She always said “My life is not a tragedy” and I promised I would never let it be. That was a promise I made to my best friend of 19 years at 3am, during chemotherapy. She was receiving what we called “safe chemo”, administered by a naturopath in North York, in conjunction with radiation administered at Princess Margaret Hospital downtown Toronto.
We knew, thanks to our incredible support system, that we would always have the support to explore all of the treatment options. That gave us hope, something many cancer patients and their families aren’t able to dream of.
That’s really when I knew how best to honour Car’s legacy. I’ve always had a passion for health, from my H.Bsc from McMaster to my Masters in Medical Sciences from U of T. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of medicine to best reflect today’s patient and my knack for marketing doesn’t hurt either!
riley@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile is the one that start with the crinkles in the corner of my eyes
To me, Carley’s Angels is not just another organization. It is a community. It is a group of people coming together to shine light on a meaningful cause. Although my journey with Carley’s Angels has started recently, I have seen the significant support and love their community shares. I am excited and honored to be a part of a team that is dedicated to making integrative cancer care accessible to all.
I’ve always had a strong passion for storytelling and understand how each person is unique. Being a Retail Marketing Coordinator allows me to share Carley’s stories through creative marketing outlets. Having this opportunity to support a cause so meaningful is very important to me. Together anything is possible, and I hope in my role we can continue to create leaders, role models and strong fighters like just Carley.
victoria@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile comes out even in my lowest moments. It allows me to think about better days when going through a tough journey
I have had the absolute pleasure of being a part of the Carley’s Angels family since 2014, before its formal inception, when we hosted Car & the Allison Family for Queen’s University’s Puck Cancer game - I was touched by a courageous girl’s story and moved by the love and unwavering support from her family and friends. Not many stories have impacted me like Carley’s and I’m so grateful to get to be able to help inspire integrative cancer care, one smile at a time.
My career in digital marketing, strategy, and storytelling helps shape my role as Director of Marketing as we pave the way to put the human-touch in cancer care. Together, our community of Carley’s Angels champions will carry on the legacy of “always smile” and help improve the lives of all cancer patients.
meaghan@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile is Genuine with a slight crinkle in the bridge of my nose!
My Carley story began in 2010 when Carley was the new girl in school and we became instant best friends. While we were both in our school’s elite athlete program, it wasn’t the proximity that forged the friendship for me, but more Carley’s kindness, sense of humour, passion for life, and deep love for her family and friends. Carley faced her cancer with incredible courage, strength, and tenacity and I feel honoured to have been a small part of her story.
On a professional note, I’ve gained both a degree in business and my CPA license, and currently work as a management consultant. While I’ve been a volunteer, participant, and general cheerleader since inception of the foundation, I am so excited to take on a larger role. As the Director of Innovation, my role involves supporting strategic planning, future growth initiatives, incubation of new projects, and budgeting & finances.
Through Car’s and others’ stories, I’ve learned how vital it is, in some cases even life-saving, to have access to both traditional and holistic treatment options. I’m excited to use everything I’ve learned over the years and combine that with my profound belief in the benefits of integrative cancer care, to help grow a foundation so near and dear to my heart.
katherine@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile is the one you can’t contain after laughing about something for way too long
Carley Allison’s story has touched my life well before I knew of Carley’s Angels.
Like Carley, I too was an athlete affected by cancer, but I am fortunate enough to have survived.
As a patient, I have navigated the maze of the Canadian Healthcare system and have experienced the gaps firsthand. Cancer care is not merely physical- it is also mental, emotional, and spiritual. It requires a holistic approach that gives those living with cancer and their loved ones the best possible fighting chance.
I have a passion for healthcare-from my undergraduate degrees in Health Sciences and Psychology, to my Master of Health Administration-I believe in making the healthcare system more accessible and holistic throughout. I create impact by merging business strategy with my expertise in healthcare as well as the private corporate sector to deliver results while keeping people at the forefront of the solution!
Carley’s legacy lives on within survivors like myself, alongside her contagious positive outlook on bettering care for those living with cancer. Being a part of Carley’s Angels as the Director of Fundraising, is a privilege that I am honoured to carry as we continue to raise awareness and funds for Integrative Cancer Care. Together with our Champions globally, we will “always smile” and look ahead to a better future-hopefully one without cancer.
cristyana@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile ione that showcases my gratitude for the moment that I am in and the people that I am with!
My roots with Carley’s Angels came early when we decided to bring Carley’s story of compassion, dedication, hope and her message of “always smile” to the United States. Since then, I have been actively involved in the organization, participating in events and raising awareness wherever I go.
I've seen firsthand the positive impact that the foundation has on families affected by cancer, and it has only strengthened my resolve and dedication to make a difference in Carley’s name. I've also been able to see the progress of new programs funded by the foundation, which brings hope to the families and children that are affected by cancer. I hope that my role will continue to spread Carley’s legacy and story throughout the world and create a new level of opportunities for the foundation to grow!
andrew@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile naturally warm and inviting while making my cheeks look like a chipmunk.
My Carley's Angels story began early! When the Allison girls and I were young, our mother's ran together. Being elite athletes, they trained a lot, leaving the kids to entertain themselves.
The Allisons were always treasured family friends, ones that we saw for fun family dinners, and walks with our feisty Jack Russels. I can say with certainty that Carley had a profound effect on me.
I've always felt a strong connection with volunteering as a way that I can give back to causes I strongly believe in. When I was approached by Carley's Angels to fulfil the open Direction of Volunteer Engagement position, I didn't hesitate. An opportunity to support the legacy of a young woman whose tenacity, compassion and spirit that I admired was one I couldn't refuse.
I've previously coordinated and supported volunteer teams inside the not for profit sector, including the Special Olympics and Best Buddies Canada. Carley's Crew is full of engaged, hardworking and committed volunteers who make my job a breeze!
amy@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile is of the kind that hurts, so good! The one where you remember your fondest memory, and it brings on a smile so big that your cheeks ache. That's my favourite smile!
What happens when you loose a child? My world shattered.
My logical side was scared about the impact on our family, but my emotional side was very angry. No family should have to go through our pain or Carley’s pain. Our family is strong, but I am still angry and that is what drives me. Families need support. Their loved ones need care and sometimes that care goes beyond traditional health care. We need to make it easier for others to get what they need. Carley’s Angels is a passion with a mission for me and our family. Raising our daughters was a joyful passion. The path to the Olympics provided focus and discipline. Building our family business kept me dedicated and motivated. But Carley’s Angels is just more.
My go-to smile is one that puts those I greet at easy while making me feel confident and kind all at the same time.
As a childhood friend of the Allison girls, Carley’s Angels has been important to me since its inception.
Carley’s energy, smile, and zest for life were contagious and I am honoured to continue to work towards the goal she had set. My eye for fashion, meticulous organization and creativity landed me the Retail Coordinator role.
With 2 years under my belt, I am ready to take the Carley’s Angels retail department to the next level!
My go-to smile is a fake laugh but still trying to be natural
My Carley’s Angels journey began in 2017. After seeing the team participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer and learning what the foundation was about, I knew I needed to somehow become involved. I became a frequent volunteer, as well as becoming an Ambassador, and was excited to be part of a community that was so passionate about the importance of combining traditional and holistic cancer care treatments and making them more accessible in hospitals.
Professionally and before I started my current career, I worked over 10 years in hospitality, promotions and events. However, part of me missed that life, as I have always been an organizer and a planner, so when I was asked to take on the new role of Community Teams Coordinator for Just Sweat in 2021, I didn’t hesitate. Fast forward two years and I am thrilled to take on the role of Ambassador Coordinator. I look forward to searching for and working with Carley’s Angels champions around the world, as they become advocates for Carley’s Angels and integrative cancer care.
Everyone's cancer journey is different and there has been an ever growing need for holistic, nutritional and mental health support, which historically have all been hard to access and are expensive. Carley’s Angels is about bridging that gap and making integrative cancer care more accessible to all cancer patients. I am incredibly honoured to be part of such an important initiative and I hope that one day cancer will be a distant memory.
kathleen@carleysangels.ca
My go-to smile is one that is on the brink of laughter and then becomes contagious to those around you