2024 One Wish Honour Roll
Our One Wish Awards are intended to make a difference in the lives of caregivers by providing financial assistance to meet specific needs. These are the caregivers who received a 2024 One Wish Award.
Chrystal Venator, New Brunswick
Chrystal is a devoted caregiver to her young son Stalen who has autism and other health issues. Despite the challenges of managing Stalen’s care, Chrystal ensures he experiences joy and adventure in his life. In addition, she cares for her husband William, a veteran who struggles with physical injuries and mental health challenges.
Chrystal is an advocate for disability rights, bringing awareness and resources like Caroline’s Carts and communication boards to her community. Through her platform, Stalen’s Way, she inspires over 30,000 followers globally and donates the proceeds from their online store to support others. Canada Cares is pleased to provide a One Wish Award to help cover the cost of Stalen’s care and give Chrystal some extra help at home.
Nabat Panjwani, British Columbia
At almost 84 years old, Nabat is the unwavering and devoted full-time caregiver to her 45-year-old son Rahim who lives
with Down’s Syndrome and autism. Rahim requires constant care and attention, which Nabat provides selflessly every day. As a widow, she is Rahim’s sole caregiver, managing all of his needs from dawn until nightfall. Nabat drives Rahim to the Semiahmoo House Society Centre each day so he can participate in various therapeutic activities and handles all household duties like cooking and grocery shopping. Despite her advanced age, she continues to dedicate herself fully to Rahim’s wellbeing, ensuring he has the care, love and support he needs. A One Wish Award will help with therapy and specialized horse riding lessons.
Angelina D’Ettore, Ontario
Angelina is a dedicated 74-year-old grandmother helping care for her granddaughter Alessia who lives with mitochondrial disease, uses a wheelchair and is blind. She works tirelessly to manage Alessia’s intensive daily care needs and support her mental and physical wellbeing.
Angelina is also a caregiver for her grandson Cosimo who lives with epilepsy and a learning disability and her son-in-law who is bedridden due to Multiple Scoliosis. She is the glue that holds her family together, mentally and emotionally. Her love and selflessness shine a light on those around her in a manner that is hard to replicate. Canada Cares’ One Wish Award will pay for respite services and some support with making meals.
Tim Larue, Ontario
Tim is a devoted single father of two. His son lives with autism, is non-verbal and needs 24/7 care, while his daughter faces challenges with anxious distress disorder, ADHD and adjustment disorder. On a modest income, Tim manages the financial strain of medical expenses, therapies, and household needs.
Following the loss of his father, Tim has worked hard to balance work and caregiving. His own health has suffered and he’s facing caregiver burnout. Despite these challenges, Tim remains positive and unwavering in his dedication to his children. A One Wish Award will help with respire supports and daily expenses.
Rick Fralic, New Brunswick
Rick was an unwavering source of care and support for his wife Joan after she was diagnosed with a progressive neurodegenerative disease in 2017. Despite the prognosis and Joan’s physical challenges following a fall, hip surgery and hospital stay, Rick dedicated himself fully to managing all aspects of her daily care and ensuring her comfort and dignity. His primary goal was to keep her at home as long as possible and, as his own resources dwindled, he set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for home nursing care.
Joan was ultimately moved to the Nashwaak Villa nursing home where she recently passed away. Rick generously donated his One Wish Award to the nursing home.
Patricia Finch & Matt Crevier, Ontario
Matt and Patricia have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their family while facing significant challenges. As full-time caregivers to three of their own children and two nephews, they balance the demands of their household with remarkable resilience. Their youngest child, Allen, age 14, requires constant care due to Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Global Developmental Delay and they have fought tirelessly to secure the appropriate supports for him.
Despite financial hardship, food insecurity and personal struggles, they continue to prioritize their children’s wellbeing. Matt and Patricia’s selflessness, strength and perseverance make them truly deserving of recognition for their extraordinary commitment to family caregiving. A Canada Cares One Wish Award will be used to support their overwhelming day to day expenses and costs related to running their home.
Young Caregiver – Eastern Ontario
Based on an application from a local teacher leading a Focus on Youth Program, Canada Cares is assisting an 18-year-old who has taken on custody of his younger sibling who lives with autism. The brothers, who are both still in school, live on their own without support from relatives. Aside from enduring financial hardship, food insecurity and lack of personal care items, clothing and transportation, they also struggle to access autism support services. A Canada Cares One Wish Award will provide new shoes and clothing as well as a bicycle for the older brother to use to reach his summer job location.
2024 Family Caregivers Honour Roll
At any given time, about one in four Canadians are providing care for a loved one with little or no recognition.
As the only national caregiver recognition program, Canada Cares is proud to recognize the following
outstanding family caregivers.
Claire Laforest, Ontario
Claire is an extraordinary caregiver to her daughter Sara who faced life-altering challenges after being struck by a vehicle as a teenager. Now in her late 20s, Sara lives with a traumatic brain injury and requires round-the-clock care including tube feeding, personal care, transfers, physiotherapy and water therapy. Her mother cares for her tirelessly and coordinates health care workers to support her when possible so she can continue to work and maintain the health insurance her family needs.
Beyond her caregiving role, Claire spearheads the annual “Hope for Sara” event to raise funds for Sara’s care and essential equipment. Her selfless commitment as a mother, grandmother, teacher and community member makes her a truly inspiring caregiver.
Miranda & Terry Newton, Ontario
Miranda and Terry have devoted themselves to their son Henry’s care since he was diagnosed as a baby with cerebral palsy. Now age 20, the complexities of Henry’s care have increased over the years. He must be fed a specific diet through a feeding tube, a process that takes several hours and, as he is now too heavy to lift, he requires a special lift to transfer him from bed to wheelchair to washroom, etc.
Miranda and Terry strive to ensure the best possible quality of life for Henry, despite financial and physical challenges. Although they both work and are raising two additional children, Miranda still finds time to volunteer at a nearby ski school where Henry delights in assisted downhill skiing.
Pat Green, Alberta
Pat’s wife Diane (age 78) has been battling spinal cancer since 2023. She has had many falls and endured major spinal surgery, leaving her with limited mobility. As she continues to battle cancer and undergoes chemotherapy, Pat (age 80) has become her full-time caregiver, assisting her with most basic needs, tending to cooking, cleaning and other household chores and driving her to frequent medical appointments.
The couple’s adult children help when they can, but Pat bears primary responsibility for Diane’s care, leaving little time for self-care or respite. His selfless dedication to Diane’s wellbeing at the cost of his own health and comfort is a testament to his enduring love for his wife.
Andrea Porubanova, Ontario
Andrea is a dedicated and resourceful mother who has devoted her life to supporting her son who has autism and was non-verbal until age 4. Andrea invested countless hours, including taking training courses, to help him develop speech and she has worked tirelessly to secure appropriate schooling and therapy for her now 8-year-old son. Her commitment to his well-being and her ability to navigate complex systems to find creative solutions is an inspiration.
Andrea strives to ensure that her son and daughter are engaged in meaningful activities, despite limited resources. Beyond caring for her own family, she is an active advocate, sharing her knowledge and providing guidance to other parents in the autistic community.
Tammy Phinney, New Brunswick
Tammy is a full-time caregiver for her husband Vernon who faces numerous physical and emotional health challenges including hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and depression. He also has limited mobility due to chronic acute back pain and requires a wheelchair.
Tammy plans her entire day around Vernon’s needs, often sacrificing her own wellbeing to ensure his comfort. Her unwavering love and selflessness in the face of these challenges makes her a true caregiving hero.
Annika Carroll, Manitoba
Annika is a dedicated and loving caregiver to her 11-year-old son Henry who lives with cerebral palsy. Henry’s condition requires constant care including assisting with eating, bathroom routines and playtime. In addition, Annika and her husband Patrick face the physical challenges and safety risks of carrying Henry from room to room and up and down the stairs of their two-storey home.
Over the past two years, Henry has endured three painful surgeries for hip reconstruction, which have affected his mental health and added to Annika’s caregiving responsibilities. Despite the hardships, Annika is committed to ensuring his emotional and physical wellbeing, often sacrificing her own sleep, time and personal interests to provide him with the best care possible.
Zana Dokmanovic, British Columbia
Zana courageously cares for her husband Branislav, who suffered a major stroke in 2022, and her mother Mirjana, a breast cancer survivor. Zana remained at her husband’s side during months of hospitalization and rehabilitation and is now assisting him at home with daily needs including dressing, feeding and managing medications. She also escorts him to all of his appointments, ensuring he has the support he needs as he is blind in one eye.
At the same time, Zana has been caring for her mother Mirjana as she battles stage 3 breast cancer. As the primary support for both family members, she has worked tirelessly to provide attention, transportation and communication with their healthcare providers while continuing to work and support two kids.
2024 Professional Caregivers Honour Roll
The challenges faced by professional caregivers continue to grow with our aging population and
over-burdened health care system. Canada Cares is pleased to recognize the following professional caregivers
for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, Ontario
Dr. Sookram is a social worker, mental health counsellor and educator who supports a diverse population struggling with a broad range of issues including life transitions, relationships, trauma, anxiety and depression. In addition to fulfilling his role as a professional social worker, he frequently offers his skills free of charge to help newcomers to Canada overcome mental health issues and find safe housing and employment so they can function independently and live with dignity.
His compassion and tireless advocacy have resulted in numerous community service awards, including the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, the Global Public Peace Prize, the Waterloo Award and the City of Pickering Cultural Diversity Civic Award. Despite the demands of career and family, Dr. Sookram’s nominator says he never fails to offer support and empathy when needed, demonstrating the highest standards of caregiving and leaving a lasting legacy of service and community involvement.
Carol Armstrong, British Columbia
An RMT specializing in manual lymphatic drainage, Carol has been a leading practitioner and advocate for patients living with lymphedema on Vancouver Island for over 30 years. A pioneer in the field, she has mentored numerous new therapists and provided vital care to individuals, especially women with lymphedema after breast cancer.
Carol has contributed significantly to the Canadian Lymphedema Framework and BC Lymphedema Association, serving on committees and advancing efforts to secure funding for compression garments. Her dedication to patient education, volunteering with Inspire Health and shaping lymphedema care in BC makes her an outstanding community resource.
Sarah Pascon, New Brunswick
Sarah is a Rehab LPN at Turnbull Nursing Home, where she goes above and beyond to improve the quality of life for the 50 residents in her care. Sarah manages the healthy skin program, ensuring each resident receives personalized care to maintain mobility, prevent skin breakdown and improve overall health. She creatively utilizes available equipment and provides vital wound care with limited resources.
Sarah’s dedication extends beyond physical care – she walks residents to local coffee shops and around the block to maintain their strength. Her positive, hardworking nature makes her an irreplaceable asset to the nursing home and its residents.
Shia Surani, Ontario
Shia is a Peer Support Worker at long-term care homes where she ensures residents receive not only essential care but also the emotional support, compassion and encouragement they need to navigate the challenges of mental illness, disabilities and frailty. Her nominator says she has a remarkable ability to build trust and foster hope in those she supports. Her caregiving spirit extended to caring for her own grandfather during the COVID 19 pandemic, ensuring his daily needs were met as he battled illness and the challenges of aging.
Beyond her hands on care, Shia is actively involved at the Centre for Elder Research and serves on a Family Advisory Council committee where she advocates for families coping with mental health challenges. Her multifaceted contributions as a caregiver, researcher and community advocate exemplify the highest standards of compassion and dedication to caregiving.
Yvonne Caswell, British Columbia
Yvonne worked as a therapeutic fitness instructor in the Neuro-Fit program with the District of Squamish for many years and now sees many of the same clients personally in their homes as a rehabilitation assistant. She is well loved in her community where she is known for her warmth, infectious laughter and welcoming attitude.
On top of treating clients and caring for her family, Yvonne is a caregiver for her elderly mother, driving her between Squamish and New Westminster for treatments and hospital stays. Her nominator says she is well deserving of recognition for her long-term commitment to her community and the dedicated care and attention she brings to her clients.
Dr. Linda Franchi, British Columbia
Dr. Franchi consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and families. Recognizing the profound emotional and physical challenges that come with Parkinson’s, she offers unwavering support through personalized counseling.
She is always happy to accommodate patients and often makes hospital visits to ensure no one is left without care. In addition to one-on-one care, she facilitates monthly support groups, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering connection and resilience among the Parkinson’s community.
Lois Hanson, New Brunswick
Lois is a dedicated Rehabilitation LPN at Nashwaak Villa, a non-profit nursing home in rural Stanley, New Brunswick. Despite limited funding, Lois works tirelessly two days a week to meet the needs of the 30 residents in her care. She goes above and beyond, recently assisting a young stroke survivor in applying for rehabilitation services to enhance his independence.
Lois also took on the role of All The Right Moves trainer, providing musculoskeletal injury prevention to protect both staff and residents. Her proactive approach to identifying and addressing gaps in care, such as securing adaptive clothing and mobility aids, makes her an invaluable asset to the home. Lois’s unwavering dedication extends to fundraising efforts through the Nashwaak Villa Foundation, further demonstrating her commitment to the wellbeing of the residents she serves.
Marissa Ancheta, Ontario
For over a decade, Marissa has been a devoted caregiver to Olivia, a vibrant young woman living with Rett syndrome. Non-verbal and requiring full support for every aspect of daily living, Olivia communicates through subtle cues, sounds and expressions and Marissa understands them all.
Their bond is extraordinary, built on years of gentle care, patience and love. Marissa doesn’t just wash and feed Olivia, she brings joy, dignity and a deep emotional connection into her world. Her care enriches both Olivia’s life and that of her single father, who calls their relationship nothing short of miraculous.
Mary Corrado, Ontario
Mary is dedicated to client-centered home care. As the founder of Heart@Home, she ensures that every client receives personalized support that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. Mary’s leadership is rooted in empathy, integrity and respect for all backgrounds and abilities.
She leads by example ensuring staff are highly trained, screened and equipped to provide safe, effective care. Her commitment to nurturing both clients and caregivers has built a culture of excellence. Mary’s tireless efforts continue to raise the standard for home care, making a lasting difference in the lives she touches.
Morsal Bakhshi, British Columbia
Morsal is a Licenced Practical Nurse at the Three Links Care Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her nominator says she is a gentle, empathetic practitioner dedicated to making a meaningful impact on residents’ lives. She goes above and beyond routine care, taking the time to listen to and engage with each resident on a personal level. She is also known to do special things to help those having difficulty transitioning to life in a care facility feel comfortable and at home, such as the time she arranged for a new resident’s beloved jade plants to be transferred from a friend’s house to her room at the centre.
Melissa Cahill, Ontario
For over a decade, Melissa has faithfully served the Cape Croker community as a Personal Support Worker, earning the trust and admiration of those she cares for. Known for her kindness and thoughtfulness, Melissa is more than a PSW – she’s a constant, comforting presence in the lives of her clients.
Frequently requested by name, she is celebrated for going above and beyond, offering help with any task, big or small. Her compassion shines through in everything she does and her unwavering commitment to care makes her a cherished member of both her team and the community she serves.
