Fall 2014 - Fondation MAB

Fondation
MAB-MACKAY
Foundation
NEWSLETTER • Fall 2014
Real People. Real Stories.
Real Success.
Children Enjoy
Our New Innovative
HIPPOTHERAPY
PROGRAM
Toys Can Help
Teach Babies With
Hearing Loss
Our Life Skills Program
for the Visually Impaired
Opens Up The World to
Our Clients
Imagine! You had a plan and it was good one.
No… it was a great one!
And suddenly, or not so suddenly, your body
failed you… and you were derailed.
What would you do?
You are a young girl who can’t hear the teacher
or the sound of music when you dance – and
dance is your passion. Regardless, you perform
the Irish Jig as if no one is watching and with
such a lightness of spirit that you elevate
everyone watching.
You are a young man from Iraq about to graduate
high school who lost your hearing due to a bomb
exploding beside you. You somehow, at a very
young age, come to Canada and carve your life-path
so that you attend a regular school and can finally
communicate with your “hearing” family.
You are a teacher at the height of your career and
it’s your passion. You can’t continue your work
because every day your students’ voices dim a
little more and finally, they mute. And so you
create new passions and become a potter and a
yoga instructor. Even more, you become a public
speaker with such grace and presence that a Ted
Talk is waiting to happen. You are the professional who helps others and
who lives both in the hearing and non-hearing
world – and yet you have never heard a sound…
not ever. You are teaching your hearing son
American Sign Language (ASL) so that he can go
out into the world and be comfortable in either
silence or in sound.
You are the senior who never gave up even though
you were on your path to deafness. Finally you
received cochlear implants and are able to hear
your wife’s voice after 20+ years.
Imagine!
These were panelists who spoke at the annual
DEAF Awareness Week symposium. They bravely
and honestly shared their stories, their challenges
and their victories.
Real People. Real Stories. Real Success
This is who the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
is… regardless of whether a client can’t hear, see,
move or talk. Just like the panelists, the four
impairment areas all offer their own stories of
successes and challenges.
Physical impairment is not restrictive to age or
background or race or religion. It is a universal
reality which the Foundation - with your help and
participation - supports serving its many clients.
We live in a world where, far too often, news and
our attention are focused on the sad state of
affairs around the world be it political, religious,
economic or violent. It is refreshing and oh-soinspiring to be immersed in the worlds of these
five people and many others like them.
Good things like these happen here… being
involved with us to make it so is personally and
societally fulfilling. We are grateful to all the MABMackay clients who teach us so many lessons
that can be applied in our own lives.
The strength of the human spirit is strong and
vibrant…one of the reasons why we recommit
to supporting and championing everyone who is
touched by our very special MAB-Mackay.
Please join us…
David Stenason,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Theodora Brinckman,
Executive Director
The MAB-Mackay
Foundation gratefully
acknowledges
STUART F. WEBSTER
for his exceptional
leadership in his role
as Chairman of
the Board of Directors.
2010-2014
TRENTON IS NOT JUST HORSING
AROUND – An Innovative Program
Brings Joy & Strength
For a child limited to a wheelchair, there are few
opportunities to participate in many of the leisure
and sports activities of their able-bodied peers.
Eight-year old Trenton was born with a motor
development disorder, and the chance to ride
a horse was a dream come true for him. The
MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre offered
Trenton this experience through our new
Hippotherapy program. But the program gave
him so much more.
First introduced this past spring, hippotherapy
elevates to a new level the MAB-Mackay’s popular
therapeutic horseback riding program, which
ran for 25 years. This approach uses the natural
movement of the horse in a personalized therapy
program for motor impaired children. “The
horse’s pelvis has a similar three-dimensional
movement to the human’s pelvis when walking,’
explains Caroline Mainville, an occupational
therapist who is also the owner of the special
stable where the hippotherapy sessions take
place. “This leads to a movement response in the
child’s pelvis which is similar to the movement
patterns of human walking, providing physical
and sensory input which is variable, rhythmic
and repetitive.”
In the case of Trenton, the goals incorporated
in his 10-week hippotherapy program included
balance and core body strength. He loved the
experience of bonding with his horse, and was
eager to participate in the exercises his therapists
had him working on during his sessions.
Trenton successfully met the objectives that his
physiotherapist set for him at the beginning of the
program. His mother reports a real improvement
in his functional skills at home, including his
ability to walk up the stairs. Based on the success
of this first hippotherapy experience, the MABMackay will continue it on an annual basis. This
special program depends on the generosity of
our Foundation supporters, and we thank them
for the opportunities it has provided to Trenton
and his friends.
DEAF BUDDIES
PROGRAM
Creates Valuable
Friendships
The Deaf Buddies demonstrate the ASL
acronym for “I Love You”
Being a child in today’s world is full of challenges
and emotions – friendships, fitting in, the stresses
of school, and developing one’s independence.
Being Deaf or hard of hearing brings an additional
set of challenges.
Mahmoud, who just turned 16, grew up Deaf.
“I was born in Iraq and lost my hearing when I was
very young after a bomb went off near my home.
My family moved to Canada, and eventually I
started school in a Deaf classroom at Mackay.
“It had been frustrating as I couldn’t express
myself with my family at home,” explains
Mahmoud. “At school, the other kids were
communicating with sign language, which I
slowly began to pick up. This new power helped
to slowly open my mind, and I discovered I
could enjoy learning. Little by little, I became
more comfortable with others and started to
discover the world.”
“As I was developing my skills in American Sign
Language, I was invited to join the Deaf Buddies
program. Here, I met many other Deaf kids
my age, and we had so many experiences and
concerns in common. The group became like
a second family to me. At home, discussions
are usually short, and here we get into long
conversations that are really interesting. I don’t
miss anything. The communication leads to a
sense of real fellowship.”
“Almost ten years later, I am still in the Deaf
Buddies group. My brother and sister, who are
both hearing, go out with their friends, and now
I can do the same.”
Beyond the after school program, Deaf Buddies
also runs a week-long day camp in the summer
for children aged 7 to 14. Through a variety of
field trips, the children are able to practice their
signing skills in a friendly environment, the
leaders who are also Deaf and can act as helpful
role models.
To the Peacock Family Foundation, which
generously supports the Deaf Buddies, this
program is very important. Kevin and Giselle of
the foundation have been privileged to participate
in an after school session with members of the
Deaf Buddies. “Spending time with the amazing
kids of the Deaf Buddies program was both eye
opening and a lot of fun. The experience helped
re-enforce to us the value of community and
the importance of peer support. Friendship and
empowerment are invaluable and as a foundation
we couldn’t be more proud to be involved.”
“The communication leads
to a sense
of real fellowship.”
Toys That Teach
Imagine how you’d feel as a parent, if you were told by the doctor that
your baby has a hearing loss. The reaction of anxiety and concern over
your ability to communicate with your child as they grow up, their
opportunities for socialization, and the barriers they may face.
Traditionally, hearing loss in children is detected
at daycare, in kindergarten or in first grade,
primarily through observation by the teacher
and then validated with tests. Recently though,
hospitals in Montreal have started to screen
newborns for hearing loss in the days immediately
following birth.
“We’re beginning to see clients who are younger
than we have in the past,” says Krystina
Antonecchia, a Speech-Language Pathologist
at the MAB-Mackay. “Since we are now working
with children as young as 6 months old and their
families, we are able to support their language
development early on.”
Last holiday season, the MAB-Mackay Foundation
sent out a special appeal to support the purchase
of special toys to be used in therapy sessions
with these infants. The response from the
community was overwhelming.
“Infants with hearing loss miss out on incidental
learning opportunities in their everyday life that
are important for developing language,” explains
Krystina. “We use these toys in our sessions to
introduce vocabulary and early concepts such
as ‘milk’, ‘eat’, ‘more’, ‘up’ and ‘down’. But more
importantly, these toys give the parents the
chance to observe how a toy can be used to
develop their child’s language, and to practice
stimulating language using the toys we have.
Throughout the sessions, especially for infants,
we work on associating meaning to the sounds
they hear in their surroundings. For the parents,
who are often still grieving over their child’s
diagnosis of a hearing loss, they are reassured
to see that lots of play with age-appropriate toys
can help their child reach important speech and/
or language milestones in whichever language
they choose.”
The MAB-Mackay wishes to thank all our
generous and compassionate supporters who
responded so enthusiastically to our Toy Appeal
last November. Your gifts help provide babies
with hearing loss the best possible start in life –
helping to promote language development well
before they begin daycare, ultimately increasing
the chances of developing and adapting
successfully into their new settings.
When Ron Lost
his Vision
the MAB-MACKAY’S
VISUAL AIDS BOUTIQUE
Really Helped
It’s been 35 years since Ron Pelletier lost his
vision. “Going blind took away my independence.
For the first months following this loss, I stayed
locked-up in my home. But when I came to the
boutique at the MAB-Mackay for the first time,
I realized I could regain control over the many
tasks I thought I could never do again without my
sight. Knowledge is power, and the boutique gave
me the confidence to stand up and no longer feel
sorry for myself.”
First opened in 1998, the boutique provides
advice, demonstration and support in choosing
specialized items, which are designed to improve
quality of life and promote independence of
people who are blind or who have impaired vision.
As a regular to the Boutique, Ron recognizes its
value in helping a blind person become
independent or live alone. “Not all blind people
have a sighted person to rely on. The boutique
carries so many items that make a real difference
to our autonomy in everyday life. For example,
they’ve got liquid level indicators and tactile
scales to help in the kitchen. They even carry
extra-long oven mittens to help avoid burning
for people with depth perception problems. The
boutique provides us with a place where we can
explore products like these, which is such an
important part of the rehabilitation process.”
Donations to the MAB-Mackay Foundation ensure
that this important service remains available for
people facing the challenges of living independent
lives in spite of their vision loss. Last year, 3,900
people visited the boutique.
Upon a recent visit to the boutique to award their
corporate support, Novartis Canada’s CFO, Janice
Murray, remarked on the patience of the boutique
staff person and her knowledge of the more than
300 products on the shelves that are impossible
to find anywhere else. “It feels great to know that
Novartis is supporting such a worthwhile service
at the MAB-Mackay, and that we are able to make
a real difference in the lives of so many people.”
Ron Pelletier is demonstrated a Braille clock
by the Boutique staffperson.
FROM FUN
TO FUNCTIONAL
– A Very
Special Day
Camp
10-year old Charlotte works on her motor coordination
skills with arts and crafts and music activities.
This summer, the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation
Centre held a very special day camp for children
with a developmental coordination disorder
formerly known as developmental dyspraxia. This
disorder affects the child’s gross motor control
(including timing, balance, spatial awareness, and
ability to combine movements into a controlled
sequence), as well as fine motor control. These
children have difficulty participating in many
community activities that other children enjoy,
such as sports or arts and crafts.
“It was amazing to see the impact of such
an intensive session of therapy over a full
week,” explains occupational therapist Melanie
Bergthorson. “As therapists, we never get to see
results so dramatically as we did during this camp!
For example, Charlotte was able to independently
tie her shoes completely and properly within a
short time frame, rather than stretching over
weeks or even months of therapy.”
“The format of the camp allowed us to subtly
mix in the children’s goals without them even
being aware of it. For example, one day we went
on an outing to a local splash pad. The goal of
the splash pad itself was to have fun, but our
therapeutic goal was to work on dressing and
organizational skills. To get ready to go to the
splash pad, each child had to independently
change into their bathing suits and to prepare
a bag to take with them that contained items
such as their water shoes, towels, and water
bottles. Many of the kids had great difficulty
preparing their bag for the park! This allowed us
to work on skills that are of utmost importance in
the school environment in a real world situation.”
Personal goals were set by each child, including
every-day skills such as making a ponytail with
their hair, riding a bike, or skipping rope. Local
businesses that specialize in sports or arts and
crafts generously donated their services so these
children could work on their skills, as well as be
exposed to an activity that they could continue to
participate in back in their own communities with
their friends.
“The look of pride and amazement on the
children’s faces as they achieved their goals made
the whole camp worth it,” says Melanie. “At the
end of the week, all the children achieved their
group and personal goals, and they were eager
to integrate their newfound skills and hobbies
into their lives!”
Thank you to our community
partners Sportball, 4 Cats NDG, Magic
Melodies, and CHSLD Vigi, for
contributing to the rousing success
of this day camp, which will
definitely return next summer!
A Mother’s Gratitude for a Special Program
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Fonds de bienfaisance des employés de
Bombardier aèronautique for their generous gift to the MAB-Mackay Foundation in support of
the Constraint Therapy Day Camp this past summer. My 12 year-old daughter Mimi, a client of the
MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, had the privilege of attending the camp, and the experience
was tremendously positive.
When Mimi was a baby, she was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke, which left the coordination
in her right arm and hand limited. Since then, we have worked very hard to help her regain some of
the mobility that the stroke took away, but the progress has been slow.
The opportunity made possible by the Bombardier donation made an unprecedented difference in
Mimi’s life. Over the three weeks of the camp, her unaffected arm was restrained so that she could
focus on everyday skills with her affected side. The opportunity to work intensively with therapists,
who have the knowledge that is so critical to helping her, meant that Mimi was able to develop
solutions, strategies and exercises that together, have made a real and tangible difference.
Besides the physical progress, the chance to meet and spend time with other young girls with whom
she has something unique in common was exceptional. Working alongside these girls on similar
challenges, in a context that was constructive, enthusiastic and most of all fun, was a tremendously
valuable experience. Mimi completed the camp highly motivated and determined to keep working
on her challenges, which I know means that the benefits of this experience will continue well beyond
the three weeks of the camp.
As a mother, I am sincerely grateful for the difference this opportunity has made in my daughter’s
development.
With sincere thanks and gratitude,
Helene
Mimi gardening while her stronger arm is constrained.
Baking muffins
Hairdressing
Wheelchairs,
Walking
Aids & More
Imagine going to a movie. You’re sitting in a
relatively comfortable chair for about two hours
straight. You’re free to move your legs, slouch,
or lean in a different direction. Now, imagine a
child who must spend as much as 14 hours in
one position – unable to move from the waist
down, due to a physical impairment.
Drawing from years of expertise working with
children diagnosed with cerebral palsy,
paraplegia, or other motor disabilities, the MABMackay has established its own specialized
department that custom-designs positioning
systems for wheelchairs. The objective is to
provide these children with their very own
wheelchair (or adapted walker, stroller and/or
high chair) to promote their functional mobility,
postural control and comfort.
This amazing department features its very own
“workshop” where wheelchairs are modified and
outfitted according to each child’s impairment,
personal abilities, size, weight, and growth.
Based on measurements and goals established
with the child and their physiotherapist,
occupational therapist and parents, a team of
three mechanics work diligently to creatively
design and assemble a system that is unique
to each child. Chairs have been customized for
babies of only a few months old to teenagers,
across many degrees of impairment. Many are
also equipped with specialized technology to
facilitate communication for those children
unable to produce spoken language.
For seven-year old Owen and his family, his
adapted wheelchair has changed his life. “Owen
is a very attentive and curious little boy, severely
affected by cerebral palsy,” explains his mother,
Caroline. “His inability to speak and to move
around was terribly frustrating for him. The team
at the MAB-Mackay was a godsend. They were able
to set Owen up with a wheelchair equipped with
switches for YES & NO on his headrest so he can
communicate with us. This will form the basis for
his entire future independence. We never could
have achieved this without their help.”
On a recent visit to announce Scotiabank’s
support, District Vice President for Montreal
Pierre Michaud was moved by the difference that
each specially-designed wheelchair makes in the
quality of life of the children. “It is inspirational
to see how their wheelchair not only contributes
to their comfort, but how it helps them to be
independent. Their ability to independently move
about on their own is critical to their self-esteem
and confidence, and opens up an endless world
of possibilities to them. Scotiabank is deeply
proud to be a part of the MAB-Mackay that makes
a real difference in the lives of so many children,
and their families.”
Last year, the MAB-Mackay provided specialized
systems to 635 children, most of them at no
cost to the families. Thanks to the support of
generous donors like Scotiabank Bright Futures,
Owen and hundreds of children like him are able
to have a better quality of life.
An Optician
with a Mission
Eighteen-year old Jack has a mild form of
albinism. As a result of this, his hair is blond,
his skin is quite fair and his eyes are blue. Like
others with albinism, Jack is visually impaired.
His lack of pigment has led to the underdevelopment of his retinal structures, which
affects his binocular vision, depth perception,
and makes him extremely sensitive to light.
A life-long client of the MAB-Mackay, Jack has
been a regular visitor to the Centre’s Low
Vision Clinic. When an optician joined the
clinic last year, Jack was eager to meet him. “The
new optician, Bernard, has been extraordinary
from the moment we met him. He’s since fit me
with several pairs of glasses. This may sound
rather simple, but in actuality it isn’t. My glasses
are my life-line, and I simply can’t manage
without them.”
“Bernard has replaced and fixed many pairs of
bi-focal lenses and telescope glasses for me
in record time. He’s efficient, knowledgeable
and very patient. I’ve come to know that if
Bernard says something is possible, he will make
sure it is.”
The MAB-Mackay opened its Low Vision Clinic in
1979 as the first specialized clinic of its kind in
Canada. It is the main entry point for all clients
in the Centre’s programs for the vision impaired,
as well as for continuity of care. It offers an indepth evaluation of a client’s residual vision, the
first step in establishing the rehabilitation plan
that best fits their individual needs.
Last year, donations to the MAB-Mackay
Foundation were instrumental in making
possible the addition of an optician to the Low
Vision Clinic. His role is to offer clients of all ages
the vision tools to help promote their autonomy
and improve their social participation.
“At the MAB-Mackay, we are unique in that we
have many clients with multiple impairments
over and above their vision loss,” explains
Bernard. “We serve many children with cerebral
palsy, and it’s so much easier for them to have
an appointment with me when they are on-site
at our Centre for clinical therapy.”
“I recently helped an older client with very low
vision and who uses a white cane to get about.
She could barely see us when she arrived at the
clinic. After her evaluation with the optometrists,
we suggested a solar filter with a special tint for
her glasses, allowing her to see my silhouette.
She was so thrilled and grateful that it actually
brought tears to my eyes!”
Thanks to the addition of Bernard to the team
and the recent creation of a parallel low vision
clinic at the MAB-Mackay, the waiting list for
service has been reduced considerably. Bernard
saw more than 1,050 clients last year, and is
proud to be able to make a real difference in the
lives of so many people like Jack.
Welcome
to the new
Adapted
Kitchen!
Young children love to “play kitchen,” to play the
role of helper with mom in baking or mealtime
preparation, to assist with unpacking and putting
away the groceries.
Yet, preparing a can of soup, unloading the
dishwasher, or organizing the food pantry are just
a few of the daily chores that are real challenges
for children with motor or other sensory
impairments. These children may have limited
mobility and consequently may use a wheelchair,
walker or other aids to move. Some have limited
control of their upper body, specifically their
arms and hands, which may make it difficult to
grasp and manipulate objects. Many children may
have difficulty verbally expressing themselves
and require adaptations or assistive technology
to effectively communicate.
Everyday household tasks like these are essential
to a child’s independence, socialization and selfconfidence. They also have a direct effect on
members of the family and caregivers.
This fall, the MAB-Mackay opened a new adapted
kitchen at our Decarie street site. The objective
was to create an environment that resembles a
kitchen in your average home, but with special
adaptations and accessibility.
Through both individual and group rehabilitation
sessions in the new adapted kitchen, children
are able to learn a variety of important skills,
including practical safety and hygiene, how to
follow directions and understand the concept
of sequence, to calculate measurements of
ingredients, and the safe manipulation of kitchen
utensils and appliances. The children benefit
as they are acquiring important functional life
skills while also working on their gross and
fine motor skills as well as their expressive and
receptive communication.
“Food is a great way for children to practice or
refine skills while having fun,” explains Karine
Lacaille, Special Care Counsellor from the MABMackay. “I always enjoy watching the kids crack
an egg and seeing their faces light up! They are
so excited to taste the food they have prepared
together.”
The children also gain a sense of independence
and increased confidence following a cooking
session. “They show more interest in participating
actively during meal preparation at home,
which also helps them bond with their parents.
Many even noticed improved math and science
skills thanks to working with quantities and
measuring cups.”
Community
Spreading the Word
Part of the MAB-Mackay Foundation’s mission is
to raise awareness about the life-transforming
work achieved at our rehabilitation centre
every day.
We’ve been fortunate to have many volunteers
help to share our message with the community.
We thank Lucio D’Intino (president of the Quebec
Federation of the Blind) and his guide dog Primo,
who visited local elementary schools to talk
about blindness and answer questions of young
children; Kim Holdbrook (a blind client who runs
her own massage therapy studio that employs
only visually impaired therapists), who spoke
to the Rotary Club of Old Montreal; and our
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters Fawn
and Jordan made presentations to elementary
schoolchildren about the challenges that Deaf
children face.
We would be delighted to share more about the
MAB-Mackay with your school, community group
or service club, too.
Contact Véronique Courey
at (514) 488-0043 ext. 1408
to set up your presentation today!
The students in particular are very excited to
learn about the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation
Centre and the many programs they offer to
empower people living with visual, hearing, and
motor impairments. This movement has inspired
a Wacky Tie and Tights Day in many schools,
and to date these eager students have raised
almost $1,500.
Mia’s Birthday Party
was a Gift to MAB-Mackay
When she turned six years old this year, Mia asked her friends to help
her make a difference in the lives of people with visual, hearing and
motor impairments at the MAB-Mackay. She turned to ECHOage, an
online birthday party service that allows children to receive the gifts
they want while supporting a charity. Please visit www.EchoAge.
com to learn more. WE THANK MIA FOR RAISING OVER $500 TO
SUPPORT THE MAB-MACKAY!
Community
Golfers Come out Swinging for ADAPTED SPORTS PROGRAM
The MAB-Mackay is renowned for the creative
use of sports in its personalized rehabilitation
programs for children. Sports enable everyone,
including those with a motor, visual or hearing
impairment, to stay in shape, make new friends,
belong to a group, improve their self esteem and
maximize their potential.
The MAB-Mackay incorporates sports and physical
activity in therapies with children, recognizing
the benefits for the development of muscle tone,
balance and coordination, as well as problemsolving skills. By setting and reaching goals that
seemed unattainable, children with physical
impairments learn the value of endurance and
gain self-confidence.
sun in early June. With the help of Kenneth Tooke
as Chair, lead sponsors RBC and Burgundy Asset
Management, we raised essential funds to help
give joy and confidence to hundreds of physically
impaired children through sports. We thank the
many donors, tee sponsors, volunteers and staff
members of the RMGC for helping to make this
event a huge success!
This year, the MAB-Mackay Foundation’s golf
tournament raised close to $90,000 for our
Adapted Sports Program. Our 7th annual charity
tournament was held again on the Blue Course
of the Royal Montreal Golf Club under a shining
Tennis Tournament Raises $10,000 for BRAILLE PRODUCTION SERVICES
Imagine what it would be like if all your information
was unreadable or unintelligible to you. Picture
how you’d feel if you had to ask someone to read
even the most private information for you.
Reading and literacy open so many doors in our
world today. It is often a skill that we take for
granted as it is omnipresent in modern society.
For many who are blind or visually impaired, not
having access to the printed word has a unique
set of challenges.
Even with the wide variety of aids available for
the blind population, including advances in
computer technology (such as software that
reads aloud what appears on screen), braille
remains a very important tool. In fact, just as
print is indispensable to sighted people, braille
is tremendously valuable to the blind. It teaches
syntax, grammar, sentence structure, and is
essential to learning math. Furthermore, there is
a high correlation between braille literacy and
employability, a critical factor in a person’s
independence and sense of value.
The MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre has its
very own Braille Production Service, which is
responsible for transcribing into Braille all print
textbooks, novels, exams and other materials
for students enrolled in the English elementary
and secondary schools across the province. We
are deeply grateful to the Krychman family for
helping so many blind and visually impaired
children through their successful mixed doubles
tennis tournament again this year.
Community
Fast Food with a Side of Philanthropy
A record year for us and McHappy Day! Thanks
to our partner Pierre Brunet and his eleven
restaurants, their amazing staff and everyone
who purchased a Big Mac, a McCafé product, or
a McHappy Meal at McDonald’s on May 7th, for
making this day such a success.
McHappy Day represents philanthropy on every
level, giving everyone a chance to give back to
their community. On this special day, $21,000
was raised to benefit the rehabilitation programs
at the MAB-Mackay that serve children with
motor, visual and hearing impairments. Are you
hungry for a Big Mac yet?
Team Ainsley Among Many Supporting MAB-Mackay
at 2014 Scotiabank Run
This past April, over 40 people braved the cold weather at Parc Jean-Drapeau to represent the
MAB-Mackay Foundation in the 5k and 21k Scotiabank charity run. This is the fourth year in a row
that Team Ainsley participated in the event.
When Ainsley was three years old,
her parents were told that the
right hemisphere of her brain was
malformed, which caused her difficulty
in many motor activities (fine and
gross), as well as hearing, speech,
and behavior. The MAB-Mackay would
help to unlock a whole new world for
Ainsley. To show their gratitude and
give back, Ainsley’s family and friends
put together a team in this annual
charity event.
Thanks to the participation
of families like Ainsley’s,
as well as MAB-Mackay staff
and friends, more than
$32,000 was raised for the
Centre’s programs and services.
Community
Volunteer Spotlight - CHANTAL ST-PIERRE GAUTHIER
By lending their time and skills, volunteers
contribute so much to the lives of those who
depend on the MAB-Mackay. For almost a
decade, Chantal has been a fixture at our
organization. Her tireless contribution to our
philanthropic movement has included her
loving participation with the children in our
adapted horseback riding program (known as
hippotherapy), her organizational expertise at
our special events, and her overall spontaneity
and availability throughout the year at the
Foundation office.
Chantal believes in and enjoys the feeling of
community that is so prevalent at the MAB-Mackay.
Her understanding of and innate generosity of
spirit is infused in everything she gets involved
in. We are proud to showcase Chantal for her
exemplary dedication as a selfless volunteer. In
Chantal’s own words, “I am selfishly volunteering,
since the joy and fulfillment I get out of being
there is so much greater than anything I can do
for them. Volunteering brings a sense of calm
and balance to my life, and I encourage everyone
to give it a try. Share your passion and hobbies
– or help someone else discover theirs. Small
gestures can leave a big impact in the lives of
those who depend on the MAB-Mackay, and the
return on the minimal time investment is huge.”
The Unveiling
of Maximus
Connecting the Dots - A Legacy in
Stone - what a fine title for an event
celebrating Dr. Harry Rosen, Professor
Emeritus at the McGill School of
Dentistry, and sculptor of Maximus,
the charming stone figure which stands
proudly at the doors of our Mackay site.
“Where there’s a will there’s a way” is
the message that Maximus brings, as the eighth sculpture of its kind in a series of institutional
installations around Montreal. Dr. Rosen was celebrated at the formal unveiling of Maximus at a
cocktail that the MAB-Mackay Foundation hosted in his honor on October 20th. You can find his other
oeuvres d’art at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, the Jewish General Hospital, the Segal Centre for
the Performing Arts, the YM-YWHA, the Westmount YMCA, Mount Sinai Hospital and the Montreal
Heart Institute.
Thank you Dr. Rosen, for bringing art to our Centre, and inspiration to our hearts!
Community
Our Friends at the AMAL FOUNDATION raise funds for our pediatric
MULTIPLE IMPAIRMENT PROGRAM
On September 17th, Fondation Amal proudly
presented “Épique et Héroïque”, a superherothemed fundraiser that reflected the bravery and
boldness in us all, especially in children whose
lives are affected by debilitating diseases and
disabilities. The soirée featured several interactive
booths, where the adult attendees relived their
childhood in the spirit of philanthropy. Amal
delivered an unforgettable evening of wining
and dining, with notable company and plenty of
surprises. In honor of the courage of the children
and the dedication of the superheroes that help
them on their journey, we thank the superhero
within you for taking part in an epic evening!
Fondation Amal is the brainchild of a dedicated
team that represents a hard-working and hardplaying young urban crowd. Their target audience
is the current trendsetters, with an ever-existing
youthful mindset that eagerly embraces change
and new ideas. With the hope of fostering a new
generation of philanthropists, Amal recognizes
the impact of today’s young donors and provides
them with an opportunity to give back to the
local community.
Fondation Amal’s mission is to support
chronically-ill children, and those that are
physically and mentally challenged. For 2014,
we partnered with the MAB-Mackay Foundation,
and raised $19,000 for the MAB-Mackay’s
Multiple Impairment Program, the only program
in Quebec that supports children with a
combination of visual, hearing, and motor
impairments. Specifically, Amal will assist this
program’s Seating Department, which designs
wheelchairs and strollers for children affected by
these impairments.
By Sherin Al-Safadi, founder, Fondation Amal.
Community
Celebrating Lauren While Benefitting MAB-Mackay
On the occasion of their daughter Lauren’s third birthday last January,
Stephen and Amanda threw a special party to celebrate this milestone
occasion in her life.
Lauren was diagnosed at 9 months of age with Krabbe leukodystrophy,
a rare and often fatal degenerative disorder that quickly claimed
her ability to move, took her vision and left her partially deaf.
Lauren’s parents found much-needed support at the MAB-Mackay
Rehabilitation Centre, where they enjoy music and pool therapy
with their daughter. These activities provided multi-sensory
stimulation to Lauren and helped her muscle tone and circulation.
Lauren’s parents are deeply appreciative for what they call the MABMackay’s holistic view to making their daughter’s life comfortable
and stimulating.
The birthday party, held at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre,
was meant to raise awareness of Lauren’s disease, in the hopes that
more doctors will consider screening at birth. The festivities included family activities, bouncy
castles, face painting, a princess tea party, and a reptile show. More than $3,600 was raised, a
portion of which was donated to the MAB-Mackay’s Multiple Impairment Program. The birthday
party was such a success that Stephen and Amanda have already set the date for Lauren’s 4th
birthday party next winter!
New Members to the Governors’ Circle
Margot J. Adair
Jean Aucoin
Mary Augustus
Claude et/and
Julie Bédard
Sam and Betsy
Berliner
Anshu Bhatia
Marc Bourke
Harold Brownstein
Sheila Bourke
Floyd K. Cabot
John and Sandra
Cameron
Graziella Cimon
Evelyn Collins
Elisabeth Csaky
Angelo De Lucia
F. Margaret Dick
Peter
Efthimiakpoulos
Tany Ewing
Perry Fishman
Edward Flueler
Eva Bass
Anne Gregory
Tass G. Grivakes
Sheryl Gross Cape
Arthur Gutner
Sheldon Hershon
Ants Kajandi
John D. Kerbyson
Max and
Shirley Konigsberg
Steven and
Nancy Krychman
Donna Kuzmarov
Ethel M. Lamoureux
David Lederer
Edward Levinson
Winnifred Marriner
John and Helen
Matheson
Douglas and
Micheline McAdam
Pearl F. Mendel
Joel Milgram
William J. Moran
Frederic Noel
Brigitte Potenza
Maria Prusynska Boni
Sotirios Roditis and
Helen Papachristou
Larry Rooney
Nadia Scipio Del
Campo
Gerry Shadeed
Norman and
Rose Sinclair
Michael St. B. Harrison
Miriam H. Tees
Lois Tucker
S. Boyd and
Susan Whittall
Robert and Susan
Winsor
Welcome and thank you!
Why I’m Leaving
the MAB-Mackay in my Legacy
Yes, that’s me with the penguins in south western Antarctica!
I left Europe 63 years ago as a poor student to make a life for myself in Canada. I settled alone in
Montreal, studied hard and began a promising career as a biochemist. After my retirement from
research in the 80’s, I embarked on my second profession as a travel agent, since my real passion is
travelling and archaeology. In my lifetime, I’ve visited all seven continents, bicycled in the Valley of
the Kings, journeyed to the Easter Islands, and climbed the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.
I was diagnosed with macular degeneration about six years ago, and my vision quickly began
to deteriorate. The MAB-Mackay played an integral role in helping me maintain my lifestyle and
autonomy. They came to my home and helped me set-up my kitchen so that I could work safely. They
even visited me at my workplace and showed me how to organize my desk area, and provided me
with lighting and computer adaptations that were so helpful to my productivity. It is so wonderful to
be able to rely on these amazing professionals for their patience, encouragement and understanding
for the challenges I have faced since my vision loss.
The MAB-Mackay has done so much for me. Thanks to their support, I still work at the travel agency
where I continue to serve clients I’ve had for more than 25 years on their overseas travel needs. I am
able to take the bus and metro on my own to and from work, on my messages, as well as to local
hospitals where I volunteer. I’m still an avid traveler – I believe I am the oldest woman ever to visit
Antarctica, where I climbed a glacier and walked with penguins. My most recent trip was to Slovakia
and Austria last year, at 90 years old!
In recognition for their help in guiding me through these difficult times, I wanted to give back to the
MAB-Mackay. I recently created a trust that disburses funds each year to the MAB-Mackay, which I
have named in my will. We are so fortunate to have such an important institution as the MAB-Mackay
in our city, and it makes me feel good to be able to leave a legacy to this truly special cause.
Elizabeth Langenbach
Real People. Real Stories. Real Success.
Fondation MAB-Mackay Foundation
MAB
7000 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal (QC) H4B 1R3
Please visit our Web site at
www.foundation.mabmackay.ca
and be sure to LIKE our FACEBOOK page
Tel. (514) 488-0043
Fax (514) 488-9618
www.foundation.mabmackay.ca
MACKAY
3500 Decarie Boulevard
Montreal (QC) H4A 3J5