The BIG 40!!

I would like to clarify immediately that this page is not to fund me but rather to raise money for two separate charities I wish to support as the big 4 0 lurks around the corner. Reflecting on this past year, I have felt compelled to do something bigger than myself - to make a difference. So I’m going to do just that!

I have been torn between raising money for a charity in Serbia and/or for Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. I have a calling to help helpless children and to honour the country I come from as well as to show my overwhelming gratitude & appreciation to PMH.

For those of you who don’t know, I was born in the former Yugoslavia and I am a child of war. Children are innocent in every possible scenario and my heart breaks for the forgotten ones. I will work directly with a charity in Serbia that helps underprivileged families with children. Unfortunately, corruption is widespread in Serbia – and charity organizations are no exception. I have teamed up with people I trust and hope to make a difference with Humanitarian Organization Divac (HOD).

The other half of me is forever indebted to Princess Margaret Hospital. PMH has saved my husband Brian and in turn has saved me. Safe to say, these past couple of years have by far been the most challenging of our lives. But we march on and with the help of our village we persevere! There will never be a way to scratch the surface of my gratitude - this right here is only the smallest of gestures. Brian has completed chemotherapy with excellent results. He continues his treatment with immunotherapy and we are hoping for much of the same!

Because of the reasons above, I have created this page versus raising money directly through a charity link. So, as presumptuous as this may be, I would like to ask that instead of sending a birthday card, flowers or a gift come January 13th, 2023 that you help me make a difference right here. Once the money is raised and distributed, my plan is to go to Serbia with my children and show them what we did with the raise. Along the way, I hope to teach them an invaluable lesson in understanding their privilege, the power of community and how wonderful and fulfilling it can be to help others less fortunate.

My 30’s were eventful to say the very least. I married the man of my dreams, overcame fertility challenges, had two of the most incredible children, lived our vows in sickness and in health and so much more. To date, despite the challenges – I would say the greatest decade of my life! But I hear it only gets better. So here is to a new decade; to more unforgettable adventures, memories for the book of life, challenges to keep us on our toes, and to love conquering it all!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!