Receiving a Hero Award from One of My Heroes

It started way back in the office at the Footprints Therapy.

Zackie was going to see his Osteopath for a practise that I still don’t fully understand, but totally and completely value.  The therapist told me that I reminded her of another mom- Dana Florence…a mom who had triplets with cerebral palsy but that in the face of those obstacles, she continued to be positive, optimistic and philanthropic.  It seemed that both she and I always had a smile on our faces around our sweet kids.

Dana was in the waiting room with two of her triplets and while our kids might not have understood what they were doing that day, their amazing spirits had created a meeting that would help connect two mothers destined to be friends.

I started to follow Dana and her organization, Three to Be and we became friends on Facebook.  Her story compelled me to read more, learn more and do more.  She became a “gold standard” of giving back to the community that could help our children and I was inspired.  Zack and I started to be ambassadors for SickKids and CTN, in ways that helped to connect other families with special needs kids, promoted awareness for heart defects and even motivate people to give.  It felt amazing. 

We became cheerleaders for each other’s kids with messages of encouragement for new medical information we learned, amazing milestones our children reached and even huge congratulations for daily miracles (on the day Zackie walked for the first time).

When Zack died, again the support came to me from this new friend.  Dana sent several messages, made donations and asked how she could help.  She and her fabulous husband, Jared and their 3 kids; Brody, Taylor and Cole attended our Being Elmo event in support of Zack’s Dream Room.  I cried when I saw the family there. It meant the world to me.  Those precious children who had not only created a special bond for the mother and me, but also deeply reminded me of my own sweet son. 

I watched the last two Three to Be Galas pass me by…but I really desperately wanted to attend this year’s incredible event.  I learned that there were Hero awards tying into this year’s theme and I was honoured when my other sweet special needs Mama, Lisa Thornbury, nominated me for the Three to Be Parent Hero Award.

Dana called me with the best news…not only had I won the Community Parent Hero Award, Dana and Jared invited me to the event to receive the honour.  I was so excited for Paul and I to attend!

I am so proud of this honour and so touched by the people who supported the event. It was a powerful and magical night of hope, dreams and amazing kids. 

Zackie was all around me that night– in the eyes of those sweet kids in wheelchairs, the faces of children with special needs in the videos (especially Brody, Taylor and Cole) and in the inspiration that led to this honour. 

Here are some photos of the night that I will never forget and a friend that I am proud to know;



The Pink Carpet with Dana



Receiving the award from Jared



Paul and the Sugar Hill Gang (Rapper’s Delight)- so cool!

Zackie’s Osteopath, Tema

My bio and photo announcing the winners!

Dana and Jared Florence     Watch this video from this amazing, special and memorable night.   Thank you Dana and Jared. Thank you Zackie.