Double the Motivation to Support CMN: Twins!
We were very blessed to only have to visit CHEO for the run-of-the-mill bumps, bruises and bit-through tongues with our two children (more with one than the other). One of the biggest reasons we support CMN would have to be our niece Chrissy and her husband Chris’ twin daughters Charlotte & Alexandra (Alex).
Chrissy went into labour at 24 weeks with no warning. Late that night Alex was born. Charlotte lasted another 5 days. Alex was 1lbs 1oz and Charlotte was 1lbs 5oz. They spent 4 and a half months in the hospital. During that time Charlotte had heart surgery at 2 weeks old. Alex needed the same surgery but was too sick to have it done. At just 3 weeks they thought Alex was not going to make it, but by some miracle and her determination, she pulled through. Chrissy finally got to hold Alex for the first time when she was just over a month old. She was ventilated for 2 months, Charlotte for 1 month and then move up to CPAP and then just oxygen. Charlotte came home on oxygen and was on it for almost a year. They both suffered many infections due to their poor immune systems. Alex had eye surgery at 3 months old. They finally got to come home 2 weeks after their original due date.
Alex and Charlotte were followed by CHEO very closely for the first 3 years. They are now healthy 7-year-olds with next to no health issues! The service they received from CHEO and the NICU at the General was unbelievable; so many amazing doctors and nurses there.
It was during Bruce & Holly’s first Motorcycle for Miracles adventure that it really hit me. The Johnson family story touched me. It was that summer that I changed my contribution model from transactions I did to transactions the team did and Doubled Up the contribution amount.
Here are a couple of pics of my little giggle monsters! Love them to bits!
Moe and Susan’s Community Involvement:
- Proud supporters of the Kanata Food Cupboard through food drives and donations
- Susan is the founder and Co-Chair of the Zombie Run for Humanity, now in its 4thyear. A 5KM cross country race with obstacles (& of course Zombies…). Done completely through volunteers and all proceeds raised go directly to “Habitat for Humanity – Greater Ottawa”
- Moe is the President of the “Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata”
- Susan and Moe generously donate portions of their commissions from every purchase or sale, not only that they do, but also every member of their team does to CMN, and more specifically Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
- Susan has been recognized by Distinctive Women Magazine as the Philanthropist of the Year two years running for her
