Janice Skot paused for a moment during her remarks at the launch of the Angel Tree Campaign at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
The president and CEO of the hospital was overcome with emotion as she remembered her mother, Terry O'Brien, who passed away from breast cancer in 1988.
"Every year I say I'm not going to cry because it's been almost 30 years and yet here I am remembering," said Skot.
"It doesn't seem to matter if it's a day, a year or decades. Those who are important to us continue to be remembered. I think my mom continues to be the angel on my shoulder too."
There were many tears during the celebration that marked the beginning of the fundraising campaign that allows people to honour the lives of loved ones by purchasing an angel ornament for a Christmas tree in the RVH lobby.
"Of course it brings a tear to all of our eyes because these people are very important to us. I hope at the same time you have a tear we also have a smile because being able to love someone is a great gift," said Skot.
The memories of Skot's mother returned as she remembered the single parent to three daughters who was diagnosed with breast cancer when Skot was only 9-years-old.
The family lived in Sudbury and Skot's mom had to travel to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto for radiation treatments.
"It seemed like forever when I was 9. She was a very strong woman. She actually survived for twenty years and not until I turned 29 did I lose her."
The Angel Tree campaign was founded by Brenda Stanley, owner of The Heart of Business.
"It is a chance to give something from your heart. Give a message that will express love, joy and caring to the ones we care about the most," she told the small crowd that gathered in the hospital lobby.
"I can honestly say I never understood the value of a moment until it was a memory," Stanley said as she remembered her mother who passed in 2003.
All proceeds from the Angel Tree support RVH’s Hearts and Minds campaign through Larche Communications Inc.’s Radio for Cardiology.
Since 2009, through its many radiothons and community events, Larche Communications has committed $2 million to RVH.
Paul Larche, President of Larche Communications Inc. attened the Angel Tree launch to remember some of his staff who passed away this year.
Angels were also placed on the tree for 13 staff and volunteers from RVH who died in 2017.
The Angel Tree launched at RVH in 2012 and since then thousands of angels have been hung in honour of friends and loved ones.
Skot's mom had just turned 70 when she died and the hospital leader says her mother's strength is what made her the strong person she is today.
"She had to raise three daughters on her own. We didn't have a lot from the monetary perspective but we sure had a lot of love," said Skot.
The Angel Tree campaign is also to honour people fighting courageous battles right now, Skot said.
A minimum donation of $10 allows you to place an angel on the tree
