Jamie Noonan (1973–1995)

I was 14 when my brother Jamie passed away. My parents had to relocate to Toronto while he was being treated at the Princess Margaret Hospital. I stayed at home with family members and although they treated me very well, it was really hard being away from my family for such a long period of time.

Before getting sick Jamie was very athletic and strong but when he returned from treatments he had changed so much. He came home in October and before long he had become sick again and the following March he passed away. He was only 21. I talk about my brother like it was yesterday, because that’s how it feels. Now he lives on through my children. They know all about their uncle and talk about him all the time. They love to be involved in our fundraiser, to support and give back in his memory.

We started our yard/bake sale in 2018. We didn’t realize that Light the Night had started here in Newfoundland in the previous year until it was too late. We decided that we would be part of the following year’s walk and this was how we decided to fundraise. Everyone loves to get some yummy baked goods while finding a treasure in a yard sale.

Me and my mom Irene are the ones who coordinate everything but, of course, all of our family plays a part in some way. We buy the baking supplies for family members and they will whip up some homemade bread or cookies. Each year my 91-year-old grandmother insists on sending lots of yummy treats that don’t last very long on the table. We have so much support from family and friends. We are truly blessed. They drop off cookies, cakes, bread or items for the yard sale.

This event has become a big part of our family and we plan all year for the next one. Everyone has become a part of this event, from donating items, baking or spending all day helping during the yard/ bake sale. My daughter Zoe usually makes her “own” money from the sale and donates everything back to the LLSC. She has collected sea glass and made beautiful Christmas tree ornaments and another year she tie-dyed t-shirts with all proceeds given directly back. She definitely sees the importance of fundraising for this event each year.

This event means a lot to our family. We have been affected first-hand with this dreadful disease, losing the most amazing son and brother and if we can make a difference in just one family’s life by showing our support and fundraising for the LLSC, then our mission has been completed.