PROUD TO SUPPORT NICO IEMMA EASTERN RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2023

Brokers Who Care • March 17, 2023

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Nico Iemma and family, our Eastern Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2023 vote.

Thank you to Brad Lockey for bringing this Cause to our attention.

The Nomination Story:

When Susan and Patrick decided to start a family, they had a vision of what life might look like with children. They did not expect the events that would occur and change their lives forever.

Nico and his twin brother Luka were born at a 1.5 lbs each at 24 weeks gestation (regular pregnancy is 40 weeks). During a long 4-month battle in the hospital, they lost their son Luka to infection. Nico continued to fight and although there were many scary moments, he made it home.

Just as the Iemma family thought they were in the clear, Nico was diagnosed with Spastic/Dystonic Cerebral Palsy – a neurological condition affecting the muscle control in his body and all 4 of his limbs. Susan left her full-time, and growing, career to do everything she could for her surviving son. Caring for a child with significant physical needs is very challenging, and very expensive, but the Iemma’s are determined to keep Nico active and involved in all the activities any developing child would enjoy.

This means absorbing the costs of wheelchairs, special swings, adapted bikes, harnesses, walkers … you name it, they figured it out. Medical Equipment that requires significant customization (due to Nico’s physical limitations) is used for recreational purposes, unfortunately, does not qualify for funding. The family struggles to continuously modify their home (indoors and outdoors) to ensure that Nico always has a means of safe transportation (adaptive vehicle, special car seats, etc....), so that Nico can access the world as a growing, active boy.
The Iemma's have paid for extra therapies and continued on their journey to provide Nico with his best life and ensure he is never left behind. Patrick and Susan had 2 more children, becoming a family of 5; and inclusive activities for the entire family is of utmost importance.

Nico surprised the world of Parasport, and his own family, when he became the 2020 Junior Athlete of The Year for the sport of Boccia. Nico started playing boccia in 2017 and has become one of the top players in Ontario, travelling to other provinces to play at the National level. This is a huge accomplishment, but with the high-level sport came more equipment costs and rental fees for practice facilities.

This family could use the help to continue their journey to keep Nico active, included, and participating in adaptive sports.

As he grows new equipment is required.
Just this year the family purchased a new powerchair to allow Nico to have more independence at home and at school. When Nico was small it was easy to carry him and run around with him in his parent's arms to allow him to access his world.

Now that he is 13, and his parents are aging, it means they need to rely more on equipment. The Iemma family is currently making plans to create an accessible yard for Nico.

Currently, Nico cannot exit the house into the backyard in a wheelchair. He would love to be able to play in the backyard with his friends and siblings. A deck with a ramp and pathways is quite expensive and the family could use some help with all the growing costs.

We would like to help this family ensure they have what they need to provide the life that any 14-year-old boy dreams off.

I went to high school with Patrick and we met at the age of 13, around Nico's age now.
Patrick is one of those guys that no one had a bad word to say about, ever.
I am proud of what he and his wife have given to Nico and their entire family.

Please enjoy meeting Nico through the attached YouTube links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UJs40BNsK0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dqd2--iS0g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZctJrR0Ck

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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.