Caregiver of the Year Awards

Five people who have dedicated their lives to helping others were recognized by insurance company Allianz Canada as it announced its Caregiver of the Year Awards recipients for 2001 late last year.

"These individuals share the most admirable of human qualities: patience, humility and caring," says Christian Cassebaum, President and CEO of Allianz Canada. More than 180 entries describing the self-sacrifice, kindness and devotion of non-professional caregivers were received from across the country.

The title of Caregiver of the Year and $10,000 were awarded to Marguerite Evans, 76, of Toronto. Her husband, Stephen, developed Huntington disease when Marguerite was a young mother, leaving her solely responsible for the children and for Stephen’s care. Stephen lived with the disease for another 17 years, and Marguerite fed, bathed and shaved him throughout his last years. After his death in 1994, several of Marguerite’s children began showing symptoms of Huntington disease and now rely extensively on their mother for support.

Marguerite keeps a positive attitude and is also an active volunteer in the community. "Her courage and indomitable spirit are awe-inspiring," said Nancy Webb, Director of the Toronto Huntington Disease Resource Centre, who nominated her for the award.

Regional award recipients were: Ethel Pilgrim of St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador; Lawrence B. Clifford of Pointe-Claire, Quebec; Dennis McHugh of Ferintosh, Alberta; and Sheila Ellen Lee of Victoria, B.C.

Nominations for the 2002 Caregiver of the Year Award will be accepted from May to August, 2002. For more information, visit www.allianz.ca or write to: Allianz Canada, Awards Program, 700-10 York Mills Rd., Toronto, ON, M2P 2G5.