Your share could raise $30
Before you go, did you know that simply by sharing this campaign, you could help it raise $30? It's an effective way to support the cause.
No thanks- Pin it
- SubscribeUnsubscribe
- Embed
Tonia Rosina DeMaltby Gauer hasn't added a story.
David Paterson was a proud and loving man whose sole desire was to provide well for his wife and family. Sonya has dedicated her life to helping others, including voluntarily arranging the adoptions of over 500 Romanian orphans between 1990 and 1992 and later, 50 Russian orphans from Moscow. Their daughter, Carmen, was adopted from Romania in 1990. As Sonya will tell you, this was done because David supported her one hundred per cent and together they worked towards helping the orphans secure a new life in North America.
Through circumstances beyond their control, in recent years, David and Sonya have met with misfortune. In 2007, after building their dream home, a contractual nightmare resulted in the loss of equity from their home. (Their litigation against the contractor ended when the contractor filed for bankruptcy.) Two years ago, David suffered a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery. He was off work for five months, depleting their savings. He also lost his company benefit plan and, because he was over 70, his insurance. David was grateful to be given the opportunity to start a new career as a pilot car driver which, although enjoyable for him, involved spending long days driving to and from Alberta. He was out of town for many days at a time.
David and Sonya, who missed each other terribly, were planning a lifestyle change that would enable them to spend more time together and consider retirement.
On January 22, David drove home from work, frantic because he was unable to feel his hands. Sonya rushed him to hospital, where he died of a heart attack. Ever the fighter, David's last words were, "I think I am getting better. I want to go home."
Sonya, Carmen and David's adult stepchildren, Julie and Ben, want desperately to give David the send-off he deserves. Sonya remains in their home with Carmen. They are exploring all options but remain uncertain as to whether they will be able to keep the home they shared with David, since David was the major provider. We truly, deeply thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you may wish to contribute in David's memory.
Highlights
See all activity18Updates
Activity
Delete media item?
Delete this item from the media gallery? It will also be deleted from any related story update.
Set as ?
The campaign video will appear in social media and email.
The campaign cover picture will appear in social media and email.
The will appear at the top of your campaign page and in social media and email.
Reset ?
It will be removed from the top of your campaign and won't be used as default in social media and email. The will remain in the media gallery.
Embed
Share a link
Delete update
Delete this story update?
Any pictures or videos will remain in the campaign's media gallery.
Report campaign
Report submitted
Thank you. We take reports like yours very seriously. Our goal is to keep the community safe.
Please know that we may contact you for more information, but that we won't notify you personally of our decision. If the campaign remains available within a few days, it's likely that we determined it not to be in violation of our policies.
Thank you. We've already received your previous report. If the campaign remains available within a few days, it's likely that we determined it not to be in violation of our policies.
Tell us about the problem. Please fill in both fields below.
Record a video
Upload a video
Nothing grabs attention for your cause like a personal video. Take a minute or two to record one now. Record a short video message of support. Or upload one from your device. You can preview or redo your video before you post it.
Nothing grabs attention for your cause like a personal video. Upload a short video message of support. Upload a short video message of support. Or record one right now.
- Most effective video length: about a minute.
- Maximum length: 5 min.
- You can preview or redo your video before you post it.
Heads up! The existing video will be replaced.
Email your friends
Join our team
Tell people why our cause matters to you. Your personal message will encourage others to help. Easy, effective, optional.
Say it in video
Short personal videos by supporters like you are incredibly powerful. Record one right now and you'll help us raise more money. Easy, optional, effective.
Add a personal goal
Set a personal fundraising goal. You'll encourage more contributions if you do. And rest easy. There's no obligation to achieve your goal or bad consequences if you don't. Easy, optional, effective.
We have a video!
Video thumbnail
We'd love to show you our campaign video. Want to take a look?
, you're already on the team.