2010 Winner – Elizabeth Grandbois
“Defiance” is the best word that describes Elizabeth Grandbois who was presented the “To The Top Canada Award” on Friday January 8th, 2010. After being diagnosed with ALS, Elizabeth Grandbois decided not to go quietly to her fate. As William Shakespeare once said, she decided to “fight to the last gasp”. The more ALS attacked Elizabeth’s body, the more Elizabeth attacked ALS. Her weapon of choice was music. She believes music is a universal language that has the power to stir the soul, bring people together and fortify the spirit of hope. Elizabeth secured celebrated Canadian musicians to participate in a series of concerts known as ELIZABETH’S CONCERT OF HOPE. As an ER nurse, she had no background in the music industry or event promotion. In seven years she has organized 17 concerts, raised $2.7 million for ALS Canada research & support services and has helped other Canadian charities. Elizabeth Grandbois is the first woman to win the “To The Top Canada Award”!
Juno award winning artist Murray McLauchlan had this comment; “Elizabeth, in the middle of a backbreaking schedule in support of her work as an advocate and fundraiser for those with ALS, has refused to become her disease and instead remains one of the most alive, vibrant, tenacious, courageous, questioning and involved human beings I have ever had the good fortune to meet”.
Another Juno award winning artist Ian Thomas had this comment; “Elizabeth Grandbois, armed with extraordinary compassionate and joyous spirit, has helped countless families across the country feel a little less alone in the wake of ALS. She is truly a powerful and life affirming force.”
“I would describe Elizabeth Grandbois as a female Terry Fox. After learning she had ALS she rejected her sentence of death and decided to not only celebrate life but to begin a crusade that put ALS on notice. Her never ending optimism rallied others to join her in beating ALS so that others can live life to the fullest. Elizabeth Grandbois is a hero, a champion and a Canadian legend," commented "To The Top Canada Award" Founder Chris Robertson.
