2015 Summer Newsletter

Summer 2015 Volume 12

CELEBR ATE The Gift of Life

Natalie Ferry’s Story

Two-time liver recipient, Jack Lalonde, raises awareness about organ donation at OPERATION: REGISTRATION.

WHAT’S INSIDE Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . .

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Message from the SVP, Fund Development . . . . . . . . . . .

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Natalie Ferry’s Story . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message from the Chairman . . . . .

Message from the Director of Family & Community Relations . .

Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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8 OPERATION: REGISTRATION . . . . . . 9 GAIN Dealer Group Partnership . . 10 Toronto Blue Jays Game . . . . . . . . 11 Toronto Miracle Gala & Concert . 12 Follow us on:

“Natalie has reached the conclusion that although the idea of a heart transplant is scary, she knows it will give her the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. Now, it is a race against the clock for Natalie to find a heart before she turns eighteen so the whole procedure can happen at SickKids.”

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Natalie airlifted to SickKids in April 2012 with pneumonia.

atalie was born on a sunny July day in 1998. On September 24 later that year, Natalie was rushed to SickKids in Toronto with congestive heart failure. Five days later tiny Natalie had her first surgery—many more would follow. Doctors diagnosed her with Hypoplastic left heart with double outlet right ventricle, atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Natalie was a very sick little girl. The doctors were able to improve her blood flow by rerouting the blood from her lower body directly into her lungs, and she came home a much happier baby. continued on page 4

Message from the Chairman

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t has been an incredibly busy year for me travelling all over North America and Asia and it is an honour to be in a position to make a difference in people’s lives in such an important way with my music. As we quickly approach September, it is hard to believe we are already planning another Miracle Gala & Concert in a few short months.

We are busy preparing for this year’s gala at the incredible Mattamy Athletic Centre (formally the historic Maple Leaf Gardens) in Toronto, and I am so thankful to my friends Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, Peter Cetera, Kiesza, and Sinbad who have already committed to helping me make this spectacular event.

This year’s show promises to be one of the most remarkable yet, and we are excited to invite even more people to enjoy the show by opening up stadium seating for the first time in Toronto!

I am looking forward to seeing what a financial difference we can make for families across Canada as we encourage our guests to join us as we stand up and make a donation to support a family.

“From the Foundation’s inception back in 1986, I have made it my life commitment to make sure that no family has to choose between paying the mortgage or caring for their critically ill child, and I am thankful that each year our Foundation is able to care for these families when they need us the most.”

From the Foundation’s inception back in 1986, I have made it my life commitment to make sure that no family has to choose between paying the mortgage or caring for their critically ill child. I am thankful that each year our Foundation is able to care for these families when they need us the most.

Sincerely,

David Foster, Founder and Chairman

For more details about the Miracle Gala & Concert visit davidfostermiracleconcert.com.

To purchase tickets online please visit ticketmaster.com.

David with the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business students after his lecture and Q&A session.

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www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Message from the CEO

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ith summertime upon us, many families take vacations, relax with their loved ones and enjoy the summer weather. But each year, during this time of ball games and barbeques, I always think of the families that our Foundation supports, and how for many of them, the summer means nothing special at all. They don’t get time off, they don’t get vacations at the lake or camping trips with friends. Each day is spent at the hospital or doctor’s office, praying for a good test result, or waiting for an organ to become available. Fall, winter, spring or summer, the seasons mean very little to people with a critically ill child.

So, while you are spending time with your family this summer, you can help our families by talking about organ donation. This summer my challenge to you is to think about what one act you can do that may one day save the lives of many. Signing up to be an organ donor takes five minutes of your time and could save the lives of up to eight people and improve the quality of life for over 40 people.

“You can help our families by talking about organ donation. This summer my challenge to you is to think about what one act you can do that may one day save the lives of many. Signing up to be an organ donor takes five minutes of your time and could save the lives of up to eight people and improve the quality of life for over 40 people.”

I urge you to look around you this summer while you are enjoying family time and counting your blessings, and to consider becoming an organ donor. It is such a simple act but can have such a profound impact on the lives of so many people. There is no greater gift than the gift of life, and it is in all of us to give!

With gratitude and appreciation,

Mike Ravenhill, Chief Executive Officer

Thousands of people are on the National Transplant list and many die waiting for an organ to become available.

The process is so simple and you can do it all online–go to davidfosterfoundation.com to find out how.

Paul Rossmo, Porsche Centre General Manager, hands Mike Ravenhill a cheque for their Le Mans event donations held in June.

David Foster Foundation Newsletter

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continued from page 1

“Doctors told her parents, Carol and Jim, that Natalie would likely need a new heart one day but were hopeful Natalie would get many years out of her patched up heart.”

Natalie would get many years out of her patched up heart. In 2003 Natalie started school, played soccer, took dance class, bowled in a league and enjoyed life.

Natalie raising awareness about the importance of being a registered organ donor.

On April 1, 1999, before she was even one year old, Natalie had her second surgery, a Bidirectional Glenn procedure or Hemi-Fontan which involves redirecting oxygen-poor blood from the top of the body to the lungs. This surgery was the second step in a three stage “fix” of her tiny heart. It went relatively well, but she suffered a few complications and infections which kept her in the hospital for several weeks. After five weeks of amazing care by an incredible medical team and dedicated nurses, Natalie was allowed to go home on May 3, 1999. She bounced back extremely well and finally began to thrive at home. She grew, she ate, she slept and she was a “normal” baby. The doctors tried to wait as long as possible to do the third surgery which happened in January 2001. Natalie came through the surgery suffering only a few minor complications and after seventeen days she came home “fixed”. Doctors told her parents, Carol and Jim, then that Natalie would likely need a new heart one day but were hopeful

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In June of 2004 she developed protein losing enteropathy (PLE) which means Natalie’s body does not retain protein. Upon diagnosis she had chronic diarrhea and tummy bloating. The prednison, a prescription that treats inflammation, calmed that down and helped manage her PLE for the next ten years. Unfortunately, the side effects of the treatment slowed her growth and gave her early osteopenia which is the precursor to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. She came off prednisone in January 2014 and has managed her PLE ever since with diet changes and constant monitoring of her protein levels. However, she developed bad asthma and breathing issues and was airlifted once in April 2012 with pneumonia and again in April 2013 with the same. These two events led Natalie’s specialist at SickKids Children’s Hospital in Toronto, Dr. Benson, to schedule a cardiac catheterization, which is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, in November 2013.

During this procedure, Dr. Benson found Natalie had pulmonary fistulas, a disorder where blood enters her lungs and before it can drop off oxygen, it turns and leaves, putting the body in a constant state of subtle oxygen deprivation. In that year, she began using her inhalers frequently and she became tired very quickly–a flight of stairs was exhausting for her. It was then her specialist told them that the time had come to consider a heart transplant. This was, of course, an incredibly hard thing for the entire family to hear, especially Natalie, who by this time was a very active teenager!

As a family they coped together and knew that a heart transplant was the only option for Natalie to have the very best quality of life possible.

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

“She is strong and full of life and loves to share her incredible story. Now that Natalie is officially on the transplant list her family is busy making plans for a brighter and healthier future, and the David Foster Foundation will be with them every step of the way.”

Day 84 on the transplant wait list for a heart.

Natalie going through endless tests at Toronto SickKids Hospital.

This past summer Natalie spent five days being poked, prodded and tested to get all the information the transplant team needed. The family had an appointment this spring to finally hear that she is a candidate for a new heart. With her being sixteen now, this decision had to be hers, and after much discussion and thought, Natalie has reached the conclusion that although the idea of a heart transplant is scary, she knows it will give her the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. Now, it is a race against the clock for Natalie to find a heart before she turns eighteen. Natalie would like the whole procedure performed at SickKids, the place that has brought her this far, with the team that has worked so tirelessly for her; Dr. Benson, Dr. Williams and all the cardiac and transplant staff–they are truly second to none.

She tells all her friends about SickKids and how it’s not a scary place–that if you have to go through a scary thing, there is no place more wonderful than SickKids. Natalie started making homemade dog cookies as part of a fundraising effort for Ronald McDonald House and SickKids. She is strong and full of life and loves to share her incredible story. Now that Natalie is officially on the transplant list, her family is busy making plans for a brighter and healthier future, and the David Foster Foundation will be with them every step of the way.

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Message from the SVP, Fund Development

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omposed by George Gershwin in 1935 for the opera Porgy and Bess just a “few” years before David Foster and although sung by many musicians in the past and in the present, it is most closely associated with two icons; Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

As you know from previous newsletters, we have set up a special segregated fund, whereby 100% of your donation designated to this fund, goes directly to the families. A tax receipt for the full amount of your donation will be provided.

Although this is the season to enjoy and do special outdoor activities with family and friends, it is also an ideal time to reflect upon others, families, and children who are experiencing the challenge of going through the life-saving organ transplant process and the indissoluble financial burden that is part and partial of this most difficult and demanding process.

I hope your summer includes easy “livin” where the fish are “jumpin”! With your generous support, together, we will be able to continue to “create more tomorrows for children”. It is my honour and pleasure to part of the David Foster Foundation team.

As we move towards the final quarter of 2015, I hope you will take the opportunity to review your activities regarding charitable giving and consider making a contribution to the David Foster Foundation so we can continue to support families and children from across Canada as they go through the life-saving organ process.

“Consider making a contribution to the David Foster Foundation so we can continue to support families and children from across Canada as they go through the life-saving organ process.”

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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

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Message from the Director of Family & Community Relations The Gifts You Get Back

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ach morning I wake with my list of tasks tallying in my head of the things that I need to get accomplished for the day, week, and the month. I step over the dirty clothes and dishes my children have left out for me to pick up all the while trying to organize them for the day.

As any parent would agree some mornings are better than others, but as parents we somehow all manage to get through another day. There are definitely days that I think children should come with a manual, or autocorrect, but that is all part of parenting. On these days when I come to work I quickly realize I truly have nothing to complain about. My children are healthy and I am not half way across the country at the side of a hospital bed fighting to save my child’s life. My family is not being torn apart by months of separation, financial crisis, stress, or having to live day by day not knowing if my child will get the life-saving organ transplant they need in time. It is a quick reality check that makes me feel fortunate to be in a position to help others.

I feel compassion for the families facing this struggle every day.

September just 2½ weeks after his heart transplant.

I feel extremely honoured to be part of a dedicated team of individuals who are so passionate about what we do. Moments like seeing Curtis as a healthy little boy experiencing new milestones in his life make all the hard work worth it. Life is a gift. I encourage all of you to take the time to become registered organ donors and maybe save a life like Curtis’s one day!

Sincerely,

Lara Knudsen, Director of Family & Community Relations

In May, the Foundation received a surprise visit from five-year-old heart transplant recipient, Curtis Kellar from Calgary. WestJet kindly flew Curtis out to Victoria to present David Foster with his Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. This was a very special moment for me since Curtis was my date at the David Foster Foundation Calgary Miracle Gala & Concert last

“I feel extremely honoured to be part of a dedicated team of individuals who are so passionate about what we do. Moments like seeing Curtis as a healthy little boy experiencing new milestones in his life make all the hard work worth it.”

Lara Knudsen with heart transplant recipient, Curtis Kellar.

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Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award “Curtis Kellar, heart transplant recipient, emerged from the dark and walked through the gala tables to present David with his award.

Curtis and his family had been secretly flown out by WestJet to surprise David and have him present the prestigious award.”

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ach year the University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business celebrates and honours an influential entrepreneur with their Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award (DEYA). DEYA was established in 2004 to encourage and celebrate entrepreneurs that are making a difference by their business and leadership skills. Previous winners include: Jeff Mallett, former president and COO of Yahoo!, David Black of Black Press Group Ltd., Clive Beddoe of WestJet Airlines Ltd., Alex Campbell Sr. of Thrifty Foods, Chip Wilson of lululemon athletica, and Dennis R. Washington, founder of The Washington Companies.

David on stage during at the DEYA award gala.

On May 28, David Foster was honoured with the prestigious award from the University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at their evening gala. The black tie dinner was held at the Victoria Conference Centre in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, David’s home town. David also lectured the business students on the key elements of networking and emphasized that “good is the enemy of great”.

David welcomes and introduces Curtis, heart transplant recipient, to the room.

Curtis presents David with his award!

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Photo credit: UVic Photo Services

The surprise highlight of the evening was when a small voice rung out over the microphone and the audience looked around, not sure who this voice belonged to.

Curtis Kellar, heart transplant recipient, emerged from the dark and walked through the gala tables to present David with his award. Curtis is no stranger to standing on stage with David. He joined David and celebrity friends on stage in September at the Calgary Miracle Gala & Concert in a WestJet airplane hangar. Curtis and his family had been secretly flown out by WestJet to surprise David and have him present the prestigious award.

We applaud Pat Elemans, Peter Legge, Gustavson School of Business staff, and all of the volunteers that assisted in putting together a first-class event to honour David and his many successes he has earned through his career.

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Operation: Registration

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PERATION: REGISTRATION is a challenge created by the David Foster Foundation and has been designed to inspire Canadians to become registered organ donors. Yes, Canada is lacking in organ donor registration rates at an estimated whopping low of 14% nationally! The need for more registered organ donors has been on our radar and we hope that OPERATION: Registration can achieve a national increase in organ donor registration rates.

OPERATION: REGISTRATION made its first appearance in the annual Victoria Day Parade held in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Joining us on our three kilometre hike through the Victoria streets was Steven Reilander, liver transplant recipient, and Evanne Fisher, two-time heart transplant recipient. We walked and waved to the crowds with our new partner, GAIN Dealer Group.

The Lalonde family, Mouse Marketing Team, and DFF after a successful deployment!

Shortly after the parade in Victoria, we deployed our troops again in downtown Toronto to raise awareness about OPERATION: Registration and the national need for organ donors in Canada. Jack Lalonde, twotime liver transplant recipient, and his family joined us to demonstrate the impact and gratifying reward of life given through organ donation. Jack received the opportunity to be interviewed on Global TV Toronto to talk about OPERATION: Registration and his transplant journey. Thank you to everyone who participated in the day’s celebrations. It was a success!

To learn more about OPERATION: Registration, visit: davidfosterfoundation.com/operation-registration.

The troops during the Victoria Day Parade in Victoria, BC.

Steven, liver transplant recipient, and Evanne, two-time heart transplant recipient.

Ronnie Gavsie, President & CEO at Trillium Gift of Life Network, and Brian Van Dommele.

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GAIN Dealer Group Partnership

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e are excited to announce our newest partnership with GAIN Dealer Group! GAIN owns and represents eight premium automotive dealerships on Vancouver Island with brands including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, smart, Sprinter, Subaru, and Volkswagen. The David Foster Foundation is looking forward to being a part of and a benefactor of GAIN’s 2015 Motor Gathering this summer on August 16, 2015, at Viscount Aero Centre in Sidney, BC. In June, GAIN’s Porsche Centre Victoria hosted a 24 hour Le Mans event that coincided with France’s 24 hour race. Porsche Centre Victoria placed a racing

The Porsche Centre Victoria Team with Mike Ravenhill and Lara Knudsen.

simulator in the dealership where team members would rotate to participate in the 24 hour adventure.

The event raised $23,530 for the David Foster Foundation. A huge thank you to Paul Rossmo, Peter Trzewik, and the Porsche Centre Victoria Team!

Third Annual Marit Cup

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n March 24, 2015, we celebrated the third annual Marit Cup in Calgary, Alberta. Each year, Calgary Christian School hosts Marit Cup which is a student vs. teacher fundraising hockey game held in honour of Marit Mackenzie, a Calgary Christian School student who graduated in 2012. Sadly in January of 2013, Marit passed away from a pulmonary embolism. The game also assists in raising awareness for the national organ donor need.

David Foster’s daughter and our foundation board member, Allison Jones, joined us to introduce a very special guest, five-year-old heart transplant recipient, Curtis Kellar. Curtis waited for his life-saving heart transplant for over two years and last September his family finally received the call that changed their lives.

We’d like to thank Calgary Christian School and their students for hosting such a wonderful event, Curtis Kellar and his family for joining us, the Canadian Transplant Association for volunteering and their continued support, and the McKenzie family for their strength in continually being the voice of organ donor registration through Canada.

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Susan McKenzie, Marit’s mother, with David Foster’s daughter and DFF board member, Allison Jones.

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Toronto Blue Jays Game

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n May 19, the David Foster Foundation hosted two families to a Toronto Blue Jays Game at Rogers Centre in Toronto! It was the first Toronto Blue Jays game of the season where they played against the Los Angeles Angels. Everyone cheered on the Toronto Blue Jays and sported jerseys and shirts. It was a close game and the Los Angeles Angels took home the win!

We had the privilege of meeting sixteen-year-old Natalie Ferry, who has been on the transplant wait list for a new heart for over six months. We also met thirteen-year-old Muhammad, a liver transplant recipient, and his siblings.

We would like to thank our good friends at WestJet and the WestJet Cares for Kids program for giving us the opportunity to take a couple of our families out for a fun evening. It is nice to let families enjoy themselves and step back for a moment from worrying about their sick children. Everyone really enjoyed the game and the WestJet box!

Natalie and her family in the WestJet VIP box.

Natalie’s niece was born a Toronto Blue Jays fan.

The view from WestJet’s VIP box.

Lara Knudsen, DFF Director of Family Relations, sits with Muhammad’s younger sister during the baseball game.

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 David Foster Foundation Newsletter

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Proudly presented by

in partnership with

david foster foundation

Miracle Gala and Concert individual concert tickets on sale now!

The Hitman returns with performances by

stevie wonder • Michael bolton • peter cetera • Kiesza • sinbad & other surprise guests

SEPTEMBER 26

16-time Grammy award-winner David Foster will host a magical night with proceeds providing financial assistance to Canadian families who have a child going through a life-saving organ transplant. Don’t miss this one incredible star-studded show that will help keep families together and save children’s lives.

toronto, ontario

#DFFGala Details online at: wwwdavidfostermiracleconcert.com

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original design by Barry Avrich