Even though she is originally from Argentina, Lorena grew up in Brazil, where her family still resides.
She holds a degree in Human Resources, teaching and training adults. Lorena’s passion for leadership started in 1998 when she was managing a training cargo department for Dangerous Goods at TAM Brazilian Airlines, and played a pivotal role as part of the Committee for Latin America overseeing Dangerous Goods cargo.
In 2002, destiny took Lorena to Canada, initially to improve her English skills and advance her career in the Airline Industry. However, fate had a surprise for her in Toronto, where she learned she was expecting a child.
Bryan, her son, was born at 27 weeks of gestation, weighing only 880 grams – a tiny, healthy, resilient baby. Yet, just 10 days later, he faced a severe sepsis infection blood infection, leaving him with numerous complications, including hydrocephalus ( water in the brain) cerebral palsy, blindness, seizures and the necessity of being fed through a g-tube.
In the face of these challenges, Lorena had to give up everything she had dreamed of, on her career and family in Brazil, and decided to stay in Canada where she could access the specialized support required to care or her son’s complex needs.
When Bryan turned 4 years old, he started attending a school for the blind at High Park, and Lorena started a full-time role working at RBC in 2007 to provide a better quality of life for her family. As a single mom, juggling work, doctor appointments and emergencies was not easy, but Lorena has gotten strength and support from the community.
Recognizing the critical gaps in support for individuals like Bryan who reached adulthood, she took action. When Bryan turned 18 years old, Lorena founded a non-profit organization called “Dance to Shine”, that hosted monthly dance nights for young adults and youth. These events featured a DJ with Down Syndrome, offering an inclusive and joyful space.
The lack of support in the system is a real problem, with no affordable or specialized programs for kids, like Bryan, with complex needs.
In 2022, Lorena co-founded a non-profit organization called Bryan’s Place alongside 3 like-minded mothers, creating a vibrant community dedicated to supporting parents of special needs children and their remarkable kids.
In July 2023, Bryan’s Place achieved charitable status. This milestone has ignited Lorena’s excitement for the future, as Bryan’s Place will be able to grow and support the special needs community with affordable programs such as respite, resources for families, funding and other programs like moms camp and holiday celebrations.
Maria is originally from the Dominican Republic. She holds a dentist's degree and also graduated from developmental services work (DSO) and personal support work (PSW ) degrees.
In 1996, Maria came to Canada with her son Brayan, who has autism and developmental delay. Her motivation? To provide better opportunities for her son.
Seven years later, Maria welcomed her second child, Michael, who faced health challenges of his own, including developmental delay due to growth hormone deficiency. As a single mother, she put her life on hold to dedicate herself in full to her children.
Today, Maria is a part of "Bryan’s Place," an organization offering support to families with special needs. Her story is a testament to a mother's boundless love and her commitment to a brighter future for all families.
Maria Ramirez's journey embodies courage, love, and sacrifice, showing us that a mother's love knows no limits.
Gordon grew up in the Halton Hills countryside. As a young boy, he learned the value of helping neighbours when the call came. Recognizing that one of the most rewarding gifts in life is helping others in need. Whether big or small, these acts bring us together as a community. Gordon’s mission is to promote this spirit of caring and give a voice to Bryan’s Place in the world.
“I deeply admire the dedication of parents and caregivers, as their work is a 24-hour job filled with endless challenges. Their struggle is real, and it’s crucial that we provide the support they need. It’s a pleasure for me to be part of such a worthy cause and to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Witnessing the strength and perseverance of those around me has inspired me to advocate for increased resources and assistance for families and caregivers. Through Bryan’s Place, I aim to foster an environment where every child and family can thrive, knowing they have a community that stands behind them. Let us come together to support one another, uplift those in need, and build a brighter future for everyone.”
Lorena is originally from Mexico City, where she lived until 8 years ago. Her career is Business Administration, dedicated to the Printing sector, controlling and managing the Engineering and Graphic/Structural Design area.
In 2013, her second daughter, Luisa, was born in Montreal and had a complicated birth and no answers due to being born without strength. She was the main reason, along with her husband Jorge and Julian, her first child to return in 2015 to live in Toronto. And look for new answers and better conditions for the development of her children.
Luisa was diagnosed in Mexico with cerebral palsy, the first of many diagnoses that would come. She has been in physical and occupational therapy since she was 2 months old, and in 2018, she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic syndrome (GAND-GATAD2B). Until that time, there were 50 children around the world, most of them in the United States of America. Today, after 10 years with other diagnoses of developmental delay and autism, walking since 3 years ago, she is a happy girl and loved by her entire family.
Faced with such a current and future challenge, Lorena's dream would be to have a lifelong school for Luisa where she feels free to develop her potential and participate with her peers in an environment of care and fun. Since, due to the complications, the future of our children is special, so we must create different desires.
In May 2022, Bryan's Place became the first step to reaching the dream of having support for children in the near future and being able to help their families go through this difficult and different path that they face.
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