Remarkable Family Caregivers to Receive 2014 Heart of Home Care Award


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2014) - VHA Home HealthCare will present the ninth annual Heart of Home Care Awards to four inspirational caregivers. The award recognizes the remarkable efforts of a friend or family member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who has a disability, chronic or terminal illness, with the support needed to live at home with more independence.

What: Award presentation and photo opportunity
Who: Award Recipients
Vicky Willis and her husband Jeff had just settled in to their waterside dream home when, at age 47, Jeff was diagnosed with dementia. Despite the shock and Jeff's rapid decline, Vicky remains committed to Jeff's care, educating the public about dementia and staying positive.
After a terrible car accident left her university-aged son in a coma, Joyce Nunn faced two choices: give up or fight for her son's recovery. She chose the latter. While doctors said Michael-who suffered a brain injury-would never walk again, Joyce never gave up hope.
After Pamela Andrews gave birth to Aiden, he wasn't breathing. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, severe brain damage and seizures, the doctors advised her that Aiden wouldn't live long once he was removed from life support. With Pamela's unyielding care and belief in her son, Aiden's progress, though slow, continues moving in a positive direction.
Kazumi Alsemgeest's 10-year-old son Rey and four-year-old daughter Mei both have Batten Disease, a fatal, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. Despite her heartbreak, Kazumi remains Rey's and Mei's rock, doing whatever she needs to care for them and savouring every moment she has left with her children.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Alex Mihailidis serves as the Barbara G. Stymiest Research Chair in Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Toronto, and co-editor of Pervasive Computing in Healthcare and Technology and Aging. He'll share how technology can be used to improve the lives of people with dementia.
This event is possible thanks to sponsors Teak Printing Services, PACE Consulting, Flash Frame and Standard Life.
When: Monday, June 9, 2014
Guest Speaker - Dr. Alex Mihailidis: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Award Presentation & Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: VHA Home HealthCare
30 Soudan Ave., Training Room, Ground Floor
Toronto, Ontario

For more information or to schedule interviews with award recipients, please contact Pam Stoikopoulos or Sam Dunsiger.

Contact Information:

Pam Stoikopoulos
VHA Home HealthCare
Communications Manager
416-489-2500 ext. 4344
pstoik@vha.ca

Sam Dunsiger
VHA Home HealthCare
Interim Communications Specialist
416-489-2500 ext. 4336
sdunsiger@vha.ca