Making a Difference Awards MADA Home Page 2010/2011 Winners 2009/2010 Winners 2008/2009 Winners 2007/2008 Winners 2006/2007 Winners 2005/2006 Winners 2004/2005 Winners 2003 Winners 2002 Winners 2001 Winners 2000 Winners 1999 Winners

This program is to honour our best - those people who have demonstrated excellence, outstanding accomplishments, contributions and achievements and exceptional dedication to service in ways that are a special credit within the community of multiple births.

The Making A Difference Awards has three categories: International, National and Local/Regional.

International

For exceptional dedication to service in the International Category, we proudly present the Making a Difference Award to the late Sheryl McInnes.

Sheryl McInnes, the founding President of POMBA Canada, led a small group of women who laid the framework for a national organization of parents of multiple births.  For a number of years, Sheryl also held several positions within the local club of Lethbridge, held several positions on the board and was the Business Office Manager for a number of years.  On behalf of POMBA Canada, Sheryl represented Canadian multiple births at the Society of Twins Studies Congresses, presenting papers on the Loss of a Multiple.  Sheryl received the Alberta Achievement Award in 1982, and a Canadian Achievement Award in 1988.

Sheryl also did research and designed a number of publications for POMBA Canada, (Twins in School, Special Delivery and the Death of a Twin) and research and wrote the book:  Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and Quadruplets.

POMBA Canada proudly recognizes the wealth of work accomplished by Sheryl.  For those of us who personally worked alongside, her vision and strength was admired by all.  Sheryl's greatest accomplishment in the multiple birth community was her vision to start POMBA Canada in a direction that has flourished over the years.

Sheryl died suddenly in October 1998, and leaves behind a family that is very proud of her accomplishments.  Over the past year, I have corresponded with one of Sheryl's twin daughters as the family grieves their loss.  Last week, I shared this announcement with Lisa, and details of the volunteer recognition program inspired in part by her Mom.  The Board proudly presents the Making a Difference Award on behalf of a grateful national organization to Sheryl's family.

I was speechless, the plaque and letters brought back a lot of happy memories.  I remember how busy mom used to be all the time when we were growing up.  As an adult, I look back on the time my mom spent organizing, writing and researching for POMBA and I realize how dedicate and passionate she was about this organization.  It is that dedication and passion that drives me to be all that I can.  I only hope that I can make as much of a difference in someone’s life as she has for so many people.

Sincerely,

Lisa McInnes

National

For exceptional Service in the National Category, it is a great pleasure to announce Linda G. Leonard as the recipient of the 1999 Making A Difference Award.

Linda is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing in Vancouver, BC and also sits on the POMBA Canada Advisory Board acting as a consultant to the Board on health related matters and health resources.  Linda's many achievements in the multiple birth community include assistance with selected projects with POMBA Canada, the Higher Order Multiple Registry, Surrey Delta POMBA Club and the Triplets, Quads and Quints Association and writing articles for our quarterly magazine.   Linda also develops multiple birth parent education materials such as the booklet Your Helping Hands & Multiple Birth Families with Diane Myers.

Her program, Multiple Pregnancy and Parenthood Support Program, is to help parents learn how to manage a multiple pregnancy and parenthood and to learn about POMBA Canada.

Linda was not able to attend Convention to accept this award in person but when she was called, she was overwhelmed with the announcement and passes along her gratitude for such an honor.

I thank you and POMBA Canada for the wonderful honour that you have bestowed on me.  The multiple birth community has taught me so much about the challenges associated with multiple pregnancy and parenthood.  I am pleased if I have made a difference and look forward to continuing my work with families, clubs, national organizations and the various disciplines that come in contact with multiple birth families.

Sincerely,
Linda G. Leonard
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, UBC

Local/Regional

For exceptional Service in the Regional/Local category, duly nominated by her peers is a dynamic woman known to many of us.  Her accomplishments are many, both within her local club and at the national level, and yes, she is the Mom of  'multiple children'!  Her energy, ideas, enthusiasm and vision is admired by many and we recognize her dedication to multiple births, past, present and future!

The Board takes great pride and pleasure in presenting the Making a Difference Award on behalf of a grateful National organization in recognition of her outstanding contributions at the local level in the multiple birth community to Diane Myers, Regional Director of Triplets, Quads & Quints Association.

I must admit that I have been finding myself very humbled by the company that I have been in of late. To be honoured by the POMBA Board of Directors is very special. You all do so much! I guess I am also feeling my insignificance when looking at the International and National recipients - Sheryl McInnis and Linda Leonard. Unfortunately, I never met Sheryl, but...there are no good words..I hope you understand my feelings. And Linda Leonard...well she is one of my heroes.

I would like to say thank you for thinking that I have made a contribution - that means a lot coming from you. I hope I can live up to the honour!

Kindest regards, Diane Myers