In memory of Richard Kazmer

Ends: May 31, 2020

Dear friends/family, on May/08 this year will be 5 years without our dear Richie, whom we lost to cancer in 2015. For those of you who knew Richie, you know how protective he was of children, especially the ones in an abusive family situation, children with disabilities, those struggling with mental illness, substance abuse or illness. Struggling with many of these issues himself all throughout childhood and adolescence, he chose the difficult and selfless path of becoming a Social Service Worker to be the voice and guiding hand for the children in need. Sadly, he passed away after obtaining his College Degree and shortly before obtaining his Undergraduate Degree in Social Service Work and fulfilling his dream of being a Youth Counselor. Richie was not only a protector of the children, he led by example, he was a true guide and mentor. He loved teaching Martial Arts, refocusing children's' attention from destructive to constructive behaviours, and teaching them about the importance of smart life choices, loyalty and respect, love for family and friends. He was truly meant to be a father, and he would have been an amazing one if only CANCER didn't take that away from him! The reason why I chose this fundraiser to honour Richie's memory is two-fold. I have detailed the first one above. The second reason is because I and Richie experienced first-hand the amazing gift of Ronald McDonald House. Richie fought cancer for approximately a year, in which time we had numerous trips to Princess Margaret, Mount Sinai and Toronto General Hospitals. After finding out about the RMH while Richie was undergoing radiation treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital, we have decided to take advantage of it...albeit hesitantly. Richie stayed there for 6 weeks, coming home on the weekends (they had volunteer drivers picking him up from home and driving him to and from RMH house every week, as well as to the treatment facility and back every day), he had warm meals, clean room, even entertainment center with books, fireplace, piano (which he used to entertain other patients), games, patio with a nice garden. Even I had the opportunity to stay with him on quite a few occasions and will be forever grateful for that. During a time of worry, stress, uncertainty, pain (physical and emotional), as well as financial devastation.... this "home away from home" gave him the opportunity to focus on healing and fighting hard for his life. The minimal cost we paid was far outweighed by the emotional and physical security it offered Richie and I in the most difficult time of our lives! I thought hard and long about the best way to honour his memory and life and to help others in need (which was his true purpose and passion in life), so I have decided that I will match the amount raised up to $500 for the month of May. It is a very difficult time we are all dealing with a financial and emotional stress right now, and I am ever so grateful for everyone's generosity and kindness offered to people that are in the MOST difficult time of their lives! With Love, Mariya Sikkens