McKaigue's Work With Special Kids Continues To Make Impression

Note: Carolyn Hoar of the Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre in Oshawa, Ontario, wrote this testimonial about the charity work of Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin standout Shaun McKaigue.

In the early spring of 2014, I had the good fortune to be sitting in a parking lot outside the offices of FER-PAL Infrastructure and watch the most beautiful, brand-new black Porsche pull into a parking space. As the owner stepped out of this beautiful masterpiece, I could only watch with awe. The owner turned out to be the person I was to meet with that day, Shaun McKaigue.

Shaun is both a businessman and a racing driver with a very big heart. He is a quiet, gentle and extremely kind person who has reached out to the children of Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre who are undergoing treatment for cancer. In May 2014, eight of our children experienced being VIPs during an Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Michelin event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, compliments of Shaun.  They arrived at the track and were met by Shaun’s “people” and taken around in golf carts that were generously purchased by him for the event. The children watched Shaun race, were able to attend the drivers’ meeting prior to the race, go into the pits, meet the president of Porsche Canada, watch from the VIP area and generally be spoiled for the day.

It isn’t easy to articulate the depth of gratitude we at Hearth Place and the parents of these children feel towards Shaun and his team. The children suffer horrendous treatment protocols, they see hospital staff instead of their school friends, and they spend hours in bed having chemotherapy administered rather than being outside playing hockey. Some of these treatments continue for years. They are often robbed of their early childhood and teen years when they should be enjoying family, friends, parties and sports, instead becoming isolated by the very nature of their disease.

The stresses on their family become taxing. Siblings can feel ostracized and left out as they are looked after by various friends and families. Parents suffer feelings of guilt and anxiety as they spend time away from their other children and work. Often one parent must take a long leave of absence, invariably causing financial distress.

Shaun’s generosity to these families makes a world of difference to them. Experiencing a day at the track having fun, being part of an exciting race and treated like royalty is an incredible gift, the memories of which will last a lifetime. It is the brightness through many dark days.

A grateful father wrote: “I am not sure how as parents we can ever express our thanks and deep gratitude to Shaun and his team. Although there are some tough days due to chemotherapy, its side effects, general anxiety and stress, there are also good days with special people and events such as our day at the track with Shaun. This certainly makes a difference in the battle.”

A lively child named Owen provided an example of the sheer pleasure this event at CTMP brought to the children.

Owen has encountered a very tumultuous cancer journey since he was 3 years old. He is a young lad, full of love for life. He was so thrilled and excited to be attending the event and to have the chance to watch Shaun race. His enthusiasm is contagious, as he has a personality bigger than he is. Owen asked Shaun if he could have one of his racing tires after the race, and Shaun promised that he could.

True to his word, Bob, one of Shaun’s crew members, delivered the tire. Owen was over the moon, especially when he discovered that Shaun had written him a personal message on the tire.

It was thought perhaps Owen would use the tire as a swing in his backyard, but apparently it is far too precious to be left outside. Owen treasures his tire and keeps it in his room. He was worried if it was left outside the rain would wash off Shaun’s writing, and, well, that just wouldn’t do! Owen decided to show the tire to his neighbors and managed to carry it down his long driveway, refusing to roll it in the event it would get dirty.

Shaun continues to give and agreed to be our title sponsor for a fundraising event, “Kicking Cancer for Kids, The Inside Ride,” which we will hold in 2015 to raise money for our Pediatric Cancer Family Support Program.

We are so grateful to Shaun for all he has done and is doing. The world can become different when you become important in the life of a child! Shaun has definitely done that and plans to continue.

Thank you, Shaun!