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 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 proud to celebrate Bonnie Procyshyn as the recipient of MitoCanada’s MitoCommunity Impact Award.
For many years, Bonnie has been a driving force in the Manitoba mito community. Through hosting Walk N’ Roll – Winnipeg and MitoSpin events, she has created opportunities for connection, awareness, and fundraising that have made a lasting difference. Beyond events, Bonnie has courageously shared her mito journey through social media spotlights and Faces of Mito features, helping others feel seen, supported, and connected.
Thank you, Bonnie, for your unwavering commitment, generosity, and the countless ways you have lifted up the mito community in Manitoba and beyond.
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
We are proud to present the Beacon MitoChampion Award to mitoAmbassador Alyson Maxwell of Red Deer, Alberta. The award was presented by Carter Ensign, Vice-Treasurer and member of MitoCanada’s Board of Directors.
Alyson’s vision for MitoCanada is one of growth and recognition, so that more individuals and families can access the resources, support, and community connections that have been so valuable in her own journey.
Through her dedication, advocacy, and generous spirit, Alyson truly lights the way for others in the mito community.
We are grateful for her leadership and inspired by the hope she continues to spark in those around her.
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
We are proud to present the Beacon MitoChampion Award to mitoAmbassador Hazel Currie of Victoria, BC. The award was presented by Zach Seymour, Chair of MitoCanada’s Board of Directors.
Hazel’s vision for MitoCanada is one of growth and recognition, ensuring that more individuals and families can access the resources, support, and community connections that have been so meaningful in her own journey.
Through her tireless dedication to raising awareness and her generous spirit, Hazel truly lights the way for others, sparking hope, leadership, and a stronger mito community in British Columbia and beyond.
We are deeply grateful for Hazel’s leadership and inspired by the hope she continues to share with everyone around her.
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
We are thrilled to present the Beacon MitoChampion Award to mitoAmbassador Keith Meldrum of Kelowna, BC. The award was presented by Carter Ensign, MitoCanada’s Vice-Treasurer and Board Director.
Keith has made a lasting impact through his tireless dedication to education, awareness, and community leadership. Whether through engaging with municipal leaders, the media, or championing initiatives that connect and empower families, Keith has continually amplified the voices of those affected by mitochondrial disease.
Keith’s passion and perseverance have helped shine a light on the challenges of living with mito, inspiring hope and driving greater understanding across Canada and beyond. His leadership embodies the very spirit of this award, and we are proud to celebrate all he has done, and continues to do, for our community.
Please join us in congratulating Keith on this well-deserved honour!
The Beacon MitoFundraiser 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
We are proud to present the Beacon MitoFundraiser Award to mitoAmbassador Louise Gibson, ON. The award was presented by Dave Mosher, member of MitoCanada’s Board of Directors.
For the past 10 years, Louise has led the Walk n’Roll for Mito, a fundraiser that has not only generated vital support for MitoCanada but also brought people together, building connection and strength across her community. Louise founded this event in 2015 in honour of her sister Rita who lived with mitochondrial disease and passed away in 2018.
Through her tireless efforts, Louise has touched countless lives and supported initiatives that have positively impacted Canadians living with mitochondrial disease from coast to coast.
Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fundraising continue to inspire others to take action and join MitoCanada’s mission
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.
