Famous Friends

June, 2013 - Janine Hanson, 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Women's Rowing

On June 9, 2013, my husband, Stephanie and I participated in the 17th Annual RBC Cruisin' Down the Crescent in order to help raise funds and awareness for the charitable foundation Children's Rehabilitation Foundation. "The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation is a Manitoba charity, dedicated to helping children with disabilities and special needs be as independent as possible. We are the fund raising arm for the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC). The Centre is an outpatient facility providing rehabilitation services and specialized health clinics for children and youth who live with life-long conditions."

 
 
 

Just after our walk, we had a great opportunity to meet Janine Hanson, the 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist in Women's Rowing.  She was a great encouragement to all the children and adults participating in the 10K walk.  We even got a signed card and photograph with Janine! Canada is proud of you!

November, 2012 - Disney Princess - Cinderella

During our Make-A-Wish trip Stephanie finally got to meet one of her idols, Cinderella.  Although Cinderella was very busy making many little girls' dreams come true, she gave Stephanie some special attention and made my little girl smile.

Just as they were about to visit, Stephanie had a seizure and fell to the floor. It didn't last long however, she remained sitting on the floor.  Cinderella was quite gracious and asked if there was anything she could do to help.  When Stephanie had recovered, Cinderella proceeded to sit down on the floor with Stephanie and continue their visit.  I have to say that this was the most amazing moment I have shared with Stephanie thus far.  Until next time Cindy!


October, 2011 - Singer/Songwriter - Avril Lavigne

The Avril Lavigne Foundation R.O.C.K.S. Respect, Opportunity, Choices, Knowledge, and Strength in support of children and youth living with serious illnesses and disabilities.

• Respect the needs of all children and youth, no matter their circumstances, and encourage others to do the same;
• Create the Opportunity for children and youth with serious illnesses or disabilities to follow their dreams;
• Offer Choices so children and youth see they have many options in life and not just a single path defined by their circumstances;
• Provide Knowledge about what is possible to children, youth and their families through new program ideas that The Avril Lavigne Foundation will support and help expand;
• Give kids and their families the Strength to face their daily challenges.

During our admission to the Toronto Hospital for Sick Kids, we had the opportunity to meet Avril Lavigne in the sick children's lounge before her concert performance that night. She had a lot of excited kids to see but thankfully we had time for a quick photo op.


July, 2010 - NHL Chicago Blackhawks - Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews was born in Winnipeg, and chose to take the Stanley Cup to his hometown on Sunday, July 10 and Monday, July 11.  Toews visited the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, the only hospital between Calgary and Toronto expressly devoted to the health care of children. There, he stopped by rooms for acutely-ill children who require constant monitoring, rooms funded by the Amadeus Steen Foundation. Amadeus was the infant son of Winnipeg Jets` hockey legend Thomas Steen and his wife Mona.

Jonathan was able to make some quick visits to kids, including Stephanie with the Stanley Cup.  The first thing out of her mouth was, "No thank you, I don't like you".  LOL...wait, mommy does! (Sorry for the damaged picture, Stephanie not so gently took apart her bullentin board during one of her moods!)