H.O.P.E. AWARD Winners

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H.O.P.E. AWARD WINNERS

Extraordinary people.
Lasting impact.

Celebrating the individuals, families, and teams whose dedication has made a difference for people living with epilepsy in our community.

Explore the recipients ↓

H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Out People with Epilepsy.

2026–2015 · NEWEST FIRST

Meet our award recipients.

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Paul Raymond — 2026 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2026

Latest recipient

Paul Raymond

Recognized for bringing Ontario’s epilepsy agencies together and strengthening support for individuals and families.

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About Paul Raymond

Paul’s work encouraged 14 epilepsy agencies across Ontario to share resources, staffing, and programming. His career has included Epilepsy Canada, Epilepsy York, and Epilepsy Ontario. The 2026 award recognized his dedication to collaboration and a stronger support network for people affected by epilepsy.

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Christopher Still — 2025 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2025

Christopher Still

From Sunny Days Camp counsellor to board leadership, Chris has supported ESCO’s community at every step.

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About Christopher Still

Chris joined Sunny Days Camp as a counsellor in 2015 and became a valued role model for campers. He joined ESCO’s board in 2018, later serving as Treasurer and Board President. His award recognized his leadership and commitment to staff, clients, families, and fellow board members.

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Sarah Janzen — 2024 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2024

Sarah Janzen

Honoured for helping bring Sunny Days Camp to children and families in Kitchener-Waterloo.

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About Sarah Janzen

Sarah became involved with ESCO in 2019 and offered to help establish a camp in Kitchener. When the pandemic delayed those plans, she returned in 2022 to help make the camp possible. Her award celebrated her dedication to creating opportunities for children living with epilepsy.

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Cynthia Milburn — 2023 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2023

Cynthia Milburn

Recognized for years of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to people living with epilepsy and their families.

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About Cynthia Milburn

Cynthia became Executive Director of Epilepsy Halton Peel in 2010. Under her leadership, the agency expanded its reach and became Epilepsy South Central Ontario. Her award celebrated her advocacy, support for clients and staff through the pandemic, and contributions to the wider epilepsy community.

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Solutions With Impact — 2022 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2022

Solutions With Impact

Celebrated for raising epilepsy awareness and expanding ESCO’s fundraising reach through The Culinary Showdown.

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About Solutions With Impact

Led by Joel Hock, the Solutions With Impact team helped attract sponsors, increase media visibility, and introduce ESCO to more people through The Culinary Showdown. Their partnership strengthened fundraising and supported the agency’s ability to reach more individuals and families living with epilepsy.

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The Perl Family — 2021 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2021

The Perl Family

Honoured for their longstanding generosity, volunteer service, and dependable support for the ESCO community.

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About the Perl Family

The Perl Family has supported ESCO through events, activities, and volunteering. Previously recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award, the family continued to offer help throughout a particularly challenging year. Their H.O.P.E. Award celebrated their collective commitment and generosity.

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Nancy Evans — 2020 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2020

Nancy Evans

Recognized for helping grow the Zehrs Initiative into a provincial epilepsy awareness and support campaign.

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About Nancy Evans

With support from her family and Zehrs colleagues, Nancy helped build a community around epilepsy awareness, education, and support. What began as a local campaign grew into a provincial initiative. Her award recognized her hard work and the lasting impact of bringing people together.

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Jim Cheesman — 2019 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2019

Jim Cheesman

Honoured for his thoughtful advocacy, board service, and commitment to stronger community epilepsy support.

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About Jim Cheesman

Jim joined ESCO’s board in 2014 and brought extensive knowledge and leadership. He advocated at Queen’s Park for provincial funding and met with regional MPPs to explain the value of community epilepsy services. His award also recognized the time and resources he contributed to ESCO.

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Dr. Eduard Bercovici — 2018 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2018

Dr. Eduard Bercovici

Recognized for sharing his medical expertise and supporting epilepsy care, education, and patient groups.

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About Dr. Eduard Bercovici

A neurologist, epileptologist, and founder of the Southern Ontario Epilepsy Clinic, Dr. Bercovici shared his knowledge through community talks and support for patient groups. His award celebrated his approachable care, service on ESCO’s board, and dedication to the epilepsy community.

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The Caroline Cunningham Foundation for Epilepsy — 2017 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2017

Care-Alive

The Caroline Cunningham Foundation for Epilepsy, honoured for its lasting support of Sunny Days Camp.

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About the Caroline Cunningham Foundation for Epilepsy

Care-Alive has supported Sunny Days Camp since 2010. Its generosity helped expand camp days, weekly field trips, locations, and spaces for children living with epilepsy and their siblings. The award recognized its investment in experiences that build friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

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Ernie and Kathy Cavallin — 2016 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2016

Ernie & Kathy Cavallin

Celebrated for their generosity, epilepsy education, and lifelong commitment to helping others.

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About Ernie and Kathy Cavallin

Ernie and Kathy supported ESCO’s fundraising events, and Ernie served on the agency’s board. Together, they created awareness videos sharing their family’s experience and delivered epilepsy education to schools, businesses, and community groups. Their award recognized their advocacy and service.

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Jennifer Fabe — 2015 H.O.P.E. Award presentation

2015

Jennifer Fabe

Honoured for her dedication to children and families through ketogenic diet care, education, and research.

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About Jennifer Fabe

Jennifer’s work with the Ketogenic Diet Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital supported children and family-centred care. She also trained other Canadian programs, contributed to research, and supported Matthew’s Friends Canada. Her award recognized her contribution to families and the wider epilepsy community.

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