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Birthday Greetings!
Good friends, Lauren and Katie, celebrated and shared their birthdays in a special way. Inviting friends to their birthday party, Katie and Lauren asked for “good wishes” only, and encouraged their guests to direct any gifts towards Meagan’s Walk. Since the beginning days of Meagan’s Walk, the girls and their families have been participants in Meagan’s Walk on Mother’s Day, and strong supporters of its message of hope.
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Holiday Happenings!
Chief Elf, Jackie Blackwell, welcomed guest, Denise Bebenek, to the “Hat’s Off to You” Opening Night Party at the Snowman Factory. In celebration of the Snowman Factory’s 30 memorable years in Woodbridge, Jackie invited Meagan’s Walk to be the community partner for this festive event. Jackie and Denise are joined here by Matt and Sarah Grady, members of Kelly’s Green, who shared their musical talents for the enjoyment of guests.
Jackie, Denise, elves and guests stop for a quiet moment of enjoyment following weeks of busy preparations getting ready for this holiday celebration.
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The Big Hair Day
Toronto Transit Commission employee, Rocco Signorile decided the time had come! Challenged by Bob Kinnear, President of Local 113 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, to let go of his curly locks, Rocco surprised everyone when he accepted the challenge! Having grown his hair since childhood, Rocco waits for the “snip”, with Nancy Whiteford, co-chair of the United Way team at the TTC, Denise Bebenek from Meagan’s Walk, Rocco, Mario Barone, and Kathy Wyeth, Chairperson for United Way TTC. Rocco’s haircut appointment was a wonderful way to drum up support for Meagan’s Walk and the United Way. Rocco and his colleague Mario arose early some mornings, canvassing the colleagues in various divisions, encouraging interest in this most worthwhile project.
Glad it’s over, a smiling Rocco receives a Meagan’s Walk “hug” from Denise, who was touched by and appreciative of Rocco’s and his TTC colleagues’ generosity and this wonderful gesture of support.
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Canadian artist, Eleanor Lowden Pidgeon
Canadian artist, Eleanor Lowden Pidgeon, stands beside one of her paintings, which was included in her recent show, “Divine Intervention”. With Framed Life Gallery on Bloor Street, in the Kingsway area of Toronto, Eleanor hosted this showing of her recent works- a collection that reflects her passion for a bold and vibrant colour palette. Meagan’s Walk was honoured as the community partner for this most special event.
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Taste of the Kingsway
Meagan’s Walk exhibit tent was displayed at “The Taste of the Kingsway Festival” on September 5th and 6th. Meagan’s Walk was honoured to be the community partner charity for this exciting neighbourhood event. Young folks are invited to bring their favourite teddy bear along for a visit at The Teddy Bear Clinic- triage, intake photos of the teddy patient and his human friend, xrays, a health report to take home, and more. Then step around the corner and find out about The Brain Tumour Research Centre at SickKids. The BTRC is acknowledged around the world as a leader in paediatric brain tumour research.
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Our Lady of the Lake School and Meagan's Walk
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In the spring 2008, the school community of Our Lady of the Lake Academy in Keswick hosted an array of activities in support of Meagan’s Walk. Student leaders hosted an assembly for all students and staff, and welcomed Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mother as their special guest speaker.
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Students are ready to go as principal, Michael Nasello cuts the start ribbon at the beginning of the 5km. Our Lady of the Lake run/walk in support of Meagan’s Walk. Other activities included a concert, a Take Your Teacher to Lunch auction, and a barbecue.
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Denise, Meagan’s mother, ties the first ribbon on the Memory Tree at Our Lady of the Lake School. A tree was planted in the school garden and dedicated in a touching ceremony. School community members were invited to tie ribbons to the Memory Tree, in honour of loved ones who have died.
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Despite the stickiest of July’s weather, a dedicated group of golfers played at Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club, all in support of a wonderful cause at the 12th Annual Aon Charity Golf Tournament. Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mother, attended on behalf Meagan’s Walk and met all the players as they played their way through the course. Here Denise has the pleasure of meeting Craig Gilmour, Senior Vice President and Regional Director- Ontario, for Aon Reed Stenhouse. |
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Students, staff and parents of St. Raphael's Catholic School hug their school as part of their Meagan's Walk Club activities just days before Meagan's Walk annual hug of SickKids Hospital on Mother's Day. St. Raphael was the first school in the Toronto Catholic District School Board to "hug" their school. Staff and students are big supporters of Meagan's Walk and attend Meagan's Walk in increasing numbers each year. Congratulations St. Raphael!! |
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Neighbourhood business partners,
Rona Lansing, hosted a Meagan’s Walk Awareness event at the Royal York and
Dundas location. Chefs/volunteers, Kim Auld, Kris Kruk and Rita Lemick kept the
BBQ fired up, and fed hungry customers, with proceeds from BBQ sales most
generously donated to Meagan’s Walk. |
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Students and staff at Etobicoke
Collegiate Institute honoured Meagan’s Walk as one of their community partners
at Etobicoke Collegiate Institutes “Fame” event. For this special project,
student leaders invited four different groups to share their message with the
school and the larger community. Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mom, participated in a
public awareness forum at the school on behalf of Meagan’s Walk. Free the
Children, AIDS, Meagan’s Walk, Environment- FAME!
This awareness campaign culminated in a fundraising activity day, with proceeds
benefiting the four community groups. A touching ceremony at the school, with
students bearing candles in formation to spell the word “HOPE”, marked the
completion of Etobicoke Collegiate’s very successful FAME campaign. |
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“Freckles and Fudgeeos” Team
members cleaned out the closets, emptied the garage and hosted a mammoth garage
sale to raise funds in support of their team effort for Meagan’s Walk. |
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“Freckles and Fudgeeos” is named
in memory of Jeff Gibson. Here Team Captain, Heather Gibson, Jeff’s mom,
displays a beautiful photo of Jeff, framed, side by side, with a poem Jeff
wrote, titled “Victory”. |
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The gang is all here for the
Second Annual St. Louis Catholic School “Purple Day” in support of Meagan’s
Walk. Spearheaded by Christopher Piscione, Purple Day is an activity involving
the whole school community. Preference is given to purple clothing, purple leis,
purple signs…all in support of a beautiful cause. EZRock 97.3 Stu Jeffries and
Colleen Rusholme joined in the festivities with Meagan’s mom, Denise, and staff
and students following a school assembly. |
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And, yes, even the cupcakes were
purple...as Stu, Colleen and Denise get ready to enjoy some sweet bake sale
treats. |
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Meagan’s mom, Denise, with young
Tobin Haas and Cindi Harding, speaks to the radio audience at the SickKids
Radiothon 2008. By sharing their own stories they create awareness and help the
listening audience understand the challenges that some families face as they
live with life threatening illness. |
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On May 25th, Richland Academy students and their teachers and parents participated in their own school community's Meagan's Walk event. This is the third year that Richland Academy has proudly supported Meagan's Walk and SickKids. |
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Crane Ceremony: One thousand origami cranes, the Japanese symbol of hope, were presented to four brain tumour ambassadors by 300 children from St. Raphael and Our Lady of Sorrows, on the front lawn of SickKids. |
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Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mom with young Caeden Loane, who went to great "lengths", growing his hair for a long time, so he could draw attention to a great cause. Meagan’s Walk is Caeden’s "charity of choice" and he challenged his friends to help him support paediatric brain tumour research and help children who struggle with illness. Thank you, Caeden, for your wonderful leadership and creative energy in helping to make a difference!
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Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mom is surrounded by a caring community of friends from the Goulding Park Hockey Association. These young supporters are energetic and committed in their efforts to raise funds for Meagan’s Walk. A million thanks to these young Goulding Park members, and their families, for their generous and spirited support!
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In a special gesture of support for children who are challenged by illness, Elizabeth wanted to celebrate her birthday in a special way. She had been moved by Meagan’s story, and those of children who are touched by brain tumours, and felt determined to make a difference. So, instead of receiving birthday gifts, Elizabeth decided to ask her friends to make a contribution to Meagan’s Walk.
Elizabeth has become interested in the complexities and challenges of brain tumours and finding some answers for those who challenged by such illness, and now feels that her career path will be in the field of medicine.
Pictured above, left to right, are Shane, Michael, Katie, Birthday Girl, Elizabeth, Lauren and Andy, all enjoying the celebration. Happy Birthday, Elizabeth, and thank you to all for your spirited support of Meagan’s Walk!
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In anticipation of the sixth annual Meagan’s Walk on Mother’s Day, the St. Louis Catholic School community hosted a "Purple Day" on May 9th, with a raffle and bake sale as part of the day’s activities. Pictured above are Claudette Piscione, and her son, Christopher, who volunteered and helped ensure this event was successful and rewarding for all. Thank you to the students, staff and families of St. Louis for their support of Meagan’s Walk! Photo: Margaret Kalsi |
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Drama students and staff at Bishop Allen Academy recently staged Agatha Christie’s popular play, "The Mousetrap", a production that was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. As long standing supporters of Meagan’s Walk, the Bishop Allen community dedicated a portion of the box office proceeds to Meagan’s Walk. Pictured above with Meagan’s mother, Denise Bebenek, cast members enjoy a relaxing moment after their opening night show. |
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In anticipation of Meagan’s Walk on Mother’s Day, four sisters, Erin, Sarah, Katherine and Regan, hosted a sale of baked goods in support of Meagan’s Walk. A neighbourhood merchant, Stacey Holden, of Bake Sale on the Kingsway, most generously assisted as a sponsor for this event. Customers included Meagan’s Walk volunteer, Sylvia Kennedy, and Denise Bebenek, who came out to support this community event.
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In early August, Martha Harvey, RN, BScN, Territory Manager with Nestle Nutrition, participated in the annual SickKids Golf Tournament at the picturesque Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario. Martha, who is Meagan’s aunt, was most touched that Nestle Canada graciously sponsored a hole for this event and dedicated it "in celebration of the life of Meagan Bebenek". |
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Dr. Caroline Poon Woo, with her associates and staff, presented Denise Bebenek with a cheque in support of Meagan’s Walk. To honour the holiday season, Dr. Poon Woo’s team, instead of exchanging gifts, chose to donate to Meagan’s Walk. |
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Stephanie Boyd, hockey pro and former member of Team USA, presents Denise Bebenek with the proceeds of a special event in support of Meagan’s Walk and hosted by Stephanie Boyd’s Female Hockey School. |
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When Starbucks opened a new store in the neighbourhood, the store staff kindly invited Meagan’s Walk to join them as their community partner at the grand opening "Family and Friends" event. The weather was chilly and the snow was flying, but the mood inside Starbucks was definitely warm! Guests enjoyed sweet treats and music and an evening of good fun. Here Melbourne Ramirez, Starbucks Manager, welcomes Denise Bebenek, Meagan’s mother, and Elizabeth Becker Lively jazz, provided by Jerry Quintyne, Chris Banks and Sylvester Goshay, kept toes tapping throughout the festivities. Thanks to all our Starbucks friends for their kind support of Meagan’s Walk. |
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