: Kiarra had ABCA3-related Interstitial Lung Disease in both lungs.
I had already begun researching the disease, and what I found was terrifying, many children with this condition have a life expectancy of just 3-5 years. Our doctors told us there was no cure, no medication, and only one option: a double lung transplant. As heartbreaking as it was, we knew we had to move forward. We wanted our daughter to have a chance at a longer, happier life.
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A Season of Gratitude and Hope
Message from the Chairman
As winter settles in and we look toward the end of another remarkable year, I find myself reflecting on the journey this Foundation has taken and the incredible people who make it what it is. From the very first family we helped almost four decades ago to the hundreds we continue to support each year, I remain deeply moved by the courage, resilience, and hope that define every story we encounter. What began in my hometown of Victoria has grown far beyond what ever imagined. It has become a community of compassion stretching across Canada, united by one purpose: ensuring that no family facing a pediatric organ transplant ever has to walk that road alone. The
families we meet inspire us daily; they remind us why this work matters and why we must keep pushing forward.
This past year, our team has continued to expand our programs, strengthen our partnerships, and deepen our impact. From supporting urgent travel and housing needs to celebrating transplant milestones with families who are thriving today, we see firsthand the power of generosity in action. It is humbling to know that every donation, every message of encouragement, and every act of kindness plays a part in saving lives and preserving families.
As we move into 2026, our 40th Anniversary year, we will have the opportunity to celebrate not just what we have accomplished but what lies
ahead. This milestone is not about looking back; it is about looking forward with gratitude for the past and excitement for what is yet to come.
On behalf of my family and everyone at the David Foster Foundation, thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with the families we serve. May this season bring you peace, warmth, and a renewed sense of hope —the same hope that continues to guide everything we do.
With heartfelt appreciation,
David Foster, OC, OBC Founder and Chairman David Foster Foundation
Empowering Change, One Family at a Time
Message
from the Chief Executive Officer
As we close out another meaningful year at the David Foster Foundation, am reminded of the incredible community that stands behind this mission. Donors, partners, volunteers, and families continue to inspire everything we do. Each winter, we take a moment to reflect on the impact we have made together and to look ahead with renewed focus and purpose.
This past year has been one of connection and growth. We have expanded our partnerships across the country, supported families through some of their most challenging times, and shared stories of hope that remind us all why this work
matters. Behind every number and every success story are real people: parents, children, and loved ones who have found strength because of your generosity.
As we approach our 40th Anniversary in 2026, our team is working hard to ensure that this milestone year not only celebrates our history but also lays the foundation for the next generation of support. Our goal remains clear: to continue providing compassionate, comprehensive assistance to families navigating the unimaginable journey of pediatric organ transplantation.
To our dedicated supporters, thank you for walking alongside us. Your
From the Heart, a Sincere Thank You!
Message from SVP, Fund Development
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to extend, on behalf of all our families from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island who are going through the life-saving pediatric organ transplant process and require our support, a most
• 46% increase in total requests in 2025 compared to 2024
• 49% increase in total funding released in 2025 compared to 2024
sincere thank you for your generosity. Because of you, our families are able to remain whole and together during the hardest moments of their lives.
Before the David Foster Foundation began 40 years ago, more than 75% of families facing a transplant journey experienced bankruptcy and/or divorce due to the overwhelming financial and emotional strain. With our support, that burden has been lifted, or at the very least, drastically reduced, for so many families today. When I say “we” and “our,” I truly mean you and the Foundation, together.
Each month I review our funding statistic reports. After 12 years and over 100 reports, I remain struck by how the need continues to grow.
As we approach the end of the tax year, I ask you to consider making a donation to the Foundation, knowing that 100% of your donation supports families directly, not one penny goes to administration. All donations received on or before December 31, 2025 will receive a tax receipt for the full amount.
As this is our final newsletter of the year, it is my honour to wish each of you a healthy and Happy New Year.
belief in the Foundation allows us to do this important work every single day. On behalf of our entire team, I wish you a warm and joyful holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and the knowledge that your kindness is changing lives.
With Appreciation this Season
Message from Director of Family Relations
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the people who make this work possible.
To the social workers across Canada—thank you.
recovery, or ongoing medical needs. We hope you’re able to find moments of rest, connection, and care, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.
With sincere appreciation,
HCol Michael Ravenhill Chief Executive Officer
David Foster Foundation Honourary Colonel Canadian Armed Forces 410 Tactical Fighter Squadron
You are often the first point of contact for families in crisis, holding so much emotional and logistical weight every day. Your compassion, advocacy, and commitment make an immeasurable difference, and we are grateful to work alongside you.
To the families we support —we are thinking of you.
We know that the holiday season can feel complicated when you’re navigating hospital stays, transplant
And to our donors and partners—thank you for standing with us.
Your generosity ensures that families can stay together during the most difficult moments of their lives. The impact of your support goes far beyond a single season; it continues for years, in the futures these children are able to grow into..
Wishing each of you a warm holiday season, and a new year filled with connection, and laughter.
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
With gratitude Aleea Dahinden Director of Family Relations David Foster Foundation
She was listed on July 28, 2023, and while we were grateful, we were also terrified. Every day, we watched her struggle to breathe. The medical team reminded us that the longer she waited, the worse her condition would become. I was scared she wouldn’t make it in time.
During this period, we faced so many challenges. My partner and I didn’t have a car, so traveling back and forth to the hospital was incredibly difficult. We relied on Ubers or borrowed my partner’s boss’s car when possible. Then, in September 2023, our social worker introduced us to the David Foster Foundation (DFF). The Foundation became a lifeline for our family, providing support for essential expenses like gas, transportation, and food. Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to be by Kiarra’s side every day.
After nearly three months of waiting, on October 15, 2023, we received the call that changed everything, a donor match had been found for Kiarra. I was in complete shock. It felt like a miracle. The next day, we got another call: her transplant surgery was scheduled for October 18 at midnight.
Knowing the risks of such a major procedure, my partner and I spent every moment we could with our daughter, making memories and holding her close. We didn’t know if she would survive the surgery, but we prayed for her second chance at life.
The operation lasted eight hours. It was the longest wait of our lives. When the doctor finally called us in, my heart pounded. Then, the words we had been hoping for: the surgery was successful, with no complications. It was almost unbelievable that our tiny, fragile baby had new lungs and was breathing on her own for the first time.
The road to recovery was tough. At one point, Kiarra developed a high fever, and we feared her body might reject the transplant. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. She still needed ventilator support while her body adjusted to her new lungs.
On December 1, 2023, the medical team decided Kiarra needed a tracheostomy to help with her breathing. This procedure allowed her to be transferred to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where we could begin preparing to bring her home. We arrived on December 17, 2023, and spent the next month undergoing intensive training to care for her. We learned how to suction her airway 10-15 times a day, perform weekly tracheostomy changes, and operate her ventilator. It was overwhelming, but we were determined. We learned everything we needed.
After 225 days in rehabilitation, we were finally able to bring Kiarra home on July 29, 2024. Since then, she has been decannulated and no longer needs a tracheostomy.
This journey has tested us in every way—emotionally, financially, and physically. My mother, a nurse back home
I promise to give all my love and care to our daughter, and to the lungs she received from your child.
in the Philippines, has been a great guide, helping us understand Kiarra’s condition. In Canada, my family consists of just my mother, sister, Kiarra, and me, while my partner’s five family members have also been a huge support. We are beyond grateful for them, as the financial burden has been immense. My mother and in-laws often had to take time off work to attend medical appointments, training, and meetings at Bloorview and SickKids, ensuring we were never alone in this fight.
To other families facing similar journeys: never lose hope. Have faith. We will always be grateful to the David Foster Foundation for standing by us and supporting us through the hardest moments of our lives. Without them, we don’t know how we would have managed.
Today, Kiarra is 20 months old—a happy, playful, and resilient child. She was discharged from the hospital on July 29, 2024, and now sees her transplant team for check-ups once a month. She loves music, dancing, and playing, and while her speech is delayed, she is making progress every day. She no longer needs a ventilator, but she still requires a feeding tube and will take anti-rejection medications for life, but she is thriving. Though we must always monitor her heart and lungs, she is living proof of the power of organ donation.
As a parent, nothing compares to the joy of watching Kiarra grow and achieve milestones we once feared she’d never reach. She is our miracle, and she has brought our family closer together.
To the family of our child’s donor: there are no words to express my sincerest condolences for the loss of your child. Your child’s lungs are very healthy, and they are giving my daughter a wonderful life. We were able to celebrate Kiarra’s first birthday, and today she is thriving. I am forever grateful for your kindness, your courage, and your generosity during such a painful time. Your loved one’s memory is honored every single day.
I promise to give all my love and care to our daughter, and to the lungs she received from your child.
I have long wished could tell you directly how much you mean to us. May God bless you with love and strength.
Above: After her lung transplant, Kiarra finally got to enjoy days like this, surrounded by her parents, grandparents, and auntie, celebrating the gift of her second chance.
Below: Kiarra continues to do well following her transplant and is enjoying life beyond the hospital.
Above: Kiarra, supported by a ventilator while waiting for her lung transplant.
Below: Kiarra’s bed surrounded by the machines that helped keep her strong through her wait.
David Foster Awarded Key to the Consulate
The Foundation is proud to share that our Chairman and Founder, David Foster, was recently awarded the Key to the Consulate by the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles. This prestigious recognition celebrates not only David’s extraordinary career as one of the world’s most accomplished composers and producers, but also his lasting impact as a Canadian cultural ambassador and philanthropist.
David’s journey from a young pianist to a global music icon has always been grounded in his Canadian roots. His remarkable contributions have earned him honours including the Order of Canada and the Order of
British Columbia, along with countless accolades across his five-decade career. Yet, beyond the spotlight, David’s deepest legacy lies in the lives changed through the David Foster Foundation, helping Canadian families whose children require life-saving organ transplants.
The Key to the Consulate is a rare and meaningful honour, symbolizing David’s meaningful connection to Canada while recognizing his profound influence on the international stage. The award presentation, hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and close friends to celebrate David’s commitment to excellence, compassion, and the power of giving back.
Board Spotlight: Lorenzo Oss-Cech
Lorenzo’s connection to the David Foster Foundation began from a place of personal understanding. After losing his six-year-old nephew to cancer, he knew what it feels like for a family’s world to tilt overnight. So, when the opportunity came to support the Foundation through his legal work, he didn’t have to think twice. Later, when the Foundation grew nationally, David invited him to join the Board and he has been part of guiding its direction ever since.
In his professional life, Lorenzo is a founding partner at a Victoria law firm, where much of his work centers on
helping people through life-altering circumstances. It’s reflected in the way he approaches the Foundation: with steadiness, clarity, and a lot of heart.
What stands out most to him about the Foundation is how it holds families together through the hardest moments.
“There is nothing like it,” he says. “It truly keeps families whole while they navigate something incredibly difficult.”
There’s one moment he returns to often. During a visit to SickKids in Toronto, he saw toddlers living with Berlin Hearts, small external pumps that keep a child alive while they wait for a transplant. “Seeing two-year-olds with Berlin hearts on their chest is an image burned into my mind,” he says. “I dropped to my knees.”
Outside of his Board role, Lorenzo’s life is full and lively. He and his fiancée share a home with her two kids. They also have two dogs, two cats, and two bunnies, which means there is always a paw (or a paw plus a set of ears) somewhere underfoot. And he still plays competitive soccer, something he plans to continue “as long as I can still run.”
When he thinks about the Foundation’s future, he keeps it simple:
Keep doing what this amazing team has structured. It works.
For the Foundation, this moment represents more than an individual achievement—it reflects the collective spirit of generosity and care that drives our mission. David’s leadership continues to inspire us to open doors for families in need and to remind the world that compassion truly knows no borders.
As we look ahead to 2026 and the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, this honour serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person’s vision can have when matched with purpose, heart, and community.
Congratulations, David, on this welldeserved recognition. Your key opens countless hearts and opportunities for the families we serve.
Supporting Education After Transplant
The Foundation is proud to offer annual scholarships of up to $2,000 to individuals who previously received support from the Foundation during their transplant journey. This program reflects our long-term commitment to standing alongside families beyond the medical crisis and supporting recipients as they pursue their education, goals, and future careers.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for a DFF Scholarship, applicants must:
• Have received financial support from the David Foster Foundation at any point during their transplant journey
• Be accepted to or currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (college, university, trades, certificate programs, etc.)
Scholarships are available to transplant recipients of any age.
What the Scholarship Covers Scholarship funds (up to $2,000) can be used toward:
• Tuition
• Books and academic supplies
• Housing or residence expenses
• Other education-related costs
Applicants must provide receipts for expenses equal to or greater than the amount requested.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the scholarship application and submit the required documents:
Required Documents
• Proof of acceptance or enrollment
• Proof of current registration (e.g., timetable, confirmation of enrollment)
• Receipts that show education-related expenses equal to or greater than the amount requested.
Completed applications can be emailed to: families@davidfosterfoundation.com
1. David and Katharine with DFF CEO, Michael Ravenhill, and his wife, Cassandra.
2. Kirstine Stewart, the Consul General of Canada Zaib Shaikh, David Foster, Katharine McPhee Foster, Richard J. Stephenson and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson.
3. Consul General Zaib Shaikh and David Foster.
Photo credits: John Sciulli
David Foster and Katharine McPhee Foster with the Key to the Consulate.
Making Medical Travel Possible: A New Partnership with the Air Canada Foundation
The David Foster Foundation is honoured to announce a meaningful new partnership with the Air Canada Foundation and its Hospital Transportation Program. This collaboration will help ensure that children awaiting life-saving organ transplants can access the specialized medical care they need, no matter how far from home that care may be.
Through this initiative, The Air Canada Foundation will transfer donated Aeroplan points directly to families supported by the David Foster Foundation, enabling essential travel to pediatric transplant hospitals across Canada and beyond. This support helps remove one of the biggest financial barriers facing families during the most critical moments of their lives.
For families navigating the long and emotional journey toward an organ transplant, travel is not optional. It is urgent, often unexpected, and can be financially overwhelming. Donated Aeroplan points make it possible for children to reach the hospitals where their care awaits, easing the strain and offering comfort at a time when hope matters most.
“Our ability to come together truly can make a real difference,” shared David Foster, Founder and Chairman of the David Foster Foundation.
“Supporting this program, whether through point donations or by helping spread the word, has the power to change a child’s life.”
CEO HCol Michael Ravenhill echoed this sentiment: “Every child deserves a chance at life, no matter where they live. By donating Aeroplan points, Canadians can directly help families overcome the financial hurdles that stand between them and the medical care their children urgently need.”
This new collaboration with the Air Canada Foundation marks an inspiring step forward in expanding that impact and reaching even more families in need.
Aeroplan members wishing to contribute can make a direct difference by donating points at: donatepoints.aircanada.com/charity/5
DFF Volunteers: Rick & Lois Vol
Rick first became involved with the David Foster Foundation during the very first event held in Victoria. He started as a volunteer driver and later joined the organizing committee as the events continued. His longtime colleague and friend Dave Richardson, also a member of the Saanich Police Department and a friend of David’s, encouraged him to get involved.
Over the years, many Greater Victoria police officers volunteered at the events, and officers from other jurisdictions stepped up when events were held in their cities. Rick’s wife, Lois, has also been volunteering with the Foundation for the past 20 years.
Before the first event, Rick was inspired by the story of one of the first families David assisted, and by David’s dedication to raising awareness and funds to support families whose children required organ transplants. Seeing the progress of many of the children who have received transplants has been both memorable and, at times, very emotional for Rick and Lois. “This is also what makes volunteering for the Foundation so rewarding,” Rick shared.
He adds that it has been gratifying to see how David has inspired his friends and celebrities over the years to be so generous with their time and resources in support of the Foundation.
“During almost 40 years of involvement with the David Foster Foundation, I have found that there have been many lasting friendships made within the core group of volunteers who were instrumental in the success of many of the fundraising events. This is another aspect of why Lois and I continue to volunteer.”
Rick and Lois are looking forward to being involved in the next event in Victoria in 2026.
Rick served with the Saanich Police Department for 35 years, retiring in 2013. In retirement, he continues to volunteer, including past involvement with the Tour de Rock and most recently with the Simon Keith Foundation.
The Impact of Staying Close:
Already in 2025, the Foundation has covered over 3,500 nights of accommodation for families who had to leave home for transplant care, and December isn’t over yet, so that number will continue to grow. That isn't just a number. It is:
• 3,500+ nights where a child didn’t face recovery alone
• 3,500+ nights where a parent didn’t have to sleep in a hospital chair
• 3,500+ nights where a family remained together instead of separated by distance and circumstance
This is the heart of the Foundation: We don’t just support families during transplant, we help them stay together through it.
Donor Spotlight: Mr. Richard J Stephenson & Dr. Stacie J Stephenson
Mr. Richard J Stephenson and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson have long shared a heartfelt commitment to philanthropy and improving the lives of others. Serving as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Gateway for Cancer Research their efforts have supported more than 200 Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials and brought hope to over 30,000 patients and families worldwide. Over the years, David and Katharine Foster have been extraordinary partners to Gateway for Cancer Research, playing an essential role in helping raise critical funds to advance patient-centered cancer research.
In that same spirit of partnership and gratitude, the Stephenson’s are proud to champion and support the David Foster Foundation since their introduction to the foundation in 2014, honouring its transformative work for families facing pediatric organ transplants.
Stacie and Richard’s deep dedication to philanthropy has earned them notable recognition, including the Unsung Hero Award from the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, acknowledging their leadership in supporting cancer research and patient-focused treatment and care.
Beyond their groundbreaking philanthropy in funding cancer research, the Stephenson’s invest in the next generation through their involvement with organizations like Childhelp, the nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, which honoured Stacie with its prestigious Woman of the World Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting vulnerable children.
Believers in the arts and community, they were proud to partner with The Phoenix Theatre Company to open the new 500 seat Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre. In addition to performance, the Phoenix Theatre Company supports youth arts programs, including their Partners That Heal program, which brings improvisation into care environments to brighten spirits and help individuals and their caregivers connect more openly and effectively.
Together, the Stephenson’s and the David Foster Foundation are united by a shared commitment to uplifting lives, nurturing hope, and ensuring families in crisis receive the care and support they need. Their enduring partnership continues to drive meaningful change across health, arts, and humanitarian initiatives.
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
The Stephenson family.
Photo credit: Flytographer