BOARD MEMBERS

President
Judy Cryer

1st Vice-President
David Burns

2nd Vice-President
Clarice Coty

Secretary
JoAnne Timms

Treasurer
Laura Bomback

Director/
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Loretta Semple

Director
Lucy Slater

Director
Sue Bowie

Director
Murray Wilson

Director
Kelly Rusk

Director
Marcie Dumais

Director
Jackie Morgan

While the Williams family was enjoying a ball game, their four year old daughter, Roberta, became ill and had to be airlifted to Children's Hospital. Her illness was diagnosed as Congenital Heart Failure with several complications. In an instant, the family's life was turned upside down. Roberta's mom, Sandra, stayed in Vancouver for months at a time while her Dad stayed behind working, managing the house and three siblings while travelling back and forth to Vancouver to support his wife and child whenever possible. The costs were astronomical and debilitating to the family placing enormous pressure on everyone.

After meeting many families in the same position from all over the province, Sandra and the Williams family realized that something had to be done to alleviate the financial burden for families in the Comox Valley who were dealing with the medical crisis of a child. It was crucial to them to ensure that the family unit be able to remain intact to give every opportunity for the child to be cared for and heal with their family at their side. They committed to finding a solution for the Comox Valley.

Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) was founded in 1986, and with a lot of hard work and determination Y.A.N.A. is committed to families of School District 71 with children between the ages of 0-19 receiving treatment that is unavailable locally. This unique charity has funded thousands of trips for medical treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and even the U.S. and England.

Y.A.N.A. believes that when a child is ill the whole family requires looking after. Can you imagine your child alone in Vancouver because you couldn't afford the ferry, gas, accommodation etc to make the trip? Thanks to Y.A.N.A. that burden can be lifted.

Y.A.N.A'.s humble beginnings started in the William's home helping one family at a time. Residents of the Comox Valley are eternally grateful to Sandra Williams, her family, and her friends for all of their hard work, determination, and all of the heart that it took to establish this amazing organization. Since its inception, Y.A.N.A. has assisted over 1000 families. Comox Valley families will be assisted for years to come because of Sandra's vision.

Sadly, Sandra Williams, the founder of Y.A.N.A., passed away on Saturday, July 25th, 2009. Sandra is an icon in our community and we are humbled by all that she has done for the Comox Valley. She will be fondly remembered.

Y.A.N.A. appreciates all donations in her honour.

info@YANAcomoxvalley.com
250-871-0343