PROUD TO SUPPORT THE DEMELO FAMILY EASTERN RECIPIENT 2ND QUARTER 2023

Brokers Who Care • June 12, 2023

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $3,000 to The DeMelo Family, our Eastern Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2023 vote.


Thank you to Sabeena Bubber for bringing this Cause to our attention.


The Nomination Story:

Here is the story of Sarah DeMelo and her and her families journey over the past 7 months. Sarah's story was brought to me by Kayleigh Kennedy. The Kennedy family received $10,000 from BWC for their son Ethan. They met Sarah during Ethan's treatments and wanted to share her story:


Sarah has 2 young boys, Eliott who is currently 18 months and Benjamin who is now 3. Right before Bennie's 3rd birthday, he was hospitalized for a sinus infection. Sarah knew this was not right and continued to advocate for her son. It wasn't until she brought him back into the emerg after the initial hospitalization that they ran tests and determined that Bennie actually has Leukemia. His diagnosis in mid-August of 2022 was not a sinus infection, it was B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which for children's Bennie's age is a 2 1/2 year treatment process. Her family was gutted and since then they have been navigating his treatments which is a challenging process, especially for a mother watching your baby go through it. Not only having to navigate this with Bennie, but also having a busy toddler at home. Then it got worse for her with her own health scare recently.


Sarah discovered a lump in her throat this winter. As of this moment, they can’t confirm until the tumour is out but her ENT is 95% sure it a head and neck cancer. Specifically a malignant tumour in her sublingual gland which spread to nearby lymph nodes. She is now awaiting surgery to remove two salivary glands and the nearby lymph nodes that are swollen with possible radiation afterwards. She will be followed by an oncology ENT for the rest of her life.


From Kayleigh Kennedy:
I am nominating her because we connected online as my story with my son is very similar. I was actually the fall 2022 recipient in September and when I heard of her story and what she is now going through with her own health, I knew that this was the least I could do to support her. Our boys are both the same age undergoing similar treatment, I know how hard it is. I also have a younger one at home and the challenges alone of having a baby and a toddler undergoing chemo is challenging, emotional, stressful and lonely. I could not imagine having my own health scare on top of it all.


Here is an update on Sarah: https://ca.style.yahoo.com/canadian-mom-tumour-son-leukemia-153148740.html

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.
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