Summer 2016 Volume 15
CELEBR ATE The Gift of Life
Piper Coffin’s Transplant Story Check out the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit Opening on page 10.
WHAT’S INSIDE Piper Coffin’s Transplant Story . . . . 1 Message from the Chairman . . . . . 2 Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . . 3 Message from the SVP, Fund Development . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Message from the Director of Family Relations . . . . 5 995 Days, The Wait is Finally Over! . 7 Thank You Aird & Berlis LLP . . . . . . . 7 Canadian Transplant Game Athletes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2016 Winnipeg Media Event . . . . . . 9 Thanks to our Life Legacy Members and National Partners . . . . . . . . . 9 Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Dominican Republic Humanitarian Build . . . . . . . . . . 11 2016 Winnipeg Miracle Gala & Concert . . . . . . 12 Follow us on:
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iper Coffin was born with Alagille syndrome, a genetic disorder that can affect the liver, heart, and other parts of the body. One of the major features of Alagille syndrome is liver damage caused by abnormalities in the bile ducts. To treat Piper’s condition, she had a gastrostomy tube surgically inserted at 12 months old because she was failing to thrive, and required ten hours of constant feeding at night to help with her growth. When she was two years old, an ostomy procedure was performed to help drain bile to improve her quality of life. Over the next nine years while she lived with an ostomy back and the family's life continued to revolve around her medical struggles. On July 8th, 2014, Piper was admitted in to hospital. As mom, Cynthia, remained by her daughter’s side at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, Piper went into acute liver and renal failure. With only 20 minutes' warning, Cynthia was notified that Piper would be immediately med-evacuated to the closest pediatric transplant centre which was SickKids in Toronto. Cynthia called her husband, Hank, at work and he was able to say goodbye moments before the emergency flight departed. PROFILE Name: Piper Coffin Age: 13 years Home: Winnipeg, MB Transplant: Liver Date: Aug 9, 2014
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Message from the Chairman
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e are quickly approaching the incredible milestone of reaching our goal of raising 30 million dollars by our 30th anniversary next year and I couldn’t be happier about it. This year’s Miracle Gala & Concert in Winnipeg will go a long way in getting us there and I am looking forward to shifting my focus on what the next ten years looks like for everyone at the David Foster Foundation. For me, it will be a renewed drive to continue to build a life legacy and to make a difference in as many families' lives as possible, now and far into the future. Many children die waiting for an organ transplant and so many of these deaths can be prevented by registering to be an organ donor. As I look ahead to 2017, I know we will be working hard to support even more families with critically sick children. It is work we could not do without the ongoing support of each and every corporate and individual donor, as well as the endless hard work of
the Foundation staff and our Board of Directors. The Foundation is able to fill a need for which funding is not otherwise available—taking care of the non-medical financial needs of families with children undergoing organ transplant. Many parents are forced to stop working while they care for their child, often for months or even years. Paying rent or even buying groceries becomes impossible. No family should have to carry the burden of this experience when their child is fighting for their life. Education is the most powerful tool we have to exact change in the world. My goal is to work to educate as many people as possible about the importance of organ donation, and the profound impact the decision to become an organ donor can have. Talk to your friends about becoming an organ donor, share your wishes with your family and take a few minutes to register online! You never know – one conversation could end up saving the life of someone you love. Sincerely,
“My goal is to work to educate as many people as possible about the importance of organ donation, and the profound impact the decision to become an organ donor can have.”
Jim Treliving, David Foster, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, and DFF CEO Michael Ravenhill promoting the upcoming 2016 Miracle Gala & Concert.
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David Foster, Founder and Chairman
Message from the CEO
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ummer at the David Foster Foundation is one of our busiest times as we begin the final countdown to our annual Miracle Gala & Concert, and this year is no different! We are continuing our work to support families and one thing we are focusing on now more than ever is organ donor awareness and education on a national level. Imagine being told your child needs a life-saving organ transplant. With those words your life changes forever. Nothing is certain, and as the questions begin piling up, the only thing that will be constant is the overwhelming feeling of helplessness. So many families are simply waiting for an organ; even though a majority of Canadians support organ donation, only 14% are actually registered and it simply isn’t enough. Earlier this year I had the privilege of travelling to The White House for an Organ Donor Summit with my good friend, organ donation advocate, and heart transplant recipient, Simon Keith. It was an exciting process to be a part of as we discussed the problem of low donor registration rates across North America. Simon is the COO of the Nevada Donor Network and was responsible in completely reconstructing the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO). Simon’s dedication to the OPO brought it from the worst OPO in the nation to the number one in three short years. The Nevada Donor Network is now regarded as one of the most innovative and respected world leaders. One of the biggest changes was the legal acknowledgement of “intent” becoming as powerful as “consent.” What that means is that even without registration, we all have the ability to show our intent to become an organ donor by posting it on our social media, sharing it with our friends and telling our families. One of the problems we face in Canada is that there is no single national registry, but a series of small registries that don’t cohesively interact with each other. By following in Nevada’s footsteps and lobbying
for “intent” to be as legally powerful as “consent” to be an organ donor, it is my sincere belief that we can save many more lives. As a father blessed with two healthy daughters, I can only speak to the pain and turmoil of an organ failure diagnosis from the perspective of someone who has watched too many families go through such stressful and draining situations over the last 26 years. It is that perspective that has motivated me over and over again to do everything in my power to help each and every family. Everyone has the choice to become an organ donor and the power to save a life, and it has never been easier. I encourage you to post your intent to be an organ donor on all your social media accounts, to share your feelings with your families, and to invite them to do the same. Together we can save countless lives, all we have to do is talk about it!
With gratitude and appreciation,
Mike Ravenhill, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Ravenhill at the Organ Donor Summit at The White House with Captain Eric A. Elster MCD, FACS, USN and heart transplant recipient, Simon Keith.
David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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Message from the SVP, Fund Development
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t has been just a little over three years since I became the SVP of Fund Development of the David Foster Foundation and opened the Toronto office. I’d like to share how the generosity of one organization made it possible to open this office in the downtown core of Toronto and, as a result, the David Foster Foundation is currently able and will continue into the future, to create more tomorrows for children. Aird and Berlis LLP exemplifies the very essence of good corporate citizenry. In addition to providing their clients with exemplary legal services, they continually support causes for the less fortunate. In short, they are aligned to my personal mantra that the essence of honest philanthropy occurs when you give with no expectation of receiving a monetary benefit in return. I approached the managing partner and the Executive Committee of Aird and Berlis LLP and told the story
Did You Know…
• In 1986, the David Foster Foundation received its charter in the province of British Columbia as a not-for-profit charity? • In 2006, the David Foster Foundation became a national not-for-profit charity? • As a result of the generous support of individuals and organizations from across Canada, the David Foster Foundation has provided financial support to over 1,000 families from Newfoundland and PEI to Victoria, BC as their children go through the life-saving organ transplant process? • Until 2013, the David Foster Foundation had a single office in David’s home town of Victoria? In 2013, the David Foster Foundation opened a second office in Toronto.
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of the David Foster Foundation and why opening a Toronto office was so important. Their reaction was unequivocal. How can we help? Since April 2013, Aird & Berlis LLP has provided the David Foster Foundation with a complete corporate office and the requisite support. But that was not enough for them. Knowing that many of our families live thousands of kilometres from the designated hospital and flights are required, at the beginning of each year, Aird & Berlis donates 1,000,000 points through Aeroplan to the David Foster Foundation. To date they have donated 4,000,000 Aeroplan Points! We are proud and honoured to have Aird & Berlis LLP as one of our National Sponsors. If you would like information on the Foundation or information on how to make a donation to the David Foster Foundation, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Toronto office.
www.davidfosterfoundation.com
Sincerely,
John Danson, Senior Vice President, Fund Development
Message from the Director of Family Relations
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or most of us, summer is when people spend a lot of time outdoors with family and friends attending weddings, barbeques, camping, or going on road trips or vacations. For many transplant families these normalities of life are a far off distant dream. Between managing medical appointments, blood work, hospitalizations, and juggling bills, there is often no time or money to have such luxuries. Even after a successful organ transplant, parents have to worry about their child’s weakened immune system, and regular social engagements become risk management. For many children, summer brings an opportunity to attend summer camps, and activities where they get to meet new peers and start new friendships. For some of those children, it is an opportunity for them to take part in the Canadian Transplant Summer Games that are being held August 8-13th this year in Toronto, Ontario. Summer time also brings the opportunity for some of them to attend summer camps such as the Kidney Kid Camps throughout Canada hosted by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, or Camp Kivita in Ontario designated for children with solid organ transplants. We look forward to seeing the pictures and hearing the stories from
“Even after a successful organ transplant, parents have to worry about their child’s weakened immune system, and regular social engagements become risk management.” the children and families we have helped. It makes our work at the Foundation so meaningful, and brings such a joy to see these children thriving and enjoying life. We wish all our families a wonderful summer, and best of luck competing in the Canadian Transplant Summer Games.
Sincerely,
Lara Knudsen, Director of Family & Community Relations
Lara Knudsen & John Danson with transplant families at a Toronto Blue Jays game hosted by WestJet!
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“Through the kindness and selfless act of a registered organ donor, Piper was given a second chance at life and the family no longer had to say goodbye to their beautiful girl.” Separated by over 2,200 km from the rest of the family, Cynthia remained alone while Piper underwent a liver transplant assessment. Hank, and twin sister, Callysta, anxiously awaited updates on Piper’s condition. While Piper was undergoing the liver transplant assessment by the transplant medical team at SickKids Hospital, the social worker quickly worked to connect the family with the David Foster Foundation to help with emergency financial support. On July 23rd, 2014, Piper was placed on the transplant waitlist for a liver. Piper’s condition continued to deteriorate as the days passed. On August 4th, 2014, Piper went into complete renal failure and fell into a coma. Piper underwent surgery to have a PICC line implanted for renal dialysis in an attempt to help stabilize her, but with her medical condition so unstable, the doctors recommended Piper’s family to come as quickly as possible to the hospital. The David Foster Foundation made flight arrangements for Hank and Callysta to come to Toronto and be by Cynthia’s side as Piper battled to stay alive long enough to receive a life-saving liver transplant. After five long days, on August 9th, 2014, the family finally received the news they were all desperately waiting for; a liver was available. Through the kindness and selfless act of a registered organ donor, Piper was given a second chance at life and the family no longer had to say goodbye to their beautiful girl. Piper underwent a 9.5 hour surgery with the transplant team while her family waited in the halls of the hospital. Piper spent a total of 21 days in the critical care unit after the transplant to be closely monitored as she remained medically unstable. Her recovery was long, but with the financial help of the David Foster Foundation, the additional costs of accommodations, meals, and flights were taken care of, and the family was able to remain in Toronto to support one another. Piper’s kidneys slowly began to function
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Piper in ICU desperately waiting for a liver transplant.
again after the liver transplant, and she was finally able to stop dialysis in early September. On September 24, 2014, Piper was finally discharged after being in hospital for more than three months. Piper was required to remain in Toronto to receive daily IV treatments and attend medical follow up appointments. Hank and Callysta returned home to Winnipeg, Manitoba in October to prepare for Piper’s homecoming. On November 21, 2014, nearly four months after being med-evacuated from Winnipeg and uprooted from their lives, Cynthia and Piper were able to return home from their battle to save Piper’s life. During Piper’s transplant journey, she received 130 blood transfusions while at SickKids and had nine surgeries in 2014 and 2015. Today, Piper is doing well although she has experienced some minor setbacks along the way. Piper requires ongoing medical care which is followed closely by the GI and Nephrology doctors at the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg and the Transplant Team at SickKids. The family continues to guard Piper from germs and viruses to prevent liver rejection. Piper is now able to enjoy swimming, biking, and being creative. She and her twin sister, Callysta, will be returning to high school in the fall. Hank and Cynthia have been stationed in Winnipeg since 2012 with the military. Hank has recently retired and Cynthia continues to work for the Royal Canadian Air Forces while watching their two daughters grow up together.
www.davidfosterfoundation.com
995 Days… The Wait is Finally Over! Thank You…
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his year, National Partners, Aird & Berlis LLP, donated one million Aeroplan points to the David Foster Foundation! To date, Aird & Berlis LLP has generously donated four million Aeroplan points. The points collected through Aeroplan allow the Foundation to fly families from various locations to transplant hospitals located all across the country. Thank you, Aird & Berlis LLP, for your generous donation!
Cody in hospital after his transplant
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ody was listed on the national transplant list for a heart transplant on October 11, 2014. While Cody waited, he was required to wear an LVAD which is a device that assists his damaged heart to pump. Waiting for an organ transplant was not easy on Cody or his family.
Would you like to donate Aeroplan points? • Visit aeroplan.com • Select USE YOUR MILES along the top menu • Select DONATE from drop down menu • Search for DAVID FOSTER FOUNDATION • Click DONATE and share with your friends!
995 days later, on July 1, 2016, Cody finally received his life-saving heart transplant. The Foundation is looking forward to watching Cody regain his strength and start living his life as an active teenager! Cody with an LVAD, the device that helps pump his damaged heart.
To donate to the David Foster Foundation and support children and their families receiving life-saving organ transplants, please visit www.davidfosterfoundation.com or mail in your donation directly to:
David Foster Foundation, 212 Henry Street, Victoria, BC V9A 3H9 CANADA David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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Canadian Transplant Game Athletes
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he 8th bi-annual Canadian Transplant Games will soon begin! The Transplant Games provide an opportunity for transplant recipients from around the country to come together for competition and fun in a celebration of health. The transplant athletes, ranging from age four to 80+, will choose from sports such as track and field, swimming, golf, tennis, table tennis, pickleball, badminton, bowling, cycling and lawn bowling. This year, we have four David Foster Foundation kids competing in the games! Wishing all the athletes good luck! For more information, please visit: games.canadiantransplant.com
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www.davidfosterfoundation.com
Thanks to our National Sponsors
THANKS TO OUR LIFE LEGACY MEMBERS TELUS | Slaight Family Foundation Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation in Partnership with Catalyst Capital Group Tan Sri Dr. Francis Yeoh | Jim & Sandi Treliving
2016 Winnipeg Media Event
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his spring, David Foster visited the heart and soul of Manitoba to promote the upcoming 2016 Miracle Gala & Concert. Joining David was Board of Director, CBC Dragons’ Den and Winnipeg native, Jim Treliving. David expressed that one of his main goals for coming to Winnipeg was to increase the organ donor registration rates in Manitoba. Currently from a population of 1.2 million, only 1% are registered as organ donors. With the hard work of Transplant Manitoba, there have been great strides in improving the awareness and overall need for organ donors in Manitoba. Winnipeg Mayor, Brian Bowman, joined David on stage to support and encourage organ donation in Manitoba.
Mike Ravenhill discusses the importance of organ donation in Winnipeg.
During the media event, the audience met Nazdana, a little girl who received a life-saving liver transplant in 2014. The David Foster Foundation was able to assist the family while they temporarily relocated to Toronto for her liver transplant. To learn more about organ donation or to register in Manitoba, please visit signupforlife.ca. Nazdana, liver transplant recipient, and supporter Bonnie Buhler.
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Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit Opening
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David Foster’s late cousin and famous Canadian racing driver, Billy Foster, was honoured at the track opening. Billy Foster became the first Canadian to race in the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1965. Tragically, Billy is the only Canadian racing driver to be fatally injured at a NASCAR event. In reaction to the sudden death, NASCAR created the window net rule that is extended and mandatory to all closed cars.
Photo credit: Terrance Lam
n June 6, 2016, the David Foster Foundation joined partner GAIN Premium Dealer Group for the grand opening of the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in Cowichan Valley, B.C. Founder and Chairman, David Foster brought CBC’s Dragons' Den star, Jim Treliving, CART IndyCar World Series driver, Danny Sullivan, and American TV personalities, Erin Foster and Brody and Brandon Jenner.
Officially open! David Foster and Sylvestor Chuang cutting the ribbon at the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit.
Photo credit: Terrance Lam
The Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit is Canada’s only year-round track available to passionate drivers from all around the world. The David Foster Foundation is looking forward to returning to the Vancouver Island Motor Gathering at the Motorsport Circuit on September 18, 2016 to celebrate a fun-filled family event showcasing classic, unique, modern, and custom cars for enthusiasts of all ages. Thank you Sylvester Chuang, Peter Trzewik, and GAIN Premium Dealer Group! David Foster with his daughter Erin Foster and step-sons, Brody and Brandon Jenner in front of the plaque honouring his late cousin, Billy Foster.
Photo credit: Terrance Lam
Learn more about the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit by visiting: islandmotorsportcircuit.com.
David Foster in Billy Foster's racing car!
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Jim Treliving, Max Papis, and Peter Trzewik celebrate the opening!
Dominican Republic Humanitarian Build
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Photo credit: Benjamin Cole Brown
he David Foster Foundation embarked on a special journey with our partners and friends at WestJet and Boston Pizza to the Dominican Republic!
Photo credit: Benjamin Cole Brown
Chairman David Foster & DFF CEO Michael Ravenhill with Sandra, the community's leader.
Over the past few years, we have admired our partners' commitment and dedication as they worked alongside an organization called Live Different in a small community near Puerto Plata. The work they do is very similar to the Foundation in many ways: creating a sense of self worth, helping to keep families together, and most importantly, giving people hope. Both WestJet and Boston Pizza have supported the David Foster Foundation for many years through financial donations, family flights, event sponsorships and much more. The Foundation often looks to our partners and donors for support but seldom has the opportunity to give back. Working together in the Dominican Republic gave the Foundation the opportunity to give back and contribute to a cause that is passionate to both WestJet's and Boston Pizza’s hearts. In two amazing days, three organizations came together, consisting of executives, board of directors, and staff members, to create two homes for two very deserving families. The experience created memories to last a life time and enriched the lives in a special community. We would like to thank WestJet, Boston Pizza, and Live Different for sharing this experience with us. Together, we did make a difference!
Team in front of house #1 the day before the house dedication ceremony.
Photo credit: Benjamin Cole Brown
Photo credit: Benjamin Cole Brown
WestJet's CEO, Gregg Saretsky, hand mixing cement for the floor of the house.
David Foster hands the keys over to a very deserving family during the house dedication ceremony.
David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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WINNIPEG!
Miracle Gala & Concert SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 MTS CENTRE, WINNIPEG, MB, CANADA A NIGHT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS, A CAUSE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET! TICKETS THROUGH Visit: davidfosterfoundation.com
P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D BY
I N PA R T N ER S H I P W I T H
LU X U RY S P O N S O R
FIVE S TA R SPONSOR RED CARPET SPONSORS BOB & KIM S I LV E R
BONNIE & JOHN BUHLER
O F F I CI A L H OT E L PA R T N ER
E X ECU T I V E P R O D U CER
GAL A SPONSOR
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I N V I TAT I O N S & GR APHIC DESIGN