CELEBRITY DANCERS
Crissy Cuddihy
Insurance Broker, Capri Insurance
Warren Eaton, Latinesque Dance Studio - partnered
with Crissy
I am blessed to have wonderful friends and a loving family in this circle of life. I am dedicating this event to all of my friends and family who have experienced the help of the Hospice Association in their times of need.
My father- in- law was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago and the Hospice Association was not only there for him but was there for all of us. This gave us all great relief and confidence that he was in good care during this very difficult time.
My daughter’s best friend lost her mother to cancer 2 years ago also and what a wonderful place the Central Okanagan Hospice House was for her family and 4 children to visit. I visited her one day and it pulled at my heart strings as we were so close in age. I thought to myself what would I do in this situation? I would want nothing more then to be cared for in a beautiful place like this. It would take the worry away from my family.
I feel the need to give back to this very special organization as they in turn give so much to all of our families within our community.
I dedicate this evening to the loved ones I have lost, they will be in my memory forever and until we meet again.
For more information of Crissy's campaign and her dedicated team you can visit her site at crissyreacuddihy.ca or visit her facebook page at Swinging with the Stars - Team Crissy Rea Cuddihy.
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT CRISSY
Sandra Merlo and Andrew De Pieri
The De Pieri Clinic/Health and Aesthetics
Jeni MacMillan and Warren Eaton, Latinesque Dance Studio - coaching Sandra and Andrew
Dr. De Pieri became interested in pursuing a medical career when his father was diagnosed with, and eventually succumbed to, laryngeal cancer at 52. He went to UBC in Vancouver directly out of high school, completing his medical degree in 1990, and then a residency in Family Medicine in Regina, SK, accompanied by his new bride, Sandra. He began practicing medicine in the Okanagan in 1992, first in Summerland, then in West Kelowna.
Shortly after beginning his medical practice, tragedy struck his family once again, when his brother, aged 32, was diagnosed with cancer, and died in hospital of complications. Since then he has seen many of his patients come to the end of life in hospital.
In both his personal and professional life, Dr. De Pieri has seen the great value of hospice in the care of terminally ill people. Since the hospital's mandate is mostly to make people better, sometimes when people have no hope of recovery, they can feel like there is no place for them to die in a caring and supported way. Hospice is so important to uphold the sanctity of life, even at the hour of death.
It was due Sandra's encouragement, knowing how close he was to this cause, that Andrew was able to set aside his fears and put himself out there for "Swinging with the Stars".
Sandra and Andrew are the proud parents of five children, three boys and two girls, ranging in age from eighteen to six. Since 2008 he has focused his practice on Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine at The De Pieri Clinic in downtown Kelowna helping people to look and feel their best as they age.
They admit to being terrible fundraisers, but hope to do justice to this cause, with your kind help.
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT SANDRA AND ANDREW
Vern Nielsen
Management Consultant
Jeni MacMillan, Latinesque Dance Studio - partnered
with Vern
Vern is currently semi-retired. He has a diverse background of work experience having held senior executive positions and been an entrepreneur in the fields of packaged goods, real estate, & high tech. He became very involved in the technology industry when he moved to Kelowna.
In Kelowna, Vern is a director of several private companies & not-for-profit organizations including the Rotary Club of Kelowna, Okanagan Capital Fund, East Meets West Orphanage Foundation, Okanagan College Foundation, and Okanagan Partnership. He has won several awards for his efforts in both business and volunteerism including the Fred Macklin Memorial award "Kelowna's Man of the Year 2010". Vern is very proud of his three adult children, Rowan, Greg & Jennifer. Each is engaged in successful careers.
In the last year, Vern has learned about the worth of Hospice House having spent time there with a colleague and a friend.
For more information about Vern's pledging campaign please see his facebook page at Swinging with the Stars - Vern Nielsen
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT VERN
Chris Penty
Lawyer, Penty & Company and COHA Board Member
Sharon Sebo, Tango Kelowna - partnered with Chris
Chris moved to Kelowna at the age of 3 and has lived here, more or less, continuously ever since. While the initial move was made without his consent, he has come to love his Kelowna home.
Chris has a daughter, Nora, in university in Victoria, and lives in Glenmore with his wife Tamera. He has continuously had a general law practice in the Rutland area for nearly 27 years with the same firm that now bears his name. He was educated in commerce at the University of British Columbia and in law at the University of Victoria.
Chris loves reading, golf, skiing, motorcycles and people. He has come to the art of dance only very recently from a background totally devoid of artistic endeavors. He hopes to emerge from the competition bloodied but not broken, at least physically.
Chris has been on the board of directors of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association for a number of years and remains committed to their ideals, practices and programs. His commitment stems from experiencing both his parents and other loved ones pass through the local hospice facilities and witnessing the value and dignity it added to the end of life.
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT CHRIS
Darren and Carole Visosky
Western Financial Group
Chris Thorburn, Kelowna Ballroom - coaching Darren
and Carole
Carole and I moved with our two youngest daughters to Kelowna from Medicine Hat, AB. in July 2010. Our eldest daughter lives in Calgary with her awesome husband!
We sold our insurance agency to Western Financial Group and I continue to work for the company as a commercial insurance broker. Carole is retired but considers Body Fit her daily job! We moved her mom here as well, and all of the residents at Westwood Retirement Resort look forward to Carole’s visits…especially her “boyfriends”!
Carole and I attended the “Swinging with the Stars” event last year and thought this is something we would like to become involved with. My uncle Bill passed away a few years ago. He had battled esophageal cancer and had been through treatment and numerous surgeries, then ultimately to Hospice in Lethbridge where he was treated with respect and dignity in a comfortable environment. The people that work and volunteer in these facilities are truly amazing!
Carole and I see “Swinging with the Stars” as a way to give back to a great cause in our new community!
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT DARREN AND CAROLE
Dr. Deb Zokol
Dentist, Dr. Deb Zokol
Tom Selzler, Dance Connections - partnered with Deb
Deborah Zokol has been practicing dentistry in the Okanagan for 20 years with offices in Kelowna and Vernon. Deb’s choices in life have been profoundly influenced by her parents. They instilled in her the importance of passion, integrity and that it is never too late to follow your dreams. At the age of at 25 Deb returned to school to pursue a dental career. At 44 she took up tap dancing. She is presently working toward her silver metal in tap.
Deb’s father, a respected prosthodontist, passed away in 2005. The dignity, care and compassion that her father and family received from Hospice during a time of fear and helplessness was deeply appreciated, a gift for which Deb will always be grateful.
“I am honored and excited to be given this amazing opportunity to give back to Hospice via an avenue of my passion; something my father always encouraged.”… Deb Zokol
For more information about Deb's pledging campaign please visit her facebook page at Deb Zokol Swinging with the Stars for Central Okanagan Hospice Association
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT DEB