Danny was a mechanical engineer by training, and on scholarship for a master's degree in metallurgy and an M.B.A. He became a commercial airplane pilot in 2010 to fulfill one of his biggest dreams.

Danny's dream was to become a commercial airline pilot. In his twenties, he tried to join the military and some airlines, but it was impossible because of his myopia. Instead, he went to university and worked for major companies (Quit Fer et Titane, Vidéotron, Imperial Tobacco) until the age of 41, when he underwent eye surgery, quit his job and lived off his real estate income to pay for his private, commercial and instrument pilot training by the sweat of his brow, all to realize his ultimate dream of becoming an airplane pilot.

Danny had great qualities: integrity, loyalty and consistency. He was attentive to detail and very Cartesian (rigorous, clear, logical, methodical). He thought before he acted, and rationality prevailed over emotion. He was faithful and steadfast in his love for everyone he came into contact with. He kept his promises, always loyal to his commitments. It was important to him not to disappoint. Everything was always impeccable and tidy.

His love for his nephews and nieces (the 3 children of Dr. Pierre Laramée of CHUM: Jani Laramée, Pierre-Axel Laramée, Nicholas Laramée and Marc-André Huras, the son of his other sister) was important. He always considered them his children.

Danny was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis in 2012, at the age of 52. Eventually, he lost his pilot's license. With his wife Sylvie Leduc, they compensated with travel. Danny became a child again when he set foot on a plane. Once at his destination, he loved to discover, learn and, above all, meet people to find out a little more about them. He was thoughtful, kind and never missed an opportunity to please.

Danny showed unprecedented courage through his illness: he received nearly 300 transfusions and fought the greatest challenge of his life in 2019 when a still-unknown bacterium that had nothing to do with his illness led him into a coma in intensive care at Maisonneuve Hospital, then to undergo open-heart surgery at CHUM followed by a long convalescence that would prove that life is stronger than death and that his will to live was strong. She gave Danny 3 ½ more years.

Danny was a very generous man. Upon his death, he left a considerable legacy that he distributed among his loved ones as well as among several causes close to his heart, including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, to which he bequeathed $225,000 to support research.

Manulife

RE/MAX Nova

Senior Vice-President, Finance and Assistant Secretary, Dorel Industries Inc.

RE/MAX Action

Joey Restaurant Group

By earmarking her funds for research, Amanda’s achievement in raising over $63,000 not only made her Halifax’s 2021 Woman of the year, but also meant that she was able to directly support key research initiatives at the most critical time. 

As a philanthropist, when Francesco was approached to be part of Man & Woman of the Year, it was an easy answer for him. Francesco believes everyone has an opportunity to support those who need it most. Francesco won Montreal’s 2021 Man of the Year raising over $61,000!

Continuously seeking opportunities to support others, when Lindsay learned of Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, she felt it was important to give back and support a community that she is closely connected to, and give gratitude to all those who supported her throughout her treatment. Lindsay is Montreal’s 2021 Woman of the Year runner-up raising over $61,000.

Greatly inspired by the, then aspiring, leaders who surrounded her in university, she thrives to achieve greatness and make a difference for the blood cancer community. And she did just that; Tina raised over $101,000 to directly support key research initiatives at a most critical time and became the National Woman of the Year in 2021!

Forever competitive, when Steven was approached to take part in Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, he couldn’t say no. He saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with other leaders and bring all communities together in support of key research initiatives at a most critical time. Steven was named Toronto’s 2021 Man of the Year runner-up and raised an impressive $85,000!