PROUD TO SUPPORT KOLBI FRASER & FAMILY – RECIPIENT FOR 3RD QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • September 19, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $2,700 to Kolbi Fraser & Family, Recipient of the 3rd Quarter vote of 2020.

Kolbi has been fighting a harrowing battle in his short life with childhood cancer.

Just a short time into Kindergarten the family was told that the cancer was back again for a 3rd time and Kolbi would be facing a big battle. After beating cancer twice previously, Kolbi was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ependymoma which is a cancer that effects his spine and brain. The family was told, that this time, his diagnosis was inoperable and incurable. Kolbi would not win this battle. As his illness progressed, Kolbi became wheelchair bound, paralyzed from the waist down but he held on to his bright brilliant smile. He was a brave warrior! In his sleep, on August 17, 2020 Kolbi peacefully passed away. Heaven gained an angel and Kolbi will shine down on us.

The enormous grief this family is experiencing and with employment and financial uncertainty and 4 other children to care for – this family needs a shimmer of light to help them through.

Thank you to Jennifer Schill for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
Written By Melissa Graham:
My family had the honour of meeting a brave little boy over two years ago. His name was Kolbi and he became a quick kindergarten buddy to my son, at Pacific Heights Elementary in Surrey BC.

It was at Kolbi’s birthday party that we learned of the harrowing battle he had already faced in his short life with childhood cancer. We were immediately impacted by the love and strength Kolbi was surrounded with and the resilience he displayed.

Just a short time into Kindergarten the family would be told that cancer was back again for a 3rd time and Kolbi would be facing a big battle. After beating cancer twice previously, while in Kindergarten, Kolbi was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ependymoma which is a cancer that effects his spine and brain. The family was told, that this time, his diagnosis was inoperable and incurable. Kolbi would not win this battle. As his illness progressed, Kolbi became wheelchair bound, paralyzed from the waist down but he held on to his bright brilliant smile. He was a brave warrior!

Fast forward to Summer 2020 and Kobli, who was only 7 years old had fought a long and hard battle but began to deteriorate. The family’s focus shifted to managing an increase in his pain and making Kolbi comfortable as he began to experience an increase in seizures, temporary loss of speech, declines in his cognitive health, debilitating headaches and discomfort.

All the while, like so many families, Nick & Jamey had been impacted by COVID forced employment changes and COVID forced changes to Kolbi’s access to medical therapies and hospice nurses. Plus Nick’s medical EI, to be off work to care for Kolbi, had expired earlier in the Summer. They never wavered in their love & determination to care for Kolbi and give him the best they could, along with their 4 other kids as a cohesive and beautifully blended family.

In his sleep, on August 17, 2020 Kolbi peacefully passed away. Heaven gained an angel and Kolbi will shine down on us.

The enormous grief this family is experiencing and with employment and financial uncertainty and 4 other children to care for – this family needs a shimmer of light to help them through. This money would be just that.

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PROUD TO SUPPORT Andrea Mundie RECIPIENT 3rd QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • November 3, 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 Andrea Mundie our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Marci Deanefor bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Mundie is a devoted mother of four—Rex, Dace, Clove, and Penn—facing the fight of her life. Already living with Stage 4 cancer, she has now been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a rare and aggressive complication. Her priority is simple yet profound: to spend meaningful time with her children and create lasting memories while she can. To extend her time, Andrea has begun permanent chemotherapy. But the financial strain is overwhelming. Many of her most urgent needs are not covered by insurance. Funds raised will directly support: Health and wellness costs to ease her treatment Meals and home care for her children Educational expenses to secure their futures Despite her challenges, Andrea’s resilience shines. She celebrated her 50th birthday with loved ones, even while beginning chemotherapy. Soon after, she faced emergency surgery where her heart stopped and doctors cracked her ribs and sternum to save her life. Through it all, she has held onto positivity and humor. A grant from 100 Brokers Who Care would ease Andrea’s burden, giving her peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters most—her children. Your support will provide comfort, dignity, and precious moments of love and memory.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Stephanie Salamandy RECIPIENT 3rd QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • November 3, 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 Stephanie Salamandyk our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Stephanie Salamandyk, niece of our industry partner Kim Lentowitsch (BDM, Canada Guaranty), was diagnosed with rectal cancer in early 2024. Relentlessly advocating for her own health, she finally got answers and in May underwent emergency colostomy surgery after a tumor caused nearly 100% blockage. She began chemotherapy in July in hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to proceed with further surgeries, including a future reconnection of her colon. Stephanie and her high school sweetheart, Jesse, have been married for 12 years and are raising three young boys—Jackson (11), Lincoln (6), and Parker (3)—along with their two dogs, Peppe and Maymay. Active in her community, Stephanie was recently nominated as president of her local community center. Despite her strength and commitment, her illness has left the family facing financial strain. As a part-time contract worker, she does not receive EI or disability benefits. Jesse, a long-haul truck driver and the family’s primary income earner, will need to take unpaid time off to support Stephanie and care for their boys. A grant would provide much-needed financial relief, easing the burden and allowing Stephanie to focus on healing and family during this challenging time.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Brodziak Family RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • June 24, 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 Brodziak Family our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Crystal Mamchur for bringing this Cause to our attention. On August 13, 2024, Ryan Brodziak’s life changed forever. While walking with his 11-month-old son, Ozzy, and their puppy, Gouda, an out-of-control vehicle struck them on the sidewalk. Ryan suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia, while Ozzy sustained a skull fracture and a broken arm. Six months later, Ryan remains in intensive rehabilitation after months in the ICU and multiple surgeries. His journey is uncertain, requiring daily effort to regain strength and adjust to life with a spinal cord injury. His wife, Bailey, has been his unwavering support, balancing new motherhood with being Ryan’s primary caregiver and advocate. She has put her career on hold, navigating hospital stays, rehab programs, and financial stress—all while ensuring a loving home for Ozzy. Ryan has always given back. As the former owner of The Local Omnivore, Gravy, and Gorilla restaurants, he built community spaces and organized charity events, including an annual Bikeathon to support Edmonton’s unhoused population. He has always stepped up for others—now, he and his family need that same support. A Brokers Who Care grant would be life-changing, helping with critical home modifications, rehabilitation costs, and mobility equipment. Just as importantly, it would provide financial relief for Bailey, allowing her to focus on their family’s well-being without overwhelming financial strain. This isn’t just about helping one person—it’s about lifting a family who has given so much to their community.