Our lives are full of lessons, and it seems that I’ve been reminded a lot lately that no matter what cards we’re dealt, there are always two choices: you can opt to give up, give in and fold, or you can strive to make a difference in the lives of others, using the hardships you have had to endure as ballast. It’s never an easy decision or path to follow, but I’ve recently had the pleasure of connecting with two amazing women who are pursuing the latter course, and changing many lives in the process.

I never did have the opportunity to meet Valérie Goneau, our first young lady. Although Valérie is no longer with us in the physical world, I connect to her through her many supporters and members of Valérie’s Flutter Foundation, which raises awareness about all types of cancers, especially the rarer types where there is a major lack of funding. Valérie was diagnosed with cancer and created “Valérie’s Team” in the summer of 2010 through the Terry Fox Foundation. She was introduced to the world of public speaking, and certainly “spoke from the heart, a testament of her positive attitude and her love of life.” On April 9, I attended a beer-tasting event inspired by this amazing woman, hosted by Mill St. Brew Pub in downtown Ottawa, where our abilities to identify, taste and understand craft beers were tested. A flight of four beer samplers and appetizers were included with the $25 admission, and all net proceeds went to Valérie’s Flutter Foundation, which sponsors a flood of events. Be sure to check out the website at http://www.valeriesflutter.com and follow Eventbrite Ottawa (http://www.eventbrite.ca/directory/Canada/Ottawa). The next event is the “All-Star Ball Hockey Challenge” on Saturday, July 13, from 8am to 5 pm.

Brynn Mclennan (left) and Hollie Davies

Brynn Mclennan was born with muscular dystrophy – muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and hamper locomotion. Walking into her “Stem Cells for Brynn” event and seeing her seated to the left, you might expect someone broken – but instead you’ll find a beautiful, strong, vibrant woman, with only a hint of her disability in how she moves her arms and hands. With the help of many attendees, this spectacular event raised over $5,000. We were treated to a beautiful four-course gourmet dinner at Algonquin College’s Restaurant International, along with a silent auction, live DJ and dancing. With tickets at $125 each, note this in your calendar for 2014. You don’t want to miss out, as there were many inspirational touches, including a Brynntini (Brynne’s signature martini), a photo booth, and inspirational words (such as positivity) to mark the tables. To find out more, visit http://www.stemcellsforbrynn.com.