Treasure Life - Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation
The Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation is an effort to preserve the memory of Evan Ty Jenkins by making a difference for all children and families affected by heart disease and/or stroke. Our Mission is to treasure cardiac children and support their journey through research, education and stroke prevention. The Foundation has established the following objectives:
The Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation will work with Alberta Health Services in Edmonton, Alberta, which is Canada’s largest health region and is affiliated with the University of Alberta, and specifically with the Directors of the Stollery Childrens Hospital located in Edmonton, Alberta, to reduce morbidity and mortality in children who have congenital or acquired heart disease and reduce the risk of stroke-related incidents through enhanced understanding of the conditions, treatment options and risks; through enhanced communication between health care professionals and between health care professionals and families; and through enhanced treatment and care of the cardiac patient.
The Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation (o/a Treasure Life) consists of a dedicated group committed to ensuring the Foundation achieves its goals and objectives:
Charlene has been in the Recreation Facility Management business for 30 years. Also community-minded, Charlene has volunteered on many boards for sport and community purposes including volunteering with the Children’s Heart Society.
Charlene already had first-hand experience with a child born with a congenital heart defect before she became mom to Kari and Shauna and “Mama” to Evan and 7 other grandchildren. Charlene and Rick’s first child, Kristi Erin, was born on November 17, 1977, with a single ventricle condition very similar to Evan’s. Surgery was not an option in Canada at that time and Kristi survived only two days.
After losing both a child and a grandchild, Charlene is very aware of the importance of improving and extending the lives of children with complex cardiac conditions. Contact Charlene
The importance of pediatric care, particularly for children born with congenital heart defects, became forefront in Shauna’s life on May 30th, 1999, when she became Evan’s mommy. Since then, ensuring the care of all cardiac children has been an important part of her life. Shauna has served as a Director for the Children’s Heart Society and was also a volunteer with the Victims’ Assistance Program.
Shauna is committed to preserving the memory of Evan by promoting the importance of valuing life through the Treasure Life foundation and leaving a lasting legacy for Evan’s brother, Marcus and little sister, Chloe, born February 27, 2008. She is very interested in working with the Stollery Children’s Hospital to raise awareness and develop research programs to pursue the objectives of the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation. Contact Shauna
Judy Evan’s “Nana,” has volunteered for over 15 years with schools, from kindergarten to high school. Working closely with teachers and other parents has given Judy an understanding of the importance of working together for a better cause.
Judy’s career includes 10 years in purchasing, 5 years in communication and 15 years in sales. Evan’s daddy Darren and Papa Bill share Judy’s passion and drive for the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation. Evan and children like Evan need not have passed away in vain. Judy is committed to bring about change in pediatric stroke prevention. Contact Judy
Rick, a.k.a “Papa,” has been in the banking, financial planning and real estate business for 30 years. Community conscious, he also volunteered on a number of community boards. In addition to his own 8 grandchildren he is “Papa Rick” to much of his community.
As Evan’s grandfather, Rick became involved in the Children’s Heart Society, where he served as a Director. Rick has prepared submissions to the Provincial and Federal Government for non-profit and society status for the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation.
Rick is dedicated to fostering the importance of “Treasure Life”. He is committed to the purpose of the foundation: to treasure cardiac children and support their difficult journey. Contact Rick
Pam and her husband Derrick have three grown children and both are pleased to volunteer with The Treasure Life Foundation. Pam has worked in the municipal environment in the finance and guest services areas for the past 17 years. She holds a business degree from Grant MacEwan University as well as many accounting and computer speciality courses. Derrick is a dedicated volunteer who never misses a treasure life event.
Pam’s interest’s include volunteering in her community and many physical activities including running. She completed her first half marathon in 2009.
Rezika is a Molecular Geneticists and Photographer with two young girls. She is dedicated to preserving the memory of Evan, to instilling the same energy and enthusiasm for life in her own children, and to providing support to the many families that have the same special children in their lives. Rezika is committed to bring about the success of the Foundation and will work as hard as she can to ensure that Treasure Life achieves its many goals. Rezika is also a active volunteer and a member of The Kinette Club of Edmonton. Contact Rezika
Notable Volunteers
Chris is a tireless volunteer with the foundation and we appreciate his constant advice, support and goal setting abilities, expecially in the promotions area.
Chris has an extensive background in the hospital environment as a Respiratory Therapist. Chris is an active and focused volunteer for the foundation.
Chris is committed to preserving the memory of Evan by promoting the importance of valuing life through the Treasure Life foundation and leaving a lasting legacy for Evan’s brother, Marcus and little sister, Chloe.
Chris is passionate about playing and coaching soccer.
Natasha is a part-time-working-stay-at-home mom with two young active boys . Natasha is dedicated to preserving the memory of Evan, to instilling the same energy and enthusiasm for life in her own children, and to providing support to the many families that have the same special children in their lives. Natasha is committed to bring about the success of the Foundation and will work as hard as she can to ensure that Treasure Life achieves its many goals. Natasha’s interest and talent in photography is demonstrated on many photos on this site. Natasha’s parents, Claudette and Heinz Gehrig also actively support the foundation by preparing the basis for our recognition materials. Truly a family commitment.
Linda was Evan’s grade one teacher and takes the lead on the Bellevue School Treasure Bead Program, on an annual basis. We appreciate the participation of Principal, Phyllis Foster and the teaching staff at the school for contributing to the success of this fundraiser for the bead program. A special thank-you to Trich Gabruck for all her volunteer time preparing bead materials.
We also appreciate the many volunteers who help make the annual golf tournament a success.
