Beacon Awards

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 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