PROUD TO SUPPORT PRESLEY JANE MECHAM WESTERN 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 Presley Jane Mecham and family, our Western Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2023 vote.

Thank you to McKay Wood for bringing this Cause to our attention.

The Nomination Story:

Presley was a normal one and a half year old. Cheerful, active, and busy, she was all go and no stop. The month of August 2022, however, proved difficult for her to function normally. After various trips to the ER on Aug 27th an unlikely nightmare, Presley had cancer and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, an extremely aggressive form of cancer that can overrun one’s bone marrow, blood, and central nervous system in a matter of a few short weeks. The pain and trauma that Presely has endured over the past 6 months has been monumental.

She and her mother were flown to Vancouver within a matter of hours, joined the next day by Father Daylon, and her older sister Nova. Due to her weakened bones and muscles, Presley didn’t walk for the next few months, losing all of her hair and has spent much of the time in a hospital room, most of it sitting or lying on a bed.

She recently turned 2 years old (Happy Birthday) and has been progressing through her treatments like a champion. The chemo treatments however have degraded her immune system and she has had several extra visits to the ER just to help fight infections. A small bug can mean 10 straight days in the hospital. Once, she developed a colon infection and was not allowed to eat for several days. All nutrients had to come through the IV. When she first arrived at the hospital she had two different surgeries just to insert a port-a-cath that would work. The first port became infected and had to be removed. They later inserted a new on the other side of her chest. She now bears matching scars on either side.

In December, the treatments caused her adrenal glands to not function properly and she became hypoglycemic. Finger pokes every four hours and force fed juice or syrup when blood sugar got too low. Due to forced fasting and nausea from treatments Presley lost her appetite
as well. In order to get enough calories through the day she has been given a NG tube. A tube shoved up the nose and down into the stomach. She despises this more than treatments, needles, or ER visits. The tube has to be flushed throughout the day to keep it flowing. The
water stiffens the tube in her nose and causes an uncomfortable sensation as water she didn’t
drink hits her stomach.

Presley has a long way to go over the next few years but she is brave and determined and showing progress. She is now able to walk again which is a huge step forward. There will still be a lot of ups and downs but she’s happiest with both her parents and her sister by her side. It has been a big adjustment for the whole family to be present and 100’s of kms away from home (Vanderhoof).

In September, just weeks after her diagnosis the family moved into a newly purchased home that Presley has never been to and has been sitting empty for months. Mom has been the primary caregiver during this time and Dad is sole provider for the family. He has struggled to work remotely from Vancouver for the first several months. He has applied for a leave of absence but was not granted this and so last resort to try to qualify for compassionate care leave which is dependent on Employment insurance which is 55% of insurable earnings capped at $650 a week. Costs of a new home, travel, and prescription drugs have been staggering and the family is not sure what they are going to do to pay for the mortgage and support Presley in Vancouver. Ronald Mcdonald house has graciously provided accommodations in Vancouver but having used up most of their savings and with limited family support they are struggling to know the future, bracing for the worst and wondering if keeping their home with their new mortgage is what they should do. They are however committed to uplift and support their powerful 2 year old Presley who is the light and life of their world.

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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.