Volunteer Spotlight: December 2018

On December 17, 2018December 17, 2018 By J.aysonIn After Stroke, Our Volunteers, ProgramsLeave a comment

We have come to the end of our 2018 year of Volunteer Spotlights! This is just a small glimpse on the many different type of volunteers we are lucky and happy to have contribute to March of Dimes Canada. Thank you to all of our volunteers for their constant dedication, hard work and for helping us do what we do in supporting and building towards a society more inclusive of people living with disabilities. Meet our last volunteer spotlight, Alan Campbell!

December Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Alan Campbell

Nominated by: Denise Carpenter.

Volunteer Position: Treasurer for London Group of the #AfterStroke program

What is your favorite part about volunteering with MODC?

Advocating for stroke survivors

What’s your favorite season in Canada?

Spring.

What’s a hidden talent that you have that the people at MODC may not know about?

Singing.

What is your favorite place that you have traveled?

Grand Cayman Islands

If you could have any meal in the world, what would you choose?

Steak.

We asked Denise why she nominated this volunteer.

He is so inspirational and wants to help other stroke survivors navigate the system. He is a natural leader and is compassionate and hard working for his chapter and community.

How long have they been an MODC volunteer?

Almost 1 year.

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from the website: http://bit.ly/MODCVol

Volunteer Spotlight: October 2018

On October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 By J.aysonIn Our Volunteers, ProgramsLeave a comment

Volunteers are the bread and butter for March of Dimes Canada. As we near the end of the year, we’re excited to be sharing the last three volunteer spotlights to give thanks and recognition to the hard work, commitment and dedication they bring to our organization. Thank you!

Meet Rodrigo, our volunteer spotlight for October!

October Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Rodrigo Silva

Nominated by: Jordan Merron

Volunteer Position: Next Steps Walker

What is your favorite part about volunteering with MODC?

Meeting and walking with new people.

What’s your favorite season in Canada and why?

Winter, it’s different from where I grew up. I like the snow and change in the season.

What’s a hidden talent that you have that the people at MODC may not know about?

I play bass guitar.

What is your favorite place that you have traveled?

Yukon, I liked going dog-sledding.

If you could have any meal in the world, what would you choose?

Rice, beans and fries because it’s something my mom made for me growing up. She made it with so much love. It reminds me of home.

We asked Jordan why she nominated this volunteer?

He is energetic and loves to help the walkers!

How long have they been an MODC volunteer?

2 months

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from the website: http://bit.ly/MODCVol

After Stroke: Christopher’s Experience

On August 14, 2018August 17, 2018 By J.aysonIn After Stroke, People, Programs, strokeLeave a comment

"I am very thankful for those that support people like me, and our families, who are living with a stroke."

“I am very thankful for those that support people like me, and our families, who are living with a stroke,” says Christopher Munn.

Christopher Munn was on his Tuesday evening 10K run when he began to experience having a stroke. He suddenly saw flashes in his left eye and had a sharp headache. But when he went to the hospital, they told him it was probably a migraine. He’d never had a migraine before. Two days later, during an office meeting, he couldn’t move his right side.

Christopher Munn_03

“Others noticed. I couldn’t talk. I tried but couldn’t get anyone to understand,” he remembers.

Chris was nothing if not active and healthy before his stroke. He regularly ran with the Owen Sound Running Club, spent time canoeing or skiing outdoors, attended book club meetings and renovated parts of his home.

But the stroke changed all that, greatly impairing his mobility, speech and lifestyle.

“The first night in the hospital after my stroke, I needed to go to the washroom,” he explains. “I wasn’t used to my leg and arm not working. I tried to get up and slid to the floor.”

Christopher Munn_02 — Christopher with a fish during a fishing activity at Aphasia Camp

March of Dimes Canada has helped him get back on his feet, offering support programs and subsidizing what his benefits do not cover.

It took seven weeks of rehab to be able to walk with a cane, and he needs ongoing physio three times a week to keep him mobile. He also joined the MODC Aphasia & Communications Disabilities Program (ACDP) for weekly speech therapy, and attends the After Stroke Support Group once a month to help integrate him back into a normal life.

Chris and his wife during an adaptable bike ride at aphasia camp in St. George, 2016.

“[March of Dimes Canada] staff and volunteers are wonderful – so encouraging and supportive,” he says.

Today, Chris is adapting to a new life. “I miss jogging and hiking. I go for walks,” he explains. “I am trying to adjust to doing things differently.” It takes a great deal of effort, but he’s able to complete small tasks around the house, have conversations, and read books. He’s also taken up new hobbies, including art and dance, and is optimistic that with continued support, he’ll one day be able to bike again.

Christopher Munn_05 — Chris titles this “The Healing Power of Nature”

In Canada, over 400,000 people like Christopher have survived a stroke. We are helping families like Christopher’s by offering support, rehabilitation services, education and caregiver support through our nationwide After Stroke program. Visit the After Stroke website at afterstroke.marchofdimes.ca for more information and resources.

Volunteer Spotlight: Liam Tangney. Favourite season in Canada: Summer!

Volunteer Spotlight: August 2018

On August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 By J.aysonIn Our Volunteers, People, ProgramsLeave a comment

As we dive into the second part of 2018, we’re continuing to recognize and showcase our volunteers in these spotlights to show that volunteers are just like you! Volunteers will always be an important part of the service we give here at March of Dimes Canada. Thank you to all of our volunteers for your hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.

Meet Liam, our spotlight for August.

August Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Liam Tangney

Nominated By: Jordan Meron

Position Description: Fundraising Assistant

Age: 25

How long have you been an MODC Volunteer? 1 year

What is your favourite part about volunteering with MODC?

The people that I volunteer with, and the fact that I get to give back to MODC for all the help they gave me in getting my job at Cineplex.

What’s your favourite season in Canada and why? Summer! I love the warm weather, and being able to be outside often.

What’s a hidden talent that you have that the people at MODC may not know about? I’m very good at analyzing sports games!

If you could have any meal in the world, what would you choose? I would choose chicken fingers and fries!

A favorite place you have traveled to? Buffalo, NY

Jordan Meron talks about why she nominated him as Volunteer Spotlight for this month:

“Liam has done great work for our fundraising team! He has a great personality. He treats everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what the situation is. Liam manages “thank you” calls amazingly, even when there are times it can be quite stressful. The commitment he has to his role is something that has not gone unnoticed! He works very hard every time that he comes in, and does a fantastic job with the tasks he is given. We really appreciate everything that he has done for us; we are so lucky to have volunteers like Liam!”

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from the website: http://bit.ly/MODCVol

Volunteer Spotlight: July 2018

On July 10, 2018July 10, 2018 By J.aysonIn Our Volunteers, People, ProgramsLeave a comment

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, Volunteers are important to the success of the service we give here at March of Dimes Canada. We appreciate and acknowledge volunteers for all the amazing, incredible and hard work they do. Each month this year, we’ve been getting to know some of the things our volunteers like outside of volunteering.

Meet Alex! She’s our spotlight for July.

July Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Alex Evans

Nominated By: Maryam Iqbal

Position Description: Supportive Communication Facilitator

Age: 24 years old

How long have you been an MODC Volunteer? Almost 3 years

What is your favourite part about volunteering with MODC?

It is so fulfilling to be able to see the difference you can make in someone’s life just by being present. My favourite part is watching individuals grow more confident in themselves. I love helping out with the Aphasia and Communication Peer Support Group because it brightens any bad day, and I know it’s the highlight for their day as well.

A book you would recommend?

I am currently reading the Alice Network and I would recommend it to anyone who likes strong female characters, mystery, and historical fiction.

What is your go-to dessert? Dark chocolate!

If you had a superpower, what would it be? I would like to be able to bend time – there are not enough hours in the day.

What is your favourite movie? If I had to pick one of my all-time favourites, Clue (1985).

Maryam Iqbal nominated Alex. Erica has added why they chose to nominate this volunteer.

“Alex, is truly committed to everything that she does. She really flourished and gained confidence throughout the time that she spent volunteering for the Aphasia Friendly Peer Support Group.”

She is very open to learning news things and is eager to take on new challenges.

“Alex, is truly committed to everything that she does. She really flourished and gained confidence throughout the time that she spent volunteering for the Aphasia Friendly Peer Support Group.”

"Adele has become very social and enjoys making friends."

Adele’s “Yes, I can do it!” attitude!

On June 14, 2018June 15, 2018 By J.aysonIn Advocacy, Conductive Education®, People, ProgramsLeave a comment

Words by Adele’s mother, Minna

My heart was filled with love—and worries! Realizing that my three-month-old daughter Adele was having difficulty holding her head up and barely making use of her right hand was truly frightening.

Today, thanks to March of Dimes Canada’s Conductive Education® Program, at age five, Adele is enjoying her first year in a regular Junior Kindergarten class in a public school. Working hard in this program has allowed Adele to develop the ability to navigate the playground safely, master uneven surfaces, run and jump. She has become strong and has even conquered going up and down the stairs. This is a tremendous milestone for a child with challenges like Adele’s.

My daughter was born and diagnosed in London, UK. The medical findings were complex, but the primary challenge Adele faces is called hemiparesis syndrome. As a baby she needed lots of support to learn to use her right hand and how to crawl. From her first step to walking independently, it took a full year. She works on balance issues to this day. What comes easily for most children takes a great deal of time and concentrated effort for Adele.

CE_Class_Kids_2017_18 — Adele and mother, Minna

When our family was preparing to move to Canada I was concerned about finding proper resources for Adele. We asked the organization we were working with in the UK for guidance and were overjoyed to find out that March of Dimes Canada was there for us!

Adele has been thriving in the Conductive Education® Program. The comprehensive curriculum seems almost tailor made for each participant. My heart explodes with joy as Adele gains more and more independence through her lessons including self-care skills like taking off and putting on her own clothes. Her academic achievements now include learning the alphabet, recognizing short syllables and words and even spelling her own name.

March of Dimes Canada is helping her gain confidence and bloom in so many ways. Adele has become very social and enjoys making friends because learning is done in a safe and nurturing environment among her peers and friends. For Adele, the program does not feel like therapy or arduous work because the wonderful teachers make it so enjoyable for her. The conductors do such a wonderful job of working with all the children to ensure they reach their full potential.

Adele has become fearless in her “Yes, I can do it!” attitude.

Thank you for letting me share my story with you about Adele and if you have the opportunity, please support March of Dimes Canada.

If you’d like to help other children like Adele receive the support and resources they need to reach their full potential, please visit: www.marchofdimes.ca/DoubleMyGift

Ralph’s Journey

On May 16, 2018May 18, 2018 By J.aysonIn After Stroke, People, Programs, Stroke Recovery CanadaLeave a comment

Words by Ralph.

There are many things I am proud to have accomplished in my life. Today, I am proud to add stroke survivor to that list. March of Dimes Canada helped me get my life back.

My stroke left me feeling like I lost everything in an instant. I became a guy who could not dress himself. I needed assistance with pretty much everything. I felt helpless, but most of all scared.

Thankfully, I learned about March of Dimes Canada Conductive Education® (CE) Program and all the ways in which they help stroke survivors return to independent life. Having already been in physical therapy for almost two years, I was skeptical as to how much more they could do for me. But participating in their Stroke and Fitness Program, I soon learned that I needed to stop focusing on what I couldn’t do and instead channel my energy into finding solutions to reach my milestones.

It’s been a long journey but one I am proud to have made. Through MODC I have been clawing back to the point where I now live alone and I can do most of my daily chores independently. With each passing day, I regain more and more of my self-worth and dignity; I am no longer the guy who needs help with everything.

When you suffer a stroke, you lose everything in a matter of seconds, and it takes the rest of your life to gain it back. March of Dimes Canada taught me if I want it back, I have to work for it. It’s been three years since my stroke and I plan on working hard every day to get better and live as normal a life as I can. The only thing that can stop a stroke survivor from getting better is giving up. I’m not giving up.

I wouldn’t be where I am now without you. Thank you.

If you’d like to help other stroke survivors like Ralph, please visit: https://marchofdimes.akaraisin.com/SpringGivingMay2018

Volunteer Spotlight: May 2018

On May 14, 2018May 14, 2018 By J.aysonIn People, Programs, strokeLeave a comment

Our volunteers are the best and we appreciate them for all the work they do. This year we’re spotlighting them so we can get to know a little more of their interests! May’s spotlight is Jane Parsons. See her profile below!

Name: Jane Parsons

Nominated by: Devon Evershed

Volunteer Position: Peers Fostering Hope – Peer Visitor

What is your favorite part about volunteering with MODC?

I love to help others in their recovery.

If you read – what’s a good book you would recommend?

Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden, and The Marriage of Opposites – Alice Hoffman.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

This I struggled with as no one power would help everyone! But if I had to have one, it would be to cure any child illness.

What is your go-to dessert?

Cheesecake and Rhubarb Pie

What is your favourite movie?

Sound of Music.

We asked Devon why she nominated this volunteer?

Jane is in her fourth year of volunteering with the Peers Fostering Hope (PFH) program. As a hospital volunteer she visits new stroke survivors and provides much needed inspiration and hope. She is a reliable and dedicated volunteer, who speaks positively about the PFH program to potential new volunteers by explaining the impact the program has made on her life and the difference that she feels she is making with others. Her honest and open communication is helpful to the patients she visits and other volunteers, who benefit from her wisdom.

In 2017, she joined a pilot project for community visiting as part of the PFH program. In this pilot she was matched with two individuals. She provided emotional support, helped with goal setting, and helped with accessing programs, to support reintegration into the community after stroke. According to one individual she supported: “She talks about what she’s gone through and what’s worked for her—it helps me know what’s coming. It prepares me as I go through the process and makes me feel like I’m not the only one who’s been through this.” She has been very proactive not only in her efforts to support these individuals but also in providing updates on her matches and suggestions to those who were administering the program. Jane, along with other volunteers from the program, have addressed a gap in care for stroke survivors and provided support during a crucial time of transition from hospital to home. It has been wonderful having Jane give back as part of the Peers Fostering Hope program.

How long have you been an MODC volunteer?

4 Years.

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from the website: http://bit.ly/MODCVol

Volunteer Spotlight: March 2018

On March 2, 2018March 5, 2018 By J.aysonIn Our Volunteers, People, ProgramsLeave a comment

Volunteers are vital to the success of our programs of March of Dimes Canada. We appreciate and acknowledge volunteers for all the amazing, incredible and hard work they do. This year we’re getting to know some of them a little more in these blog profiles!

Meet Darlene Johnson, our spotlight for March!

March Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Darlene Johnson

Volunteer Position: Communication Program Volunteer – ACDP Peterborough Site

What is your favorite part about volunteering with MODC?

How the clients are so motivated to improve their own communication and how they support each other through the process. I look forward to volunteering at the Peterborough Aphasia program because they provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients, caregivers and the volunteers. The staff set the tone and they are knowledgeable, skilled and demonstrate respect for each individual that they encounter.

What are 3 adjectives you would use to describe yourself?

Caring, Friendly, Respectful

What is your favorite hobby?

Quilting

What is your favorite TV show?

Call the Midwife (because of a Nursing background)

How long have you been an MODC volunteer?

1.5 Years

We asked Elisha and Sara why they nominated this volunteer.

“Darlene’s positive nature, energy, and welcoming attitude deserve recognition! On top of her friendly personality, she displays kindness and concern for the well-being of our clients, supporting their strengths and encouraging them to develop new skills. As staff (and I’m sure clients feel the same) we’re very fortunate to have Darlene as part of our team.”

Sara Piotrowska (Staff Partner)

Her patience and willingness to learn and use supportive communication strategies ensures that clients’ messages are expressed, all clients are engaged, and conversation is mutually beneficial. – Sara

“The first thing that strikes me about Darlene is her caring and empathetic attitude in the program. She is genuinely interested in the clients and their well-being! She actively inquires about their lives and is always supportive of their interests. She is also very patient, allowing clients to respond in their own time and always encourages them to use the strategies to support their communication. It’s very evident how much the clients appreciate Darlene’s time and effort!”

Elisha Nesci (Staff Partner)

If you’d like to learn more about March of Dimes Canada’s volunteering opportunities, please visit this landing page from their site: http://bit.ly/MODCVol

Malic, the superhero!

On July 4, 2017July 4, 2017 By J.aysonIn Conductive Education®, People, ProgramsLeave a comment

Words by William Shatner

Malic was born in Dubai and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant when his parents noticed he wasn’t meeting important developmental milestones. They immediately found physiotherapy for him, and continued to maintain a similar structure for him at home, reinforcing what he was learning in his therapy sessions. Though steady, his progress was slow.

Malic’s parents had heard of Conductive Education® (CE), but it wasn’t offered in Dubai. After the family moved back to Canada, they signed Malic up for March of Dimes Canada’s Conductive Education Summer Camp where they learned that the sky was the limit for this bright and engaging young boy!

Malic and his sister at the museum!

After their first assessment, the family walked away feeling hope and excitement! The great staff at March of Dimes Canada knows that it is important not only for Malic to believe that he can do anything and everything he wants to do, but that his family believes it too! Malic is continually given challenges that are outside his comfort zone, and he rises to the occasion every time! He is always quick to say “I can do it myself…”

Those are words we LOVE to hear at March of Dimes Canada. Those words are why we do what we do.

He loves superheroes, but to me, Malic is the superhero!

Malic’s accomplishments are all 100% his own. He loves to dance, listen to music and play video games just like any other boy. He loves superheroes, but to me, Malic is the superhero! The love, compassion and determination he shows every day of his life exemplifies the March of Dimes spirit.

People like Malic are why I support March of Dimes Canada. I hope Malic’s story will inspire you as it has inspired me.

I am also pleased to remind you that March of Dimes Canada has been accredited by Imagine Canada’s Standards Program for excellence in financial accountability and transparency, fundraising and governance. Learn more about our Conductive Education® Program by visiting the following link: http://bit.ly/ModcCEP

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Volunteer Spotlight: December 2018

December Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: October 2018

October Volunteer Spotlight

After Stroke: Christopher’s Experience

Volunteer Spotlight: August 2018

August Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: July 2018

July Volunteer Spotlight

Adele’s “Yes, I can do it!” attitude!

Ralph’s Journey

Words by Ralph.

Volunteer Spotlight: May 2018

Volunteer Spotlight: March 2018

March Volunteer Spotlight

Malic, the superhero!

Words by William Shatner

He loves superheroes, but to me, Malic is the superhero!