But Tim is driven by the knowledge that a cure for IBD will be found. That belief has sustained him throughout the tough times and motivated him during the good times. His personal commitment to doing everything he can for the cure has resulted in a host of achievements that are each, in themselves, remarkable.
What are some of those accomplishments?
- Tim has been a Top Pledge Earner at the annual Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon for the last few years
- He was instrumental in helping to establish the Markham, Ontario chapter
- He is currently serving as the Treasurer for this chapter
- He generously gives his time and energy in helping to organize meetings and fundraisers
- This year, he organized and chaired a golf tournament, Drive for the Cure, which raised $47,000!
Colleen fell in love with Tim Brunt almost from the moment she met him. Six years later, she is even more in love with the guy whom she calls, “The gutsiest person I know.” CCFC agrees – and we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Tim Brunt – our Gutsiest Canadian!
Vince Dimanno, British Columbia
Life for Nina Watt is filled with love, warmth and meaning because of her husband Vince Dimanno. Nina has ulcerative colitis. When first diagnosed and hospitalized due to severe complications, Nina felt like her world was collapsing around her. At that time, her daughter was just two years old and Nina was so ill she could not look after herself, never mind her little girl.
But Vince rallied to her side. He acted as Nina’s medical advocate during the day; he ran his business at night; he cared for their daughter and ran the household; he learned everything he could about ulcerative colitis including treatment options and drugs and he shielded Nina from any worries about the load he was carrying.
But more than that, Vince’s caring and affection touch Nina in a way that lets her know she is loved. He is her hero. He is the love of her life.
Kaella Carr, Alberta
If Kaella’s grandmother were alive today, she would be beaming with pride. Kaella’s grandmother died in 1999 of complications related to ulcerative colitis, and ever since that time, Kaella has worked to raise funds and awareness about IBD.
And then, in 2004, Kaella herself was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The disease ravaged her body; she lost 50 lbs and had to undergo immediate surgery. Once she recovered, Kaella went right back to working and volunteering on behalf of Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada as a media coordinator. As chair of the Youth Advisory Committee, Kaella helped to create the new “Gutsy Generation” website and this past year, she took her own vacation time and spent it supporting children with CD and UC at a summer camp.
Kaella is an inspiration in many people’s lives. But Kaella would say that it is her Nana who is the shining star in her life – and she works to find a cure, not just for herself, but for everyone.
Brittany Brooks, Manitoba/Saskatchewan
Ask Brittany Brooks what is important in her life and she will not spend any time lamenting the fact that she has Crohn’s disease. Instead, this twelve year old girl will bubble with enthusiasm about the joy in her life; she will tell you about her school, her music and her sports. Since being diagnosed with CD at the young age of seven, Brittany has plunged into life with the same abandon that any child has, with a positive outlook and a youthful enthusiasm that belies her chronic disease.
Brittany is a Top Pledge Earner in her local Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon, helps out at the M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ every year and educates her classmates and community about IBD. In spite of having to miss close to 30 days of school each year, Brittany is on the Honour Role at school and is an active member of her school and church choir. Not only that – she participates in her school bands, playing clarinet, saxophone and viola.
The music of life plays a symphony in Brittany’s world. Her energy and positive outlook fill the world with songs of courage and commitment.
Isabelle Chartrand, Quebec
Where do you go when you need support and encouragement? Support groups are a wonderful vehicle for finding a community that shares your concerns and questions. Isabelle Chartrand took the concept of support group and extended it into the virtual world, building a francophone website http://cafecolite.org for people who are looking for help in our connected world.
Diagnosed in 2001 with ulcerative colitis herself, Isabelle discovered that she was unable to find a french support network that provided information on how people coped with their disease. So, rather than give up, Isabelle created her own solution and Cafécolite was born. Thanks to her, people from all over the world, including Canada, France, Belgium and Switzerland can logon and share their stories about IBD, including their fears, frustrations and hopes for a better future. Isabelle’s virtual presence welcomes all new members, and she personally reassures and supports those newly diagnosed with UC.
With more than 2,000 visitors per month, Isabelle Chartrand has created a support group that is international in reach, yet personal in touch.
Cathy Robichaud, Maritimes
Parents often brag about their children to others – but how often do children do the same about their parents? In Cathy Robichaud’s case, her sons Pierre and Matthew are so proud of her, they just had to tell everyone about their wonderful mom!
Cathy has Crohn’s disease. In spite of that, the boys’ childhood memories are not about their mother’s sickness or the things they missed because of her illness – they are about her love and her caring!
They are also about their mother’s leadership in the IBD community. Often struggling with her CD, Cathy has become a wellness consultant in order to help other people live healthier lives. Knowing that education is a key factor in helping others cope with disease, Cathy re-established the Greater Saint John Chapter of the CCFC. In the first two years, Cathy helped to raise more than $55,000 and in so doing, has inspired friends, family, NHL hockey players, bands and corporations to get involved and support this worthy cause.
Cathy’s leadership, courage and caring have meant a lot to the IBD community in Greater Saint John and they mean even more to her sons, Pierre and Matthew.
Gloria Morgan, Newfoundland
Ten years ago, tragedy shattered the heart of Gloria Morgan when her 18-year- old son Lloyd, died in a car crash. He had IBD.
Despair turned to determination when Gloria decided that Lloyd’s life would not have been lived in vain and she would keep his memory alive by helping others with IBD. Thus began Gloria’s odyssey in raising funds in honour of her son.
Since Lloyd passed away, Gloria has raised more than $20,000 through pledges, wedding donations, Christmas parties and charity draws. In her son’s memory, many friends and family members walk each year in the local Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon.
Gloria’s tragedy has turned into a triumphant celebration of her son Lloyd. Her dedication to his memory and her efforts to reach out and help others with IBD are an incredible testimony to his life, and her love.
More personal stories:
Thoughts from a Father
Jeannie Runnalls & her grandson Christian
