PROUD TO SUPPORT SAVING SAVANNA – RECIPIENT FOR 1ST QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • March 10, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we’re very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Saving Savanna, Recipient of the 1st Quarter vote of 2020.

Savanna was born on April 11, 2018. She is beautiful, sassy, spirited, warm, loving, funny, challenging and strong willed.

Savanna is a little girl who went from “normal” to “stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer”. She is fighting the fight of her life at the tender age of 22 months. Her parents want to comfort her and spend as much time with her as they can.

Thank you to Lana Russell for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
 Monday, January 13, 2020, Savanna’s parents noticed that her tummy was distended a little to the left, which seemed a bit off, but she was playful and happy, so they were not too worried. She had a history of irregular bowel movements. Tuesday she had been out with her daddy and her brother’s for what was a normal day for her, but post nap her tummy was clearly bothering her. Savanna slept a little extra Wednesday morning. When she got up she was walking a little funny and still bloated to the left, so off to the doctor’s office they went.

The doctor felt and listened to her tummy and thought, similar to her parents, that it could be a bowel obstruction? Her bowels seemed slow moving, so off to pediatrics at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge Savanna was sent for an x-ray, blood work and possibly an enema. The x-ray returned and it was not an obstruction, but there was clearly a mass. The blood work came back with signs of swelling and low hemoglobin so they were sent to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver that same day by ambulance.

After tests were complete at BC Children’s Hospital, Savanna was seen by a team from oncology. They explained to the family that although there was a chance something else was causing this mass, it was almost always a tumor. They did more x-rays and a CT Scan. On Thursday, January 16, 2020, they confirmed that it was cancer. The next testing stages were a little more invasive. Monday, January 20, 2020 Savanna had a surgical biopsy, and a CVC line was put into her chest so she wouldn’t need an IV in her arm. This would give doctors the access that they needed with as little intrusiveness as possible. She also had a bone marrow extraction.

Savanna has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. She is a little girl fighting the fight of her life at the tender age of 22 months. Her Mom and Dad are there fighting right alongside her, but to do that they are missing work, which, of course pays for everyday expenses, let alone extraordinary expenses. Any help that we could offer to their family right now would help to alleviate other burdens and allow them to focus on the health and life of their little girl.

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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