The Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis

The Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis has one goal in mind, which is to improve and extend the lives of those suffering from cystic fibrosis and other debilitating lung diseases. The Calgary CF community is strong, vibrant and committed to realistic goals that will ultimately change lives. From the doctors, dietitians and physiotherapists, to the sponsors, volunteers and donors, it is our combined efforts that will make it possible to raise spirits, raise funds and raise awareness. Through the efforts of the Calgary CF community, we are supporting cystic fibrosis awareness, research, education and treatment.

We're also remind everyone suffering from this disease that we're inspired by their strength and will do everything in our power to help them live the long, healthy lives they deserve to live.

Since 2004 the Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis has raised in excess of $2M for local research programs and equipment. On a yearly basis, we determine the need and assign our fundraising dollars to the support of research within the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Currently, we are focused on financial assistance for the Microbial Communities in Health and Disease research project, which have had and continue to have a direct impact on the medical care for those with CF.

MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine - University of Calgary.

Dr. Brager is the associate director of the adult cystic fibrosis clinic in Calgary. Her lifelong career focus (both clinical and research) has been the interface between the mind and body and the management of chronic disease. Her research has been predominantly focused on individuals with cystic fibrosis.

B.Sc Mechanical Engineering

Mandato is the Founder and CEO of InvestPlus REIT, an Alberta based Real Estate company. He is a successful entrepreneur while being a dad to five busy boys and a husband to his amazing wife Rosa. He is a devoted family man married for 21 years and an active member of the Calgary community. Domenic joined the Summit Foundation board 10 years ago, after being involved as a volunteer for several years. He has one simple reason as to why he's dedicated to this organization. He believes that while he's been blessed with healthy children that it is our obligation to help those who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, and strive to find a cure. Domenic enjoys working with the Summit Foundation and brings diversity and energy to the board. On his spare time, Domenic enjoys playing and coaching hockey with his boys, reading and traveling.

B.A.

Nicki has a degree in Political Science'95 and another in Spanish '08 from the University of Calgary. Back in her healthy years, she was the Athletic Events Director for the Varsity teams at the U of C. She has been instrumental in coordinating fundraising events and works continually behind the scenes on activities for the Summit Foundation. In 2013, a huge honour was bestowed upon her with the naming of the Nicole Perkins Microbial Communities Core Labs at the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases in the Cumming School of Medicine, U of C. In 2014, Nicki was named the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist for the City of Calgary. Nicki has CF and yet she refuses to allow her chronic lung disease to prevent her from fully enjoying just about everything she does, even becoming a CrossFit athlete, Coach, planning more Summit Foundation events, and most recently opening her own CrossFit gym – Chinook CrossFit.

MD, FRCPC, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary..

Dr. Rabin is the former director of the adult cystic fibrosis clinic in Calgary. His no nonsense approach to patient care and positive personality are well known. He has a wealth of knowledge of all clinical aspects of CF. He fully supports the notion that research is key to finding a control for CF.

B.Comm, MBA, J.D.

Rhea Solis is a partner with Miller Thomson LLP in the firm's business law group and practices corporate/commercial and securities law. Prior to entering law, Rhea received an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and worked in the banking industry in the United States. In her spare time, Rhea enjoys watching soccer and Latin dancing.

B.Comm, CA

Tanya Yeast is the Treasurer of the Foundation. She has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 1999. Tanya currently works for Veresen Inc. as the Vice President of Tax. Tanya was previously a board member for the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce and was involved in fundraising events for other charities such as the Women's Shelter, Red Deer Hospital Foundation, CNIB and the United Way.

B.Ed.

As the mother of an adult with cystic fibrosis, Colleen is passionate about making a significant difference in the fight against this disease. She has been involved as a past CF Canada chapter president and has volunteered in many capacities since Nicki was diagnosed in 1976. Her area of expertise is in the field of fundraising. Colleen is employed as a Faculty member at Bow Valley College and is constantly challenged at work as an adult educator with curriculum design and teaching competencies that support learners as they develop essential academic, work and living skills. Colleen is a skilled calligrapher and enjoys painting, reading and writing. She is very involved with problem solving with her daughter as she deals with the diverse and daunting daily living needs of CF.