Newsletter Articles:
• BIG STEPS ushers in the new year with even bigger goals
• It takes leaders to make a difference and inspire others
• CHEO sets the standard in audiology
• Costco Wholesale Delivers the Goods
• Speaking out and stepping up for children's mental health research
It takes leaders to make a difference and inspire others
The Foundation could not have asked for a better leader to take the helm of the BIG STEPS taskforce. Carleton University student, Charles Ofori-Attah has a wealth of experience from being a CHEO patient most of his life. He is articulate, bright and a shining example of how CHEO can literally save lives. “Through CHEO I have been given a second chance,” explains Charles, and that is the reason he continues to give back.
But Charles could not take on this task alone, and CHEO is fortunate to have had a group of diverse and immensely talented individuals step forward to give generously of their time for the campaign.
Each has their own reasons to get involved. For Dr. Mark deGruchy, Chiropractor and owner of Downtown Chiropractic and his wife Karen Zanet-deGruchy, it is the research into non-toxic approaches to treating cancer that drives them. Their annual Angels of Hope Golf Tournament supports research into Glioblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer that has touched both Mark and Karen’s lives. This research may have far reaching implications into how other cancers are treated in the future. Being on the BIG STEPS taskforce is another way for them to make a difference at CHEO because as Karen says, “The foundation of community is children. The whole foundation of our future is children.”
Pat Gagne, Program Manager at Bell Canada can relate to their story in more ways than one. Pat and her children’s lives were personally affected by cancer when her husband passed away from Glioblastoma. Her grandson was also a recent CHEO emergency patient, and the quick diagnosis and treatment by the team of doctors and nurses helped avoid what could have been a very different outcome. Pat believes “CHEO saves the lives of patients right now and the critical research they are doing now will save lives in the future.”
Robert Merkley is also a big proponent of research. A long-time CHEO supporter, Robert is also President of Merkely Supply Limited. Through his company’s annual baseball tournament and his participation in a past campaign, Robert has once again stepped up to help CHEO. He believes creating awareness for and supporting medical research is of the utmost importance. “Medicine has to be more proactive rather than reactive and research is going to change all that. That is the key,” explains Robert.
Gary Cameron is Vice President, Professional Services at Bell Canada and has been involved with CHEO through Bell Canada since 1993. Joining the BIG STEPS Campaign Taskforce Team seemed like a natural progression for Gary. “Being involved with the campaign was a great fit,” explains Gary. “Independent of what we do in our jobs, we all want to make a difference and being involved with CHEO in this community is important. I feel privileged to have that opportunity through Bell to be able to do that.”
For friends Ken Ages and John Bassi who have young families of their own, each recognizes the important role that CHEO fulfills in the community. Ken, Vice President of Paramount Properties, believes strongly that, “CHEO touches the lives, directly and indirectly, of almost everyone in this community. CHEO is a noble, first class facility that is helping children -- and the children are our future.”
John who is President of Bassi Construction & Masonry Ltd. echoes those sentiments by stating “CHEO has helped my family, the families of my business associates and friends and neighbours. People in this community are quick to rally together to support a cause and by raising money for the BIG STEPS Campaign, we are strengthening CHEO for children now and in the future.” Ken and John have also brought a friendly rivalry to the group, with John joking that he’s here to “raise more money than Ken.” Let the challenge begin!
The Foundation is also fortunate to have a duo of long-time CHEO supporters join the taskforce. Bob Wener, Managing Partner with KPMG LLP and David Cork, Director with ScotiaMcLeod both sit on the CHEO Foundation Board of Directors. David was a volunteer on CHEO’s last campaign which helped build the Max Keeping and the latest Garry Cardiff wings of the hospital. As David tells us, “we know that you are never really that far away from needing CHEO in a serious way. It isn’t just about being sick. Kids also have accidents and it’s nice to know that CHEO is just a few minutes away.”
Bob Wener agrees with that statement and makes children’s health and well being a personal priority. Bob believes that “children are society’s most vulnerable group and therefore need a particularly loud and strong voice to advocate for them.”
The BIG STEPS team would not be complete without the Honourary Ambassador of the campaign – Max Keeping, Vice President of News & Public Affairs at CTV NEWS. After 37 years of delivering the evening news to our community, Max recently announced he will be retiring, but that won’t stop him from continuing to be a true champion for the children and youth in our region. The Max Keeping wing at CHEO bears his name and CHEO is thrilled that Max will continue to spread the CHEO word as Honourary Ambassador of the BIG STEPS campaign.
Big Steps is honoured to be supported by such a taskforce of dedicated and community minded individuals.