It’s been four years since Sally Spence passed away but her memory continues to live on at the Spirit of Sally Spence Awards hosted by the NEO Kids & Family Program Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) at Health Sciences North (HSN) on Tuesday, May 22.
Sally, who was known for being an advocate for children with special needs, was the Clinical Manager at the CTC before passing away from ovarian cancer in 2014. The Spirit of Sally Spence Awards were created to honor her contributions to the CTC. In addition to recognizing Sally’s past contributions, these awards are an opportunity to showcase and recognize the wonderful accomplishments of some of the current and past clients.
“One of our parents said it best when he described Sally as our super hero, someone who was an inspiration to us, with her bright pink lipstick and infectious smile that endeared us all,” said Joanne Tramontini, Clinical Manager of the CTC. “Sally cared deeply about the children, youth and families that we serve and the staff here at the centre. She is still greatly missed and remembered fondly. This award is one more way Sally has made a difference and will ensure that she will be remembered for many years to come. Her spirit lives on in this award.”
The Spirit of Sally Spence Awards are given to current and former clients of the CTC that embody the following qualities that Sally displayed during her years at the CTC:
Smiling
Amazing
Loving
Laughing
Young at Heart
Recipients of the Spirit of Sally Spence Awards receive a bursary of up to $1,000 to be used for a number of self-development initiatives and activities including summer camps, needed equipment, education, and employment and are facilitated by NEO Kids Foundation.
This year’s recipients are Kimberely Chiasson, Shannon Moxam, Jacob McGrayne and Breanna Mastroianni.
“The true spirit of Sally Spence was quite evident in the faces of the amazing recipients who proudly accepted their awards today with pride and appreciation,” said Patricia Mills, president of NEO Kids Foundation. “It’s the patients, the families and the staff at the CTC who are the real heroes in this uplifting, wonderful event to honour a woman who loved her job and loved children.”
The CTC is a family-centered community-based rehabilitation facility providing assessment, treatment, consultation, and education to children and young adults with motor and communication impairments. CTC strives for the best quality of life and health for its clients by enhancing their self-esteem and facilitating their function, independence, and community participation. For more information on CTC, visit: www.childrenstreatment.ca