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The BBQ and Haircut Fund-raising event on September 20, 2009 was a huge success. Our friends, residents of Orleans and the local business’s have all come together to show their support and because of this Lisa and our family can again focus on what is important. With the ease of the financial burden we are reviewing our appointments and thinking about the potential treatments. We are two thirds of the way to our initial goal, not knowing exactly what the end requirement will be. We are hoping that treatment/recommendations can be carried out her in Canada.
We are leaving in a few days and are very excited. We will continue to post updates on Lisa’s progress and the campaign.
Sharon Fortune Gift basket from Venus Hair Products
Annie Couillard $50 gift certificate for Crown Floral
Debbie Dowding $25 gift certificate for Place D'Orleans
Hannah Andolsatto $25 gift certificate for Place D'Orleans
Bob McIntyre 2 X $25 gift certificate for Place D'Orleans
September 10 2009
I want to thank everyone on behalf of my family for your support and generosity. The last few weeks have been overwhelming with the response we’ve received from our friends and community. Notes with words of inspiration and well wishes have been forwarded to us and people have come forward to volunteer their time to ensure this campaign is successful. This means so much to Lisa and our family.
Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts,
Debra, Mike, Lisa and Laura
August 2009
Words cannot describe our gratitude to CHEO; they have literally saved Lisa’s life many times over.
Lisa has been very fortunate to receive the best of care from CHEO and I feel it’s important to mention different doctors, specialists, and dedicated teams who have tried to help her along the way. Every one on the neurosurgery team has been involved in Lisa’s care and I could not ask for a better group of medical professionals. Dr. Vassilyadi has sat with us many times and as often as we needed to discuss Lisa’s condition and try to figure things out with us. I remember one Saturday night during the multiple shunt surgeries him telling us that he would not go home until he knew Lisa was going to be OK. His dedication was heartfelt.
Lisa was treated for approximately one year by Dr. Gardine for neurostatic hypotension; this is a rare condition for a child to have but Lisa developed this condition after the multiple shunt surgeries and extended stays in hospital. It took nearly a year to pass and Dr. Gardine walked through it with us.
We would also like to recognize the Rehabilitation department at CHEO for all of their support through the years in helping Lisa to cope, adapt, and progress through the years. Special thanks to Heather Counsel who stood by us to work out all of the challenges with Lisa’s integration back into the school environment and to Dominique Surprenent who has always encouraged Lisa to do her best and continually raise the bar.
During Lisa’s stays at the hospital, she has been blessed to have the best of support from the staff on 5 West, including the nurses Christine and Erin among many who took the time to talk to Lisa and make her feel safe and cared for. The staff also took the time to support our family during these trying stays.
Lisa spent her 16th birthday in hospital and the doctors and nurses took the time to sing and dance (Kelly) for Lisa. Lisa still remembers her flowers from Dr. Vassilyadi.
Heather Crawford and Kate Taillfeur have always offered their support and services to Lisa and our family, mostly lending an ear to listen when we needed to talk. During one of her stays, Lisa participated in the CHEO telethon making suggestions on what CHEO can do to improve the look of the floor from a patient’s perspective. Special thanks also goes to candlelighters and the starlight foundation who have helped us along the way.
During these trying times, we have been very fortunate that my employer, Compugen, has been extremely supportive to me and my family and although it’s a national company, even the President, Harry Zarek, takes the time to ask about my daughter. Harry is always reminding us that family comes first. My peers here in Ottawa and our other locations have all been there to show their support. Without the opportunity given to me by Compugen to have flexible working hours, to work from home and their commitment to job security while on extended leave; it would have been nearly impossible to care for Lisa and still stay employed, and for that I am very grateful.
Thanks would also go out to the staff members of St. Matthew High School, who have worked very closely with us to meet Lisa’s special needs and help her work through her credits.
Thanks to the Scotia Bank who has guided us through the process of setting up this fundraising bank account for Lisa and has offered suggestions in order to assist us with our endeavour.
Last but certainly not least Thank you to our friends and family who stand by us to help in anyway they can by listening, preparing food, help with errands and bring a daily Tim’s coffee (Angela) when in hospital to start the day.