DEDICATIONS
This research is dedicated to the Higgins family.
You will always have a place in my heart.
And to all the other families in Nobel, Parry Sound and the surrounding area that have been touched by cancer or chronic illness. Here’s to hoping we conquer cancer in our lifetime.
Donate to the RACH (Rallying Against Cancer Hardcore) Baseball Tournament to help Parry Sound conquer cancer in our lifetime.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would not have survived the past four years without the support, guidance, encouragement, faith, inspiration and laughter of so many people from all walks of life. As this chapter of my life finally comes to a close, it only feels natural to give a few shout-outs.
Thank you to my mom, dad, step-mom, brothers and sister for listening (even when you didn’t have a choice) to my excitement, rambling, shouting, fears and tears about Parry Sound off and on over the course of four years! Thank you for supporting my decision to leave a ‘real’ job to begin a non-profit in a small town in northern Ontario -alone- while struggling with student debt.
Thank you Dr. Abernethy, Dr. Hux, Lord (Rupert) Kindersley and all of Gumption Inc.’s advisory members and their families for their time, believing in this research, cause, vision and me.
Thank you to so many: friends and volunteers in Nobel, Parry Sound, Wasauksing and Shawanaga First Nation that helped evolve this research and cause in one way or another. To the Parry Sound Library, Museum on Tower Hill and United Church.
To the Gaspar, Pawis, Gurr and Kelly families and, until his recent passing, my Godfather John Lazier for your unconditional love, patience, generosity, support and friendship. To my Banff lemon tribe, KCPO crew, Mel, Chad, Robicheau and Edward for getting me through to the other side — where I am today.
Thank you Cooperators Insurance, Benefic Group, Media Bombshell, the Natural Step, Prevail Music Inc., Live Unlimited, Grand Design Films, Studio 174, A4C and Georgian Bay Association for your sponsorships, donations, expertise, time and sharing of networks.
Finally, to Erin Brockovich for leaving me with one message, “Believe in You.”
I am so grateful.
…Here goes something.
