PROUD TO SUPPORT 'E' IS FOR ETHAN, EASTERN RECIPIENT 3RD QUARTER 2022

Brokers Who Care • October 20, 2022

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Ethan Kennedy & Family, our Eastern Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2022 vote.


Thank you to Don Chen for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Update from Ethan's Family


I was recently informed that my family will be awarded your quarterly donation to a family in need. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate this incredibly generous gift. When my family was given the terrible news of our son's diagnosis, a lot of things ran through our minds. One of the thoughts is how can we properly look after him while still meeting our financial commitments. This generosity really helps lighten that burden and alleviate some of stress while looking after a sick child.


So far Ethan’s treatment has been going pretty well. He’s into the second phase of induction in his treatment protocol. Every couple of weeks he has a lumbar puncture (LP) to test his bone marrow. The last 2 LP’s have been cancer free and

the genetic mutation that made him high risk was no longer detectable. This is great progress, and means the treatment is working.


Unfortunately with the good there is bad. Ethan passed a kidney stone caused by the chemo drugs 2 weeks ago, causing significant pain and bleeding. And we’ve had to briefly pause treatment due to his blood counts being so depleted. We know that there will be hiccups and the process is unpredictable.


However, his counts are now back up and we’re working to finish the second phase of the induction. At the end of this phase another lumbar puncture will be performed to see how Ethan has progressed and to see how treatment will look like for the next 6 months. We’re still at the beginning of a journey that will take over 2 years, but so far so good.


Again I would like to thank your organization for selecting us, I think it’s incredible work that you’re doing for families in need, and it means the world to my family.



Sincerely,

Kevin, Kayleigh, Ethan & Zoey Kennedy

Ethan's Nomination Story


Imagine just a few months ago, a newborn baby girl joined your family making it complete. However, through a series of unpredictable events, their worst fear began to unfold. This is their story.

I would like to introduce you to the Kennedy Family - Kevin, Kayleigh, Ethan (2 yrs), and Zoe (7 mos). Kevin has been a paramedic for the Region of Peel for over 8 years. Kayleigh is a loving mother who recently took on a BFS (Business For Self) role to be able to look after their newborn while continuing to be a pillar of financial support. Ethan is their toddler who loves all things cars/trucks. Baby Zoe, the newest addition to the Kennedy's, is nothing less than a bundle of hope and joy.

Their story began in March 2022 when the entire family caught COVID. While most family members had mild symptoms and recovered quickly, their son Ethan remained constantly plagued by fevers and nasal congestion. Fast forward to August 2022, when they attended their first BBQ as a family of 4, they were advised by a family member that their son Ethan seemed more tired than usual and he looked very jaundice (“yellow tone to skin”).

Leaving the BBQ, Kevin and Kayleigh couldn't shake their feeling of concern, so they took Ethan to the McMasters Hospital for Children. After hours of testing and waiting, the result came back as every parent's worst nightmare. Ethan was diagnosed with Leukemia, a cancer of the blood. Ethan was put on an aggressive Chemotherapy program and began blood transfusions. The preliminary diagnosis was that he would only require treatment for one month. The family scrambled to organize their daily affairs while attending to a newborn and sick toddler. They were fortunate to be placed into Ronald McDonald House as they lived 1.5 hour away from the children's hospital.

Ethan was not responding as expected during his month-long treatment for cancer. Further testing revealed that Ethan had a genetic abnormality which would worsen the effects of his Leukemia. Doctors extended his treatment plan to 7 months of intense chemo (3x per week) followed by approximately 2 years of supportive chemo all at the McMasters Hospital. His parents were advised that if this did not work, their final option would be a bone marrow transplant.

After hearing their story and how it has unfolded this year, I know it is without question that the Kennedy family would be a wonderful candidate for this charity. The funds from “Brokers Who Care” will help them alleviate the associated financial stress and will help ensure that adequate help is available 24 hours a day to support Ethan. More importantly, the funds will be a token of positivity for the Kennedy's, adding value to the precious time they have with Ethan, and uplifting their energy needed to support Ethan on this difficult journey.

"E is for Ethan". This is the chant we will say for the little warrior battling Leukemia. Ethan is currently starting his 2.5 years extensive treatment to battle cancer. While Ethan remains in high spirits, this additional financial help for the Kennedy Family will ensure Ethan gets the best care possible and create more memorable moments for the family.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Christine Buemann RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • March 10, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Christine Buemann our Recipient of the 1ST Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Sabeena Bubber for bringing this Cause to our attention. Christine Buemann has been a dedicated supporter of the mortgage industry and a well-respected figure among brokers across Canada. She has given so much to our community—now, it’s time for us to give back. In December 2022, Christine was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had already spread beyond her breast. She fought with everything she had, enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—all while navigating a painful marital breakup and caring for her two young sons. By March 2024, she celebrated being cancer-free. But just months later, in December, she was rushed to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a 2 cm tumour in her brain. Christine was airlifted for emergency brain surgery, and while the tumour was successfully removed, the pathology confirmed it was metastatic—her cancer had reached Stage 4. Now, Christine faces another grueling battle. She is awaiting brain radiation and undergoing treatments to stop further spread. Her body is still recovering from the trauma of surgery, and she is being forced into menopause to slow the cancer’s progression. On top of everything, Christine just sold her home before discovering the tumor. She must move by April 1st and find stable housing for her and her boys—all while continuing out-of-town treatments and continuing to work to support her family. We are calling on Brokers Who Care and anyone who can help. Christine has given so much to our industry; now, let’s rally behind her. Let’s ease her financial burden so she can focus on what matters most—healing and being there for her children. Your support can make a difference. Let’s show Christine that we care. Vote for Christine.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Nicole Mihm RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • March 10, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Nicole Mihm our Recipient of the 1ST Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Amber Mihm & Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. At just 31 years old, Nicole has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, a devastating shock to our family. But one thing is certain—she won’t fight alone. Nicole faces significant challenges, including a rare condition that limits her chemotherapy options and a K-Ras genetic mutation that makes her cancer more aggressive. She has already undergone surgery to have a port placed in her chest, and while she remains strong and optimistic, the road ahead is uncertain. Through it all, Nicole’s spirit remains bubbly, hopeful, and full of life. She has a unique ability to make people feel seen and heard, befriending strangers in minutes while keeping lifelong friendships. She loves animals, gardening, and collecting Snoopy memorabilia—before cancer, you’d find her nurturing plants or playing with her nieces and nephews. However, the financial strain is immense. Nicole does not have employer-provided income benefits, leaving her with significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. This $10,000 donation would provide crucial relief, allowing her to focus on healing rather than financial stress. We don’t know what the future holds, but Nicole is worthy of every ounce of support. This incredible community has the power to make a real difference in her fight. Please vote for Nicole, giving her the gift of financial relief so she can focus on what matters most—fighting, healing, and staying as bright and positive as ever.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Crystal Richelle & Glen Gordon Spark RECIPIENT 4TH QUARTER 2024

By Brokers Who Care • December 11, 2024
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Crystal Richelle & Glen Gordon Spark , our Recipient of the 4th Quarter 2024 vote. Thank you Carmela Addante for bringing this Cause to our attention. Their Story: The Sparks family is enduring immense financial and emotional strain due to Glen’s ongoing health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, treatments, and a recent spinal surgery to address a fracture. His recovery will require at least six weeks, during which family support is critical. Glen, despite his severe symptoms, continues to manage his self-employed business whenever possible, even from his hospital bed. However, his reduced capacity has significantly impacted the family's income. Crystal works at a local preschool but has had to take time off to care for Glen and manage his appointments, leaving her unable to fully meet the household’s financial needs. The family, including their three children, is working tirelessly to maintain stability—balancing school, work, and providing care. Unfortunately, they are now two mortgage payments behind, with overdue utility bills on payment plans, and their mortgage renewal is looming in February. Their situation worsened recently when their daughter was involved in a car accident, totaling the second family vehicle. Thankfully, everyone is unharmed, but the loss of the car adds to their challenges. The vehicle was essential for Glen’s medical appointments and the daughter’s job. Crystal is overwhelmed, trying to hold everything together under these crushing circumstances.  This grant would provide vital relief, covering overdue expenses to secure their mortgage renewal, and help stabilize their finances during this difficult time. Supporting the Sparks family now will ensure they can focus on recovery and rebuilding without the constant weight of financial uncertainty. Thank you for considering this family in their time of need.
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