When the Canadian Association of Pompe (CAP) decided to have its 2014 Conference in New Brunswick, we were concerned that having it at one end of such a huge country would affect attendance. We were wrong. More than half of the Pompe patients in Canada attended, with total attendees at over 70.
One of the events that we were looking forward to was the Fredericton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. We were very pleased to fundraise and don our bright orange shirts to walk with Annette Sebey as she walked to support the people of Fredericton that are affected by neuromuscular disorders.
We were very honoured to accept the Kaitlyn Hatchard Award for Team Spirit for the Atlantic Region, given to both Annette and CAP, at our 2015 Conference in Montreal. The award was presented to Annette by Pascale Rousseau, Directrice des services – Division du Québec. This is a very special award, please read the letter below.
Hello Annette,
We are very pleased to be able to present the Kaitlyn Hatchard Award for Team Spirit for the Atlantic Region to you and Team Pompe. As you requested, here’s a bit of information about the award.
Background
Muscular Dystrophy Canada recognizes and celebrates the contributions of individuals and groups who champion our cause with courage, determination, passion and caring. These individuals/groups exhibit extraordinary commitment to work in fundraising, service delivery (education, advocacy, support, information, and equipment), research and creating awareness
about neuromuscular disorders. They play an inspirational and essential role in the progress of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission to enhance the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well funded research. They inspire everyone around them to join in and move them towards a fight to find cures.
The awards program was named in honour of Dr. David Green, a founding member whose son Larry was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who worked tirelessly as a volunteer and Chair of the Board of Directors from the early 1950s through 1981. His contributions to the fight for a cure for neuromuscular disorders will always be celebrated and treasured.
The Kaitlyn Hatchard Award for Team Spirit
This is a new Atlantic region award, named in honour of Kaitlyn, who died of spinal muscular atrophy. She was a wonderful, determined girl, and her family and friends were truly inspirational. At the 2014 Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, her classmates formed a very spirited team in her honour, and motivated us to create an award in her name.
Annette, you inspired us with your determination as well, and Team Pompe impressed us with their spirit at the Fredericton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, so we thought this award was a fitting celebration of your successful advocacy together in New Brunswick, as well as an acknowledgment of your great support for the Walk.
Lisa Pottie, Ph.D., CFRE
Executive Director
Atlantic Canada
Tagged: awards, fundraising, Muscular Dystrophy Canada