Sandra Gordon
1983 TFHA Alumna
Current Position
Sandra’s Generous Commitment and Vision for the Program’s Future
Sandra Gordon, the sole external member of TFHA’s Selection Committee (SC), has been a steadfast supporter of the program for over 30 years.
Kirsten Fox, Carolyn Chin, Chris Bittle, MP and Sandra Gordon, 40-Year Anniversary event in Ottawa, November, 2022.
Carolyn Chin and Sandra Gordon, 40-Year Anniversary event in Ottawa, November, 2022.
Contemplations from Sandra: her TFHA Experience
Since June 2022, serving as a member of the Selection Committee, and having been a founding member of the inaugural Quebec Interview Committee for several years, Sandra offers her insights:
“The TFHA is such a worthy program and giving back to it, is simply a pleasure for me, having also been a part of the Provincial Interview Committees in the 1990’s, my professional work and volunteer work, including with youth organizations such as the Air Cadets, has provided me with insight into the strength and ideals, a youth must have to persist through difficulties while still giving back, genuinely wanting to make a positive difference for others and at such young ages.
Program Alumni, Scholars, Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff pictured at the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award 40-Year Anniversary event in Ottawa, November 2022.
Reminiscing: Sandra’s walk down memory lane
We were fortunate enough to have Sandra provide photos from the 1993 National Alumni conference held in the Quebec Laurentians!
Pictured: (left to right) Francois Malouin, Mr. and Mrs. Fox, and Sandra Gordon (1993).
Mr. and Mrs. Fox being presented a gift by Francois Malouin, 1993
1993 National Alumni conference held in the Quebec Laurentians
Group photo from the 1993 National Alumni conference held in the Quebec Laurentians
Sandra’s Thoughts on Sustaining Contributions to the Program
“Over the years, I volunteered in a variety of community activities, employment-related volunteering & fundraising initiatives, as well, as with the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program in the late 80’s & 90’s, as a member of the initial Alumni Association committee, member of the pilot Interview Selection Committee including for following years, and had the great fortune of being co-coordinator for the 1993 National Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Alumni Conference. I later mainly focused my volunteer activities around my daughter’s activities, including 6 years with the Orleans Air Cadet Squadron as a Director & Vice-Chair of it’s Sponsoring Committee.
What direction did your professional career take, and what has been your greatest achievement(s)?
Since I was a little girl, I wanted to become a Registered Nurse and I was able to fortunately obtain that goal. Though I had hoped to work in third world countries, life tends to throw us curve balls and we are redirected and I never did, so far anyways. My varied Health Care work experiences, were brought about either due to geographically moves or life circumstances. Though at times, I thought I was not where I wanted to be, I listened, to the words my Dad had taught us ” Your word is your name and your name is your word, if you don’t think the job is for you, give it your all, till you find another, and I always did”. I have learnt so much from each of my various experiences, always building upon each one and bringing the gained knowledge and experiences to the other, and this includes, my various volunteer work as well. Today, I know my various work and volunteer experiences, have brought me to my current employment with Indigenous Services Canada and I am so proud and thankful to be a part of positive forward change.
Since Terry ran his Marathon of Hope we have seen many new life-saving advances in cancer treatment. Do you have an area of humanitarian work you are passionate about?
I worked as a Clinical Oncology Nurse for over a decade and I was passionate about it, including it’s related research work. My main clinical area was Gynecology-Oncology, though in the decade I worked in this specialty, there were many advancements, it still remains a cancer with low rates of cure and remission, and providing emotional support, was as important as the actual cancer technical care. I was also passionate overall, of my varied Research projects I had the opportunity to work in, which included drug research, medical device, quality of life, health outcomes research and varied Infectious diseases and their treatments, including HIV and Hepatitis C. The excitement of working on the fore front of advancements and improved care, outcomes and cures was not only motivating but also exciting.
How has the humanitarian area you have worked/volunteered in changed over the years?
I started volunteering at a young age assisting in activities with my Mother, then in various local community activities and causes, which simply continued to increase through my high school years, and my work with senior citizens further solidified my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Once involved in volunteer work, many more opportunities presented themselves to get involved, whether smaller short volunteering opportunities or larger multi year. No matter the activity or depth of time and involvement, I always went and still go to bed feeling good and energized, knowing the good that would/will come from my efforts, including from simply being a comforting support and listening ear. Over the years, all of my work experiences have had the ability to bring significant support, improvements, kindness, caring, advancements, and for me, all of my work experiences were never simply a means to a paycheck, and usually easily becoming engrossed in making things better for people whether in the short term or the longer term, for me that feeling of making a positive difference, is really what it’s all about!
Humanitarian work has impacted my life positively, providing me with satisfaction, pride and inner peace, and motivation to continue, knowing I am living my life, helping to make it better for others.
The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program has been around for over 40 years. What would you like to say to current and future recipients of the TFHA?
The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program was established in honor of Terry Fox and provides scholarships to persons, like you, as it was seen that you exemplified humanitarian ideals, through your volunteering and giving back to your communities, keep those ideals as a guide through your life and continue being part of doing positive and bringing positive advancements and changes to others and the world.
Sandra Gordon at the Annual General Meeting of the Regional Air Cadet Squadron, alongside a photo of her at a glider opportunity for volunteers at the Glider site.
Thank you, Sandra, for your dedication and valuable contributions to TFHA!
Sandra Gordon is helping ensure the future of TFHA scholars by including them in her estate plans. Leaving a legacy gift in your will is a powerful way to make a lasting impact. By including a donation to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program, you contribute to continuing the legacy of Terry Fox, Canada’s beloved hero, and empower the next generation of humanitarians. Your generosity will provide hope and ensure that Terry Fox’s vision for a better world.