North Glengarry deputy mayor takes over as warden for SDG

 

In early 2014, the Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and Prescott-Russell areas united in a monumental way to support a young mother and teacher, Stephanie Grady, in her battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer called NUT Midline Carcinoma (NMC); through the, “We’re NUT Givin’ Up” campaign.

At the time, Stephanie’s only hope in overcoming this often fatal form of cancer came from an experimental drug called BET Inhibitor. This drug, known to slow and sometimes even stop tumour growth, was discovered through the International NUT Midline Carcinoma Registry; and is being administered at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

Recognizing OHIP doesn’t cover the cost of such trials, and the astronomical expense of health care costs in the USA, friends and family members rapidly formed “Team Grady”, organizing a variety of diverse and engaging fundraising activities to support the family; both emotionally and financially.

“It was the genuine, giving, and humble nature of Stephanie’s character which saw the campaign garner so much momentum,” said Heather Lisney, campaign coordinator.

Individuals and communities from across Ontario and the Maritimes organized a variety of fundraising events – all of which reflected the virtues of Stephanie and her family. Activities included: Breakfasts, brunches and dinners; silent and live auctions; dodgeball, hockey, volleyball and basketball tournaments; pub nights with live entertainment; and Zumba, scrapbooking, painting and gymnastics opportunities. 

Over 28 public and catholic schools from the region were involved, with teachers and students organizing events from dress-down days, to pancake breakfasts, dances and hockey pools.

Due to the urgent need for treatment, and the incredibly overwhelming generosity of those involved, in just 12 weeks the campaign raised more than $200,000.

“Stephanie was an inspiration to so many,” said Lisney. “Her fighting spirit, combined with her cheeky humour and humility throughout the battle, were qualities to be admired. She didn’t want to ask for help, but she knew she would need support. Her family meant everything to her, and she wanted to know she did everything she could to fight – and she did.”

While the support from the community allowed Stephanie to get to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for preliminary testing in early May, the rapid progression of the disease following her return prevented her from starting treatment. 

Just hours before the scheduled flight to return to Boston, Stephanie and her family received information from doctors; who suggested pursuing treatment would not be in her best interests.

“Many people wondered why Stephanie didn’t go earlier. It really wasn’t up to her. If it was, she would have been there in a heartbeat. It was the unfortunate reality of experimental treatment which prevented an earlier start. Doctors in Boston were waiting to clear different potency-dose-ratio levels for the clinical trial, and suggested Stephanie wait until the stronger drug was approved and available for her to take.”

Stephanie passed away peacefully at her home just four days later.

In addition to establishing educational savings plans for the Grady children; Stephanie’s husband, Nick Grady, in consultation with Stephanie’s parents and those affiliated with the campaign; has decided to donate funds back to the community, in ways that honour Stephanie’s legacy.

“It is our honour to give back and to provide inspiration for others, in ways that reflected the strength of the campaign as well as Stephanie’s character,” said Grady. “The community was so generous, and we can’t thank them enough for giving us the courage, and opportunity, to fight. It’s our hope that we can thank those who contributed, and support others who may be enduring similar challenges.”

In addition to establishing a Memorial Educational Pavilion in Stephanie’s honour at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS); funds will also be used to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program in the SDG & Prescott-Russell areas, to fund new equipment for the Cornwall Community Hospital’s new chemotherapy wing, to support Winchester District Memorial and Ottawa General Hospitals, and to establish an employee illness relief program for UCDSB staff members.

Annual bursaries will also be established at Rothwell-Osnabruck High School and Charlottetown Rural High School in PEI, and through some of the local churches that contributed so much. 

Grady is also working with local hockey organizations to facilitate opportunities for more children to participate, and is considering other options to “pay it forward” in Stephanie’s memory.

Stephanie’s family, along with Team Grady members, would like to thank all those who contributed by inviting them to join the Memorial Pavilion Dedication and Thank-You BBQ, at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (UCMBS), on Sunday, October 26th from 2 – 4 p.m.

For more information about Stephanie’s story, the campaign, the Pavilion Dedication & Thank You BBQ, or about ways the Grady family is giving back; please visit www.gradyfund.com, www.facebook.com/werenutgivinup, @NUTGivinUp or contact Heather Lisney at 343-264-6197.

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Having fun is what it is all about, whether it be playing ball or dancing and singing along to some great tunes…and with that said, the local Woodwork band has stepped up to home plate with the up and coming ball players of the Morrisburg T-Ball and Coach-Pitch program to help bring ball activity back to the South Dundas diamonds and baseball fun back to the kids. Coming up on Saturday, July 20 at the Morrisburg Legion, the members of the Woodwork band have traded ball gloves for guitars for a fundraiser dance to benefit the local ball program. “It’s an adult dance, and although there is no admission charge, we will be accepting donations at the door to our T-Ball/Coach-Pitch Ball program,” says Paul Sheldrick, who along with a handful of volunteers run the league in an effort to re-establish the sport in South Dundas. “We are calling it the Return to Glory Days Dance. We remember the glory days of ball when we played and had fun, and we are trying to bring back the fun and the game.” Sheldrick says he is hoping that everyone in the South Community will be on board to support the return of baseball/softball to the area, former ball fans and players, current ball players and parents of children who would like to see them return to the sport locally. He is delighted that the Workwork band of Bobby Paradis (singer/guitar), Ron Dupuis (singer/guitar), Justin Beckstead (drummer) and James Orendi (bass guitar), have donated their time to help out. All money raised at the dance will go to the T-Ball/Coach-Pitch program. Pictured above, after a tough Monday night practise, front are Rayna and Dorion Sheldrick. Centre, l-r, are Bobby and  Mason Paradis, Ron and Joseph Dupuis, Wyatt Brandwood, and James Orendi. Behind are Paul Sheldrick (left) and Justin Beckstead. The band, the kids and the organizers are encouraging everyone in the South Dundas Community to come out to the Return to Glory Days Dance on July 20 for a good time and a good cause.

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Joanne Sidorchuk is WDMH’s new Vice-President of Seniors’ Services and Administrator at Dundas Manor. 

Joanne has a master’s degree and has worked in long-term care as a physiotherapist. She has been at WDMH for the past ten years and served for the past five as a clinical manager. Her many responsibilities have included managing Complex Continuing Care, which has a distinct seniors’ focus, representing WDMH in external initiatives such as the Specialized Geriatric Network of Eastern Ontario, and overseeing the Senior Friendly Hospital Plan.

“I am very exciting about this new challenge,” says Joanne Sidorchuk. “Providing special care for seniors is a passion for me and I look forward to working with two excellent teams, at both WDMH and Dundas Manor.”

This dual-role is part of the overall vision to create a Centre of Excellence for Rural Health and Education. The focus is on building partnerships to support healthy rural communities – patients in hospitals, residents in long-term care and clients in the community. 

The Centre of Excellence is a collaborative that brings specific health and community care providers, educators and researchers together in one place, for greater synergy and continuity of care.

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