Celebrating Our Community: The Beacon Awards

At the heart of MitoCanada is a vibrant and passionate community, one built on compassion, awareness, and a shared commitment to creating a world where all lives are powered by healthy mitochondria. The Beacon Awards are our way of shining a light on the extraordinary individuals, groups, and initiatives that embody this spirit and help move our mission forward.

The Beacon Awards program dates back to MitoCanada’s earlier years, created to recognize and honour the remarkable people who give their energy, time, and talents to support, uplift, and inspire others across the Canadian mitochondrial disease community. While the program was paused during the pandemic, the spirit of recognition and gratitude never left us.

Now, in celebration of our 15th anniversary, we’re proud to bring the Beacon Awards back – stronger and more meaningful than ever. This milestone year is the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to honour the people who’ve lit the way.

Each year, the Beacon Awards will celebrate those who make a lasting impact through awareness, fundraising, education, research, leadership, or unwavering community support. These awards are more than recognition, they are a heartfelt thank-you and a reminder that together, we can spark powerful change.

Join us in celebrating the light they bring.

The Evan Penny Legacy Award

The Evan Penny Legacy Award is MitoCanada’s highest honour, recognizing an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond to elevate the organization and its mission.

This award celebrates someone who has tirelessly championed awareness, fundraising, and community engagement, both within their local community and nationally. Through active participation in MitoCanada initiatives, whether as a volunteer, event organizer, board or committee member, or ambassador, this individual has made a profound and lasting impact.

Their passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment exemplify the spirit of MitoCanada and reflect the profound strength and determination that Evan Penny carried so gracefully, touching hearts and inspiring others to join the movement.

We are proud to announce that Sean Messing is the inaugural recipient of the Evan Penny Legacy Award, MitoCanada’s highest honour. This award recognizes Sean’s extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and the deep, lasting impact he has made through his tireless efforts to elevate our mission. Like Evan, Sean has inspired a movement, mobilizing community, championing awareness, and powering meaningful change across Canada!

The Beacon MitoCommunity Impact Award

Celebrates a group, organization, or individual that has substantially impacted the mito community through support, awareness, or fundraising.

This individual:

  • Has implemented a program or initiative that supports mito patients and families.
  • Created meaningful engagement within the community.
  • Has led or influenced an awareness campaign or educational effort benefiting the mito community.
  • Demonstrates a long-term commitment to supporting MitoCanada’s mission

We are thrilled to announce Celia McGrath as the recipient of this year’s Beacon MitoCommunity Impact Award.

Surrounded by her family, friends, and longtime supporters, Celia was presented the award by Board Chair, Zach Seymour, in a heartfelt moment that truly reflected the impact of her work. Since 2014, Celia McGrath and her family have been hosting The Frankie G Pub Night in memory of Frankie, her son, turning their grief into something truly special. Celia’s unwavering dedication to mito families, her gift for creating meaningful connections, and her steadfast support of our mission embody the very essence of this award.

Celia, your passion lights the way for so many. Thank you for being a true beacon in our community.

The Beacon MitoChampion Award

Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to MitoCanada through awareness, education, or leadership.

This individual:

  • Has significantly raised awareness about mitochondrial disease through public speaking, media engagement, or community initiatives.
  • Has led or influenced an awareness campaign or educational effort benefiting the mito community.
  • Demonstrates a sustained commitment to MitoCanada’s mission over multiple years
*To be announced shortly

The Beacon MitoFundraiser of the Year Award

Honours an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution through fundraising efforts.

This individual:

  • Has successfully led or organized a fundraising initiative for MitoCanada.
  • Demonstrated creativity, leadership, and dedication to fundraising.
  • Inspired others to contribute to MitoCanada’s mission, either through peer-to-peer fundraising, events or corporate partnerships
*To be announced shortly

The Beacon Emerging Leader Award

Recognizes a young leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to raising awareness, or fundraising for mitochondrial disease.

This individual has:

  • Engaged in awareness, education, or fundraising efforts.
  • Inspired peers and broader communities to support the mito cause.
  • Demonstrated leadership and commitment to MitoCanada’s mission.
  • Has inspired their school, community or family to engage in the cause.
*To be announced shortly