General News

YANA lives up to its name for Comox Valley family

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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, April 9, 2025

Marc Kitteringham – Comox Valley Record

YANA stands for “You Are Not Alone,” and for the family of Henri Gayet-Hanachowicz, that couldn’t be more true.

Gayet-Hanachowicz is a 10 year old boy living in the Comox Valley. He and his family moved here in 2022 from Vancouver. He’s a happy kid, mom Alice Gayet says, despite needing to go back to Vancouver every few months or so and visit a series of specialists to help deal with a variety of health issues. Gayet-Hanachowicz was diagnosed with infantile onset of Crohn’s disease and infantile hyperthyroidism at the age of one. That led to a diagnosis at three of juvenile arthritis. That same year he had urgent eye surgery, and doctors discovered brain lesions. A few years later, he was diagnosed with a bone disease and psoriasis, among other health issues.

“Crohn’s disease for babies is extremely rare and aggressive,” Gayet said. “It’s a quite complex disease, and severe … Hyperthyroidism, when you’re an adult it’s okay, but when you’re a baby it can lead to developmental and intellectual delays.

“We were at the hospital quite a lot for this. Basically for years he has been on a combination of immunosuppressants, many of which were not approved for kids for a long time,” she said.

Gayet and her husband moved from France to Vancouver, where Henri was born. They made the move to Comox in 2022. BCFRP (BC Family Residence Program) told her about YANA and advised her to contact them. That’s when everything changed.

“I’d actually never heard about it, so I decided to call them,” Gayet said. “It wasn’t easy, because it’s not easy asking for help. I spoke to Kourtney (Van Velzen) there and she was so kind and empathetic and so supportive … it was a huge relief. I actually cried when I spoke to her.

“I was very shocked that people who never met us would help organize places for us to stay, help with expenses … we don’t have family here, they’re in Europe. It’s very lonely sometimes, and … to connect with this many people has been really transformative.”

Now, instead of worrying about where they are going to stay, eat, travel, how they are going to pay for it, they get to pay attention to what really matters: their son. Now, they try to find other things to do outside of Henri’s appointments, things like going to arcades and the aquarium.

“I got a strong little guy, and great support,” Gayet said, adding that YANA adds “emotional support, on top of the practical assistance, and the sense of community.”

“Every time we travel to Vancouver, there’s at least one moment when I just have a wave of gratitude,” she said. “It’s usually when we get off the ferry …  they really gave us a sense of community.”

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The Valley Vonka – a major fundraiser for YANA, is ongoing in the Comox Valley. Businesses throughout the community are selling chocolate bars (by donation) with the chance to find one of five Golden Tickets inside the bar. A Golden Ticket qualifies the redeemer to one of five grand prizes, values anywhere from $780 to $1,000.

Chocolate bars are available at:

You Are Not Alone assists Courtenay teen with scoliosis

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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, April 1, 2025

Raynee Novak – Comox Valley Record

In September of 2024, after waiting for almost two years, Heather Kohnle received a call from BC Children’s Hospital that the much needed spinal surgery her daughter had to have was finally happening.

Brianna suffered from extreme scoliosis and had tumours on her spine, further exasperating her condition. She had to be taken to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for surgery to straighten her spine, insert two rods and 26 screws.

“She had been waiting so long, it just got so painful for her. She couldn’t walk anymore, she couldn’t sit in a chair anymore, her scoliosis was so bad because there’s a tumour in her spine,” shared Kohnle.

Kohnle needed to be with Brianna at the hospital while she had her surgery and during recovery, meaning she would be off work for almost three months.

“I’m a single mom, I”ve got two kids at home, I’m working full time and I had to take three months off,” said Kohnle.

When it came to the costs associated with travelling back and forth from BC Children’s Hospital and Courtenay, YANA stepped in and covered costs. There were many appointments and YANA was there every step of the way. Including helping Kohnle see her son who was back in Courtenay this whole time.

“Here’s my son back in Courtenay, having to live life on his own and start school with my mother’s support. It was so nice that YANA helped us. After two weeks of being in the hospital in September, YANA helped us get my mother, son and Brianna’s best friend over to Vancouver for a weekend.”

Finally, when it came time for Brianna to be discharged from the hospital, Kohnle was hit with a $610 bill for a back brace that Brianna had to have in order to leave. It would keep her spine straight and keep her from damaging the new rods and screws. While YANA couldn’t cover that cost, they found a charity that could.

“They reached out to two different charities and the second one paid the entire $610 bill for the brace for us.”

“YANA is the coolest thing ever. And since we’ve been home, they have facilitated check ups, getting us back and forth. I can’t say enough good things about them.”

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The Valley Vonka – a major fundraiser for YANA, is ongoing in the Comox Valley. Businesses throughout the community are selling chocolate bars (by donation) with the chance to find one of five Golden Tickets inside the bar. A Golden Ticket qualifies the redeemer to one of five grand prizes, values anywhere from $780 to $1,000.

Chocolate bars are available at:

You Are Not Alone helps girl with seizure disorder

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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, March 26, 2025

Raynee Novak – Comox Valley Record

Chanel Martin is busy learning the ropes of her daughter’s battle with seizures while keeping her life in order.

Carrera Wiesselmann started having seizures when she was just two. She was taken to specialists and put on seven different medications but still suffering from seizures.

“She was still having seizures, we couldn’t figure out why. That’s when we started going to BC Children’s Hospital and they were able to test her there,” said Martin.

It was during that stay at BC Children’s Hospital that Carrera underwent a week-long electroencephalography (EEG) to find the underlying cause of her seizures. Doctors discovered that she had a tumour on her left frontal lobe.

“It’s a slow growing grade level one,” Martin explains of the tumour.

She underwent surgery to remove the tumour but only 90 per cent could be removed as it was attached to her speech memory. Carrera continues to live with 10 per cent of the tumour and regularly goes to have MRI’s completed to check on the tumour.

Not only does YANA help Martin out with getting Carrera to her often last minute appointments at BC Children’s Hospital, they have helped find her coverage through other funding for Carrera’s very expensive medications.

“One is about $200 a month and the other is $400 every two months. [YANA] helped me figure out funding for her medication.”

“It has been a super relief in knowing that YANA is there to help me because I’m still navigating myself throughout this and worried about all of this stuff. I couldn’t afford to go over to Vancouver and miss work. They have just been so wonderful and I can reach out to them anytime. About anything,” shared Martin of her experience with YANA.

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The Valley Vonka – a major fundraiser for YANA, is ongoing in the Comox Valley. Businesses throughout the community are selling chocolate bars (by donation) with the chance to find one of five Golden Tickets inside the bar. A Golden Ticket qualifies the redeemer to one of five grand prizes, values anywhere from $780 to $1,000.

Chocolate bars are available at:

Ready, set, chocolate: Your golden ticket awaits in the 2025 Valley Vonka Contest

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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, March 26, 2025

Black Press Media Staff  – Comox Valley Record

The Comox Valley Record and Parker Appliances are back with the sweetest contest of the year: the 2025 Valley Vonka.

And let’s give a huge shout-out to Dustin and Lisa from Parker Appliances for making it all possible – thanks to you both. Thanks to Adil Amlani (Sure Copy) for donating the chocolate bar wrappers and canvas, and Lisa Joan for designing Olivia the Octopus.

This isn’t just any contest – we’re talking about a treasure hunt for five gold tickets more than 3,000 delicious chocolate bars from the Comox Valley’s own Hot Chocolates scattered throughout participating businesses in the Valley. Each donation directly supports YANA, making your calorie sacrifice truly worthwhile.

Here’s how to join the fun: Mark your calendars, as the hunt kicks off on March 26 and continues until April 16. Check out the Valley Vonka section in the Wednesday issues of the Record March 26, April 2, 9 and 16  editions for contest details, deadlines, chocolate bar locations, and everything in between. The more chocolate bars you acquire, the higher the chance of winning one of the five coveted golden tickets.

Each golden ticket is worth between $780 and $1,000. Prizes include:

  • The Ultimate Relaxation Package: A luxurious stay at The Old House Resort & Spa, a delectable dinner at a local restaurant, and a family spa day (Value: $1,000)
  • A Healing Escape: Experience the magical Healing Caves at The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, an experience for four (Value: $780)
  • Save on Fuel: A Peninsula Co-Op Gas Card (Value: $1,000)
  • Shopping Spree Time: A Canadian Tire Shopping Spree (Value: $1,000)
  • Grocery Goodness: A Quality Foods Gift Card (for Comox and Courtenay stores – Value: $1,000)

Found a Golden Ticket? Don’t wait! You must validate your ticket at the Comox Valley Record office (407D Fifth Street, Courtenay) by April 28 to claim your prize.

Last year Comox Valley residents helped us raise $17,949.11. This year, we’re aiming even higher – $22,000. We’re counting on you to get behind this fantastic initiative and make it the sweetest success yet. All proceeds from your donations of chocolate bars go to Y.A.N.A.

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The Valley Vonka – a major fundraiser for YANA, is ongoing in the Comox Valley. Businesses throughout the community are selling chocolate bars (by donation) with the chance to find one of five Golden Tickets inside the bar. A Golden Ticket qualifies the redeemer to one of five grand prizes, values anywhere from $780 to $1,000.

Chocolate bars are available at:

Big Love 2025: An Unforgettable Night of Compassion and Connection

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Comox Valley, you never cease to amaze us. Thanks to your generosity and unwavering support, the Big Love 2025 Benefit raised an astounding $242,000 for YANA families!

This year’s event was a powerful reminder of what makes this community so extraordinary. From the heartfelt bids in our auction to the joyful reunions and warm welcomes around the dinner tables, every moment was filled with the kind of love that turns hard times into hope.

Because of you, families facing the unimaginable won’t face it alone. Because of you, questions and doubts are transformed into plans and security.

We are humbled and deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, guest, and supporter who made this night possible. Your kindness is the heart of everything we do, and your support changes the story for YANA families every single day.

From the bottom of our very full hearts, thank you for standing with us. Thank you for proving—once again—that we are a community united by kindness, connection, and a shared commitment to one another.

With deepest gratitude and Big Love,

The YANA Team 💖

YANA Big Love Benefit on Friday February 28, 2025

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Buy Tickets for Big Love 2025

The Big Love Benefit is YANA’s premier annual dinner and auction, celebrating the generosity and love that defines our community. This unforgettable gala brings together friends, fun, and a shared commitment to supporting YANA families.

Event Date
This year’s YANA Big Love Benefit is on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Florence Filberg Centre Signature Venue. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed for everyone to enjoy.

Ticket Information
Tickets on sale HERE now!

  • In-Person Tickets: $200 per seat or $1,600 for a table of 8.
  • Livestream Access: By donation! Automatic tax receipt provided.

Every ticket includes access to our massive Online Auction, which opens on February 18 and concludes during the live event on February 28.

Buy Tickets for Big Love 2025
Buy Big Love WestJet Raffle Tickets

A Community United in Love
This event is a testament to the unique spirit of the Comox Valley—a community that comes together to ensure no family feels alone in their time of need. The success of the Big Love Benefit depends on the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters like you.

Thank you for helping us make a profound difference for YANA families in our community. We can’t wait to share this extraordinary evening with you. Let’s show our Big Love!

Big Love 2025 – More Info

Comox Valley’s six-year-old Aria shines as YANA’s 2024 diamond ring winner

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YANA (You Are Not Alone) Comox Valley has finally found this year’s 2024 Christmas Cracker diamond ring winner – six-year-old Aria.

Originally published by the Comox Valley Record 2024-01-21

From L to R: Kelly Barnie, YANA executive director, Aria Cole, cracker ring winner, Garret Cole, Aria’s dad , Kourtney Van Velzen, YANA client care co-ordinator.

YANA (You Are Not Alone) Comox Valley has finally found this year’s 2024 Christmas Cracker diamond ring winner – six-year-old Aria.

The magical win is particularly special, as it celebrates a family deeply connected to YANA, embodying a story of generosity and gratitude across generations.

Aria’s grandparents, Shaun and Mae, have been dedicated supporters of YANA’s annual Christmas Cracker campaign, purchasing 100 or more crackers every year. Their passion for YANA stems from personal experience: decades ago, their son Garret, Aria’s dad, was a YANA child.

Garret’s journey with YANA began decades ago when he needed to travel to Vancouver after an X-ray revealed concerns about a broken ankle due to a skiing accident. At the time, Garret’s dad was starting his construction business, and his mom worked in retail. The unexpected four-day trip was a financial and emotional strain, but YANA stepped in to provide essential support, making the journey manageable for the family during a challenging time.

Now, years later, the family’s connection to YANA has come full circle with Aria’s big win.

Adding to the magic of this moment is a unique family twist: several years ago, Garret’s brother, Byron, won YANA’s diamond earrings at a Christmas party. In a touching gesture, he gifted the earrings to their mom, Mae. Last summer, Mae passed them on to Byron’s fiancée, who wore the sparkling set on her wedding day. Now, with Aria’s win, the family adds another joyful chapter to their YANA story.

Now, Aria is the proud winner of YANA’s stunning diamond ring set. She plans to keep them safe in their special box until they fit perfectly and she can wear them and tell their chapter of the story proudly.

“This was such a beautiful reminder of YANA’s lasting impact on families and the incredible support we receive from the Comox Valley community,” said Kourtney Van Velzen, YANA’s client care co-ordinator.

This year’s YANA Christmas Cracker campaign was a success thanks to the incredible support of the Comox Valley community. Special thanks go to Somers Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities for sponsoring the fundraiser, Mark the Gold Guy at Comox Valley Pawnbrokers for donating the gorgeous grand prize diamond ring set, and the tireless volunteers who handcrafted and distributed all 5,000 Christmas crackers.

Congratulations to Aria and her family on this unforgettable win, and thank you to everyone who supported YANA this holiday season.

2024 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride – Challenges Became Successes!

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The 2024 Comox Bike Co YANA Ride had a few nail-biting moments, but this truly incredible community put every worry to rest! 

A big goal was set and you were not deterred. Instead, you faced the challenge, and the Party in the Park day storm head-on, and together we raised an amazing $101,000 for YANA families! This year also marked the first-ever Golf Ball Drop, a new tradition that will surely be a fan favourite moving forward. 

To the 500+ compassionate donors, 240 dedicated riders, 46 generous sponsors, and 70 unstoppable volunteers—we want to THANK YOU! The success of this year’s event wouldn’t have been possible without the many hands and hearts that came together to support YANA. 

THAT’S the power of community! 

Make a Pledge

 

A year of gratitude: a Comox Valley family’s journey and their commitment to YANA

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Family calls support received ‘indescribable’
Originally published by the Comox Valley Record 2024-08-14
The Girard Family has received ‘indescribable’ support through You Are Not Alone (YANA).

In May of last year, the Girard family’s world was flipped upside down by the news of young Hudson Girard’s diagnosis of a large brain tumour near his brain stem.

The situation moved very quickly; from an MRI in search of answers to packing up and heading to BC Children’s Hospital, where Hudson would undergo a gruelling 10-hour surgery. Thanks to the skllful hands of the medical team and Dr. Faizal Haji, Hudson’s tumour removal was a success.

“It was indescribable the support that we received,” explained Hudson’s dad, Eric Girard, when talking about YANA’s crucial role during this turbulent time. He shared how YANA’s assistance provided relief, supporting the family’s journey and stay in Vancouver. “When you get an absolute bombshell dropped on you like that, you don’t know what way is up or down, left or right. Talking to Kelly felt like some things were taken off of our plate, which helped reduce our stress levels. It was remarkable what YANA did for us. We are really, really lucky,” said Girard.

Now, just over a year later, Hudson and the Girard family are expressing their gratitude for YANA by participating in this year’s Comox Bike Co YANA Ride. They ride to support future YANA families, just like their own family was supported. The family has created a team, “Hudson’s Homies”, where each member will ride a total of 200 kilometres while raising money for YANA between August 1st and 18th. This annual ride highlights the critical work of YANA, raising both funds and awareness to ensure that families with children and pregnant mothers in the Comox Valley can access the specialized medical care they need.

The Girard family’s participation is a testament to the impact of YANA, showing that families are never alone in their time of need. Grateful for the generous help they received from their community, they are now honoured to pay it forward by fundraising to help other families. Hudson explained his decision to ride, “What our family went through was really hard, and YANA was there for us, so I want to support other families going through what we went through.”

At the time the article was written, Hudson’s Homies had already surpassed their initial goal of $5,000 raised, and have now set a new goal of $10,000. With the money their team has raised so far, YANA can support another family’s stay in Vancouver for nearly two months. To help Hudson and his Homies reach their goal, pledges can be made by clicking the “Register – Make a Pledge – Get Info” button at yanacomoxvalley.com.

Event organizers hope the community will rally behind the charity and the local families they serve to help reach their $100,000 fundraising goal. YANA executive director Kelly Barnie explains the impact of widespread support for the YANA Ride, “The enthusiastic participation and generous contributions from our supporters ensure that we can continue to provide vital assistance to families facing medical challenges, helping to alleviate some of their burdens and allowing them to focus on what truly matters – their loved ones.”

To participate in the 2024 Comox Bike Co. YANA Ride, donate to a rider, or get more information about joining the fun at the August 18th Party in the Park, visit https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/ride/.

Comox Valley Gives Back

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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, June 11, 2024.

Terry Farrell – Comox Valley Record

On May 4, a group of ladies held a YANA fundraiser dance at the Fallen Alders Hall . We raised $4,493 for YANA. We would like a big shout out thank you to: Thrifty Foods, Panago Pizza, Barb Mareck for her amazing artistry, and the band Rock Party.