Issuu

Summer 2013 Volume 6

CELEBR ATE The Gift of Life

WHAT’S INSIDE

David Foster Way . . . . . . . . . . . .

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A Letter of Gratitude to the Foundation . . . . . . . . . .

Katelyn Ranger – Living a Full Life . . . . . . . . . . . .

Have You Seen Our New Web Site? . . . . . . . . .

A Smile is Reborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . Message from the Chairman . . . Message from the CEO . . . . . . . .

The Grand Opening of the David Foster Foundation Theatre in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel . . . Meet John Danson . . . . . . . . . . . Our Valued National Sponsors . . RBC Employees Step Up to the Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . David Receives His Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . . . Transplant Champion . . . . . . . . Save the Date! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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10 11 11 12 12

A Smile is Reborn

pril 20-28 was organ donation week — the biggest annual push to increase awareness for the importance of organ donation. It only takes 5 minutes for individuals to register themselves as an organ donor and those 5 minutes could save countless lives. Each year, 396 people die in Canada waiting for an organ transplant. There are currently over 4,000 mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons awaiting a life-saving transplant surgery, but there is a severe shortage of donors. In each of us is the opportunity to save many lives; we don’t have to scale buildings in a single bound, we don’t have to don a mask and cape or develop superhuman abilities — we simply have to sit down for 5 minutes and sign a form. If you missed signing up during organ donor week, we urge you to talk to your friends and family, make your wishes known, and fill out an organ donor form. One day, you could save a life like little Kaiya’s. (See attached photos).

Kaiya McEwen before her liver transplant. Look to the top of the page and see her with David only 3 months later.

Kaiya checking her staples after surgery.

Be sure to read our next issue detailing Kaiya’s incredible story.

Message from the Chairman

nstead of taking a break after the success of the 25th anniversary gala in Victoria last year, my work with the foundation has never been busier! We continue to increase our family support as we have just registered our 810th family. I am so appreciative of the DFF team who have worked tirelessly to support our families and provide a better platform to promote organ donor awareness. We are so grateful to our partners who help us promote donor awareness throughout the country. We couldn’t do it without them. It has also been a very busy year in the studio as I have been producing albums with Mary J Blige, Bryan Adams,

Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder. I am looking forward to our gala event in Toronto in December of this year, where we will welcome an exciting line-up of musical talent in our quest to raise money to support families as they go through unthinkably difficult times.

Sincerely,

David Foster, Founder and Chairman

For more info on participating in “Be A Donor, Save A Life”, contact the foundation at info@davidfosterfoundation.com or call toll free 1-877-777-7675.

Message from the CEO

his 2013 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting years yet! Our new website is finished and we are busy developing our social media to spread the word on the importance of becoming an organ donor. Our 30 by 30 campaign is in full swing and we are thrilled to have John Danson spearheading this from his newly appointed position as Senior Vice President of Fund Development in Toronto. We felt it was important to have a full time person on the ground in Toronto, especially as we gear up for our Gala event this December! So often we think that in a world filled with billions of people, one person’s actions can’t mean that much; Marit McKenzie thought otherwise. The energetic 17 year old died suddenly earlier this year, but due to the influence of her best friend Paige — a liver transplant recipient — she had previously discussed with her parents her wish to be an organ donor. In her death, Marit gave people she never knew a second chance at life; her heart, liver, pancreas and both kidneys were successfully transplanted

Summer 2013

in four separate surgeries, and her corneas gave two separate people the gift of sight. Her school held a charity hockey game in her name, raising over $12,000 for the David Foster Foundation and with such, Marit changed the lives of countless others. She taught us all that it is not always about what we can see in front of us, but the things that we cannot foresee that matter. To live with vitality and a purpose, and to be grateful for the many blessings we have every day are far more important than we can imagine. Marit McKenzie fought for something she was passionate about, stood up for what she believed and because of her strength and integrity, her fight will continue for years after her death. She will be dearly missed by the many people who were blessed enough to know her, but perhaps those who are most grateful for her generosity, are those that never knew her at all.

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Kind regards,

Mike Ravenhill, Chief Executive Officer

David Foster Way City of Victoria honours David Foster with the naming of its splendid Inner Harbour waterfront pathway.

magine a waterfront pathway gathering friends and family engaging in cycling, walking, participating in harbour activities, enjoying Victoria’s downtown tourism and celebrating special events connecting people and their communities throughout the year. “Naming this pathway the David Foster Way was an opportunity to honour a local Victorian for his contributions toward the performing arts in Canada and internationally,” said Mayor Fortin. Eleven locations along the 5 km pathway have been identified to create “special places” that will capture international attention and make David Foster Way a spectacular landmark. Some of the special places recognize the contributions of First Nations, while others showcase Canadian arts, culture and music, demonstrate environmental restoration, or enhance recreation opportunities. Each special place features thematic and interpretive experiences in the form of stylized bridges, coves and boardwalks. Concepts of David Foster Way extend from Rock Bay to Ogden Point. Located in the heart of Victoria, the waterfront pathway showcases special places such as Heron Cove at Fisherman’s Wharf, Legislative Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Fairmont Empress, Bastion Square waterfront, Upper and Lower Causeway, Belleville Street, Laurel Point, Canoe Club, and Ship Point eventually connecting Barclay Point, and north through

Michael Bublé, David Foster and City of Victoria Mayor, Dean Fortin, at the unveiling of “David Foster Way”

“Naming this pathway the David Foster Way was an opportunity to honour a local Victorian for his contributions toward the performing arts in Canada and internationally.” the new Johnson Street Bridge which is currently in development. “I’m honoured and pleased to see the community engagement over the vision for David Foster Way, knowing that it is still a work in progress,” said Foster. “I encourage the community to continue putting forth their ideas as we refine this vision for what will one day be an extraordinary asset for Victoria and attraction for the world to enjoy.” On Friday, May 3, 2013, during an informal overview of the pathway with Mayor Fortin, David Foster announced a personal donation of $50,000 for the further development of the five-kilometre harbour walkway plan. “It was a total but welcome surprise when David announced his contribution toward the pathway. We hope that David’s support will inspire others to contribute to this incredible project and help make this vision for our harbor pathway a reality,” said Mayor Fortin. A group of local citizens is working with the City to identify opportunities for community partnerships and funding programs. When finished, the David Foster Way will be the longest named harbor pathway in North America. David Foster Foundation Newsletter

A Letter of Gratitude to the Foundation Every so often, the Foundation receives a letter from a social worker or family expressing appreciation for the support provided through the Foundation. Below is the letter we just received from one of our transplant team Social Workers.

Dear Mike: It is at the explicit request of Azize’s mother, Mrs. Ardita Aliu, that I have prepared and am now sending you and The David Foster Foundation this note of thank-you. It is my hope that my words below will convey how most sincerely thankful Mrs. Aliu and her husband, Mr. Sefedin Gashi, are and how deeply appreciative I am of the financial support that has been provided to their family by The David Foster Foundation. Mike, as you know, Azize underwent her double lung transplantation on December 18, 2011. Although it went “miraculously” well in the beginning, there were complications and a progressive deterioration in her post lung transplant condition and well-being over the course of time, to the point where she was listed for a second lung transplantation this past November (2012). Azize has since been waiting courageously and exemplarily for healthy, suitable, and matching lungs to become available for her re-transplantation. Frankly, Azize is one of my “unsung heroes” at SickKids. A week ago, Azize was re-admitted on our Transplant Ward 6A as she was really not feeling well. She is really not doing well, Mike…. Mrs. Aliu has been staying with her on the ward, to provide her with ongoing maternal support, reassurance, encouragement, tender loving care, etc. And, when Azize’s father is able to free himself temporarily from his work duties, he comes to replace his wife and attend to her (Azize) at her bedside. On Monday afternoon, Mrs. Aliu asked if I would prepare this note of thank-you on her behalf and on the behalf of Azize and their whole family. She explained that as she was paying home bills on-line while Azize was resting, she felt deeply appreciative for ALL the help and support that their family has been receiving from The David Foster Foundation. She further explained that she did not have to worry as to how or when she and her husband would be able to pay these bills – they have the support of The Foundation to help them! Mike, at this particular time of suffering, great worry, uncertainty, and anguish for Azize and her family, the continued support of The David Foster Foundation is making a most significant, substantial, and meaningful difference in their lives – thank you so very much! Mike, it is a privilege for me to prepare and send you this note because I, too, want to express my own sincere thankfulness to you, to David, and to your Foundation staff for the financial support that has been provided, and that continues to be provided, to Azize and her family. I am the witness of just how much, how meaningful, and how significant a difference your ongoing support is making in the lives of our truly brave, exceptional, and talented patient, Azize, and her family members. Please do let David know how much we appreciate his Foundation’s support and how grateful we are to all of you at The David Foster Foundation for your help. With sincere gratefulness,

Jean L. Vinette, MSW, RSW, Medical Social Worker The Division of Respiratory Medicine & The Lung Transplant Team

Summer 2013

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Katelyn Ranger – Living a Full Life

o say 13 year old girls are volatile is, to some, an understatement! They’re just starting to get crushes on boys, they worry about how their hair looks and they get frustrated when their favourite song doesn’t play on the radio when they want it to. Their social lives start to bloom; giggling by their school lockers during class breaks is a common everyday occurrence. That is for most 13 year old girls. Katelyn Ranger was normal in every way until she reached the age of 13. That’s when she got sick and a hospital foyer became her new home room. Katelyn was diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis. Wegener’s granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow. It mainly affects blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys, although other areas may be involved. The cause is unknown. WG affected Katelyn’s kidneys and after three years of hemodialysis, Katelyn finally received her kidney transplant.

Katelyn made the decision to give back to the David Foster Foundation financially. “I don’t remember a lot about that time period just that my parents were stressed. I am very grateful, though, to some wonderful organizations like Easter Seal House and of course, David Foster Foundation,” recalled Katelyn. Katelyn is now a healthy single 28 year old woman currently working as an administrative assistant at the Ministry of Health and plans on taking her Masters in Public Health at UVIC part time over a 3-5 year period. Katelyn decided that her gratitude to those who helped her and her parents was not enough. She made the decision to give back to the David Foster Foundation financially. Katelyn decided on recurring monthly donations to signify a pledge for ongoing support to families like hers and because DFF had such an impact on her family as she went through her transplant experience. As for becoming a registered organ donor she says she encourages people to make the decision. “A lot of people have a negative reaction to realizing how most donations come about, after you’ve passed away. We have the power to improve quality of life and that is something to look forward to after you’re gone.”

Have You Seen Our New Web Site? Check it out… davidfosterfoundation.com

The Grand Opening of the David Foster Foundation Theatre in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

n acclaimed music producer and philanthropist, David Foster officially opened the David Foster Foundation Theatre and celebrated the partnership between the hotel and the foundation. Kevin and Shawna Walker, the owners of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel have pledged a 10 year, $2 million commitment to the foundation. “It’s so rare to find two people that are as committed as the two of you are to everything we do,” said Foster. “I don’t think we can underplay the importance of what the two of you mean to this community and to our foundation.”

The Rolls experience adorns the front entrance of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

David & Yolanda and Kevin & Shawna Walker look on as the David Foster Tribute Wall is unveiled.

Kevin & Shawna Walker, owners of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel during the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the David Foster Foundation Theatre with David and Yolanda.

Summer 2013

“When you can find a partner that actually speaks, talks, eats and breaths our foundation, it’s amazing,” CEO Mike Ravenhill said. “We can’t do it without the great support of the community and of corporate sponsors and partners, such as the Walkers and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.” The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a tribute wall to David Foster. The celebration followed with a sold-out “intimate evening” with David Foster and friends performing in the dinner theatre. The evening included Fernando Varela, the Puerto Rican tenor he discovered on YouTube, classical crossover pianist William Joseph, and Los Angeles singer and longtime collaborator Nita Whitaker for an intimate evening among friends that came from both near and far. Local performers in this intimate evening included Georgia Murray, the Victoria-based singer there with father Craig, owner of Nimmo Bay Resort, along with

An intimate evening with David and friends in the David Foster Foundation Theatre.

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

A Partner that Speaks, Talks, Eats and Breathes the Foundation others including guest services attendant Daniela Jackson wowing guests with Bonnie Raitt’s Something to Talk About. Kathleen Burton, Victoria Hospice director of development, received acclaimed applause after singing Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina. Other highlights included Whitaker’s version of It’s Got to Be Real and I Will Always Love You; Varela’s rendition of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma; and Phoenix-based Joseph’s divination on the grand piano starting with Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir. A portion of the profit from every dinner theatre ticket sold to every event at the David Foster Foundation Theatre goes toward the David Foster Foundation to support the families of children who are receiving organ transplants. “We wanted to align ourselves with someone doing good stuff for people, and the David Foster Foundation is doing amazing work for families,” Walker said. Nearly $300,000 has been raised so far at the hotel for the foundation with more to come. CEO, Mike Ravenhill of the David Foster Foundation describes David as a man that has done so much “Not only in the music industry, but as a humanitarian, a philanthropist.” The wall features an autographed photo of Foster, along with framed showcases of three eras of his music career. There is also a multimedia touchscreen on which guests can bring up video clips of Foster and the music he has helped create over the years, along with information about the foundation. Visit the wall and enjoy an evening in the theatre. Well worth the trip.

Nita Whitaker performing at the Dinner Theatre opening.

The hands of William Joseph wowed the crowd performing Kashmir.

The real housewives of DFF and the men in black (attending DFF staff and board members).

Double heart transplant recipient, Evanne Fisher, talking with David and Yolanda.

David Foster Foundation Newsletter

Meet John Danson Senior Vice President, Fund Development

ike Ravenhill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Danson as Senior Vice President, Fund Development, based in Toronto, Ontario.

This is a new position for the David Foster Foundation, requiring someone with the experience to help build upon the legacy David Foster created when he launched his foundation more than 25 years ago.

“Danson is responsible for building the foundation’s major gifts program and ensuring the foundation continues its mission for generations to come.” Contact John Danson by calling 416-865-4646 or toll free 1-877-777-7675, or by email at jdanson@davidfosterfoundation.com. The Toronto office mailing address is: David Foster Foundation - Toronto Offices Suite 1800, 181 Bay Street Box 754 Toronto, ON M5J 2T9 www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Danson is responsible for building the foundation’s major gifts program and ensuring the foundation continues its mission for generations to come. With its head office in Victoria, BC, the David Foster Foundation has assisted 810 Canadian families with children in need of lifesaving organ transplants and provided millions of dollars in direct family support. The Foundation’s financial commitment to families can exceed well over $100,000. The average minimum cost to support a family is $10,000 per year, which can often span multiple years. This support has ranged from a one-time financial request to a period as long as multiple years. Danson’s previous position was VP, Business Development for the Cleveland Clinic Canada, an executive health care facility in Toronto and prior to that he was President of Creative Wellness Solutions, an organization staffed by retired Canadian Olympians dedicated to providing children, adults and companies with wellness programs specific to their needs. Danson will be based out of the David Foster Foundation office within Aird & Berlis LLP, a Toronto law firm that recently joined the David Foster Foundation as a national partner, donating office space and support.

Summer 2013

Transplant recipients Kaiya McEwen and Coen Wallace at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Our Valued National Sponsors…

Aird & Berlis LLP Proud to Join Our Valued National Sponsors

he David Foster Foundation is pleased to announce Aird & Berlis LLP as the Foundation’s newest national partner.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with one of Toronto’s premier law firms, Aird & Berlis LLP, as we join together to assist the many families that are in need of our financial support,” says Mike Ravenhill, CEO, David Foster Foundation. The Foundation’s new Senior Vice President of Fund Development, John Danson, is based in the Toronto offices of Aird & Berlis LLP. Danson is responsible for building the foundation’s major gifts program and ensuring the foundation continues its mission for generations to come.

“The partners and staff of Aird & Berlis LLP are pleased to join the other national partners of the David Foster Foundation in support of Canadian families with children requiring organ donations,” said Eldon Bennett, Managing Partner of Aird & Berlis LLP. “Our association with the David Foster Foundation aligns perfectly with our firm’s support of health related charitable activities in Canada and abroad.” The foundation is thankful for the donation of office space, furniture, and administrative support given by Aird & Berlis LLP.

Myth If I am in an accident and the hospital knows I want to be an organ donor, the doctors won’t try to save my life. Fact If you are sick or injured, the number one priority for hospital staff is to save your life. The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team, and the team coordinating the donation is not notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been determined. If you have not registered formally as an organ donor, the transplant team would not be notified until your family has consented to the donation.

Dr. Anne Dipchand with Rana, who had her heart transplant at 9 years old.

David Foster Foundation Newsletter

RBC Employees Step Up to the Challenge

BC Employees Jeremy Stephen and Matt Hillyard approached the David Foster Foundation in early 2013 to pilot the “Be A Donor” Corporate Challenge within the greater Victoria RBC branches. Not only did these two take it upon themselves to initiate the program and start to educate their colleagues, but both took the time out to become organ donors. “It was so easy and literally only took 5 minutes,” said Matt Hillyard. On March 17 the David Foster Foundation CEO Michael Ravenhill met with the branch managers to help educate them to the importance of organ donation, and bring to light the works of the foundation over the past 26 years. “Did you know that 90% of Canadians support organ donation yet less than 25% of Canadians have actually made plans to become an organ donor, and in BC it is less than 18.5%,” remarked Michael Ravenhill. Each year hundreds of people in Canada die waiting for an organ. We have the power to change that by talking about it amongst our friends and family.

“Did you know that 90% of Canadians support organ donation yet less than 25% of Canadians have actually made plans to become an organ donor, and in BC it is less than 18.5%.” the word. They received great community support, and they were able to fill 1 ½ bins of scrap metal to raise over $2000.00. The David Foster Foundation looks forward to pitching in a hand at their next upcoming drive in Victoria. Follow us on Twitter, and Facebook to find out about the next drive.

Since then RBC employees have donated their time to volunteering at the foundation, and joined forces with Schnitzer Steel to launch their first Scrap Metal Drive. On June 1, 2013 RBC employees at the Mill Bay RBC location collected scrap metal to raise funds to support the Foundations cause of financially supporting families with children undergoing lifesaving organ transplants. Radio station Sun FM was on site to help them spread

Myth I have a history of medical illness, therefore my organs or tissues can’t be donated to others. Fact At the time of death, the team that coordinates donation reviews the medical and social history of the patient to determine donor suitability on a case-by-case basis. Many diseases that were once cause to exclude someone from donating, such as diabetes and hepatitis, are no longer considered a barrier.

Summer 2013

www.davidfosterfoundation.com

David Receives His Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

fter 3 decades of chart topping hits and a list of accolades and awards as long as your arm, David was recognized by the Hollywood elite with his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. David was joined by his family, friends, and multiple celebrities and artists such as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, Dr. Phil, and others. David has worked with the biggest names in the music industry including Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Madonna, NSync, Natalie Cole, and many more. David is regarded as one of the greatest producers of all time. Foster, self-described as the “biggest Beatles fan on the planet,” has his star adjacent to those dedicated to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Other notables beside David Foster are Buddy Holly and Neil Diamond. It was the Beatles’ 1963 hit single She Loves You, he said, that inspired him to pursue his music career.

David Foster has also lent his musical skills to well over 300 charitable events and organizations over the past decade. He established the David Foster Foundation in 1986 and has raised millions of dollars to assist hundreds of families of children in need of organ transplants in Canada. David personally invited and covered the costs for the foundation’s board of directors to attend the ceremony. We are delighted that he has been recognized by his peers for this prestigious honor with his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Walk of Fame honor follows Foster’s induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and David Foster Way, the five-kilometre Victoria harbour walkway named in his honor. When completed, the David Foster Way will be the longest names public harbour pathway in North America.

DFF board attends Star presentation.

Transplant Champion 8 year old Evanne Fisher ran and completed in her very first cross country race eight months after her second heart transplant. Our CEO Mike Ravenhill happened to be in town during her schools cross country track meet, and cleared his calendar to be there to see this momentous event. Evanne was beyond thrilled when Mike Ravenhill surprised her at the race to cheer her on. We are all so proud of her accomplishment, and her determination to never give up. To find out how to become and organ donor today, please visit http://www. davidfosterfoundation.com/ supportfoundation/becomean-organ-donor

Save the Date! December 5th, 2013 in Toronto

< Performances by Andrea Bocelli…

David Foster Foundation GALA A night you don’t want to miss! Unparalleled entertainment from some of the world’s finest entertainers! Mark your calendar today! Be sure to check our website for surprise entertainers to come… and upcoming instructions on how to attend.

…and The Canadian Tenors >

David Foster Foundation Donation Form Thank you for supporting children and their families receiving life-saving organ transplants. Donations can be mailed to: David Foster Foundation, 212 Henry Street, Victoria, BC V9A 3H9 CANADA

M Make a Personal Donation

Title:____________ First Name:__________________________ Last Name:__________________________

(e.g. Mr, Mrs, Dr)

M Make Donation on behalf of an Organization

Name of Organization:_______________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________ City/Town:__________________________________ Province/State:____________________________ Postal/Zip Code:_________________________ Country:_________________________ Phone: (_________) _____________ Ext________ E-mail Address:____________________________________________________________

M I give permission for the David Foster Foundation to contact me via e-mail with information about how I can support

children receiving life saving organ transplants.

Additional Comments:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Amount: $_________________ Currency:________________ M One Time Credit Card Payment Credit Card Type:

M VISA M MC M AMEX

M Recurring Monthly Payment

Credit Card #:__________________________________________________________

Card Security #:____________ Card Holder’s Name:_________________________________________ Expiry Date (MM/YY):___________ I would like to make a donation in memory/honour of:_______________________________________________________________________

M Please notify the next of kin that a donation has been made. M I would like to keep my gift private. Canadian Charitable Business No. 10700 4210 RR0001. US Federal ID No. 81-0581479. Tax receipts will be issued upon receipt of donation. Donations can also be made online at www.davidfosterfoundation.com

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

Summer 2013