PROUD TO SUPPORT Shelley Thorpe EASTERN RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2024

Brokers Who Care • February 12, 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 Shelly Thorpe and her daughter Heather, our Eastern Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2024 vote.


Thank you to Monica Chrysler for bringing this Cause to our attention.


The Nomination Story:

Shelley experienced a tramatic birth of her daughter 26 years ago. Her daughter Heather had fetal distress and was without oxygen for several minutes leaving her with permanent brain damage. Heather has never walked, has never been able to sit up, or even feed heself. She is 100% at the mercy and dependent of others to care for her. She is aware of her surroundings, but trapped inside her body, trying to fit into society. Shelley has done everything a Mother could possibly give over the years, but her small home did not have the capacity to offer the care that Heather needed. When Heather turned 18, she went into a home care facility. Shortly afterwards the world turned upside down from the pandamic and Heather fell into a deep depression without having any visitors or even being able to get out for the day. Heather's immediate community worker has recently resigned, and she has been given an eviction notice from the facility as she is behind on her lodging and medical bills. Since Heather is in a special customized wheelchair, the only way she can travel is in a wheelchair assessible van, which they don't have funds for. Shelley and her daughter are extremely distraught because she is completely disabled and will soon have no where to live, unless they can catch up on these bills.


Elevator pitch: Heather is unable to speak, walk, or take care of herself, but her spirit just loves to interact with others, or even hold the hand of a stranger. Heather and her Mom have been through so much, and now their difficult financial situation has landed an eviction notice from the lodging care facility she has been at for the past 4 years. Heather's brain damage at birth has left her at the mercy and care of others her entire life. The funds would help her to keep a roof over her head, continue with her care, and even help her to find a way to take a day trip out of the facility for even 1 day to the mall or beach this summer. She is trapped inside her own body, and her Mom has done everything a human can do to provide, but they need help....and I'm hoping and praying Brokers Who Care is the answer to their prayers....

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Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Chico - Battling Cancer our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Chico is a loving husband and father who has always given back to his community, family, and friends. His life changed unexpectedly when he suffered a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His family has stood by his side through every challenge, and he has been unable to work due to his condition. Despite exhausting all conventional treatment options, there is still hope. Optune Gio is a device that could slow the tumor's growth and give Chico more precious time with his loved ones. However, the cost of this life-extending treatment is overwhelming, and his family urgently needs support to afford it. Chico's journey has been incredibly tough, but the community has rallied around him. Your support, no matter the size, will go directly toward his care, easing the financial burden on his family during this difficult time. Together, we can help Chico access the treatment he needs and allow him to focus on what matters most—spending time with the people he loves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this critical time.
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Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lawson-Needs Our Help our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. About a year ago, what appeared to be a routine illness became a life-threatening crisis. Lawson developed massive blood clots, and during a procedure, his heart stopped. He went without oxygen for up to 45 minutes and required CPR and ECMO life support to survive. Against incredible odds, Lawson is still here. He is now off life support, but he sustained significant brain injury. His recovery requires ongoing, intensive therapy, specialized care, and long-term medical support. Before this, Lawson was an active, sports-loving kid, often found at the rink supporting his older brother Cooper—a team captain who continues to show remarkable strength and leadership through it all. Today, Lawson’s family is navigating time away from work, ongoing medical travel, and the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding their lives around his recovery. Your vote is more than financial support—it’s access to therapy, care, and the opportunity for Lawson to reach his fullest potential. Lawson has already shown incredible strength. With our support, his story can continue to be one of resilience, progress, and hope.
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Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Let's Cure Lucas - Fighting an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disease our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lucas Azevedo is a four-year-old with an ultra-rare gene variant affecting the RBM28 gene—a condition so rare that only one other child in the world has been discovered with it. This disease is currently unnamed and has no cure, but his smile and spirit inspire everyone around him.  Lucas lives with significant physical challenges. His ultra-rare gene variant affects all four of his limbs, his balance and coordination, his speech, his oral strength, and much more. His muscles are both tight and fragile, making even the simplest movements a challenge against gravity itself. Nothing happens automatically for him—every movement requires intention, strength, and support. The RBM28 variant affects his cerebellum, the area of the brain vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. While there is currently no cure, gene therapy has been developed and has proven successful in stopping progression for many ultra-rare diseases. Lucas's family is hopeful about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs. In the meantime, Lucas works incredibly hard six days a week undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and hydrotherapy to build strength and independence. His goal is to walk independently, run, jump, and ride a bike. Your support directly funds the therapies and care that allow Lucas to keep fighting and growing stronger. Together, we can help this remarkable little boy achieve his dreams and contribute to the research that may one day lead to a cure. Thank you for standing with Lucas and his family in this urgent fight.
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