President/Chair
(Founding Director)
Treasurer
(Founding Director)
Secretary
(Founding Director)
Director
(Founding Director)
Director
(Founding Director)
Director
(Founding Director)
Director
(Founding Director)
Treasurer
Director
Medical Officer
Claire is a retired, experienced Nurse and Mental Health Clinician who has enjoyed a 24-year career within Healthcare, Education, and Corrections. Holding the value of volunteerism as a firm personal belief, Claire has volunteered in a variety of areas such as hospice care and youth mental health initiatives and has served on a number of committees and Boards. Claire was motivated to establish The Forward Foundation along with her son Christopher, after seeing the difference connection made to his experience with incurable illness.
Karen is an art director in the animation industry. Having worked for clients such as Netflix, Mattel, Teletoon, Hasbro, and Disney, she thrives in creating visual concepts that embody story, humour, and emotion. Karen believes art to be a powerful way to bridge gaps in society and bring people together, especially those impacted by illness. She extends those values through the Forward Foundation and is excited to contribute her creativity to the team.
Louise’s professional experience includes working with youth who have experienced trauma for Surrey Street Youth Services and Urban Native Youth Association, and she was the community liaison for the North Shore Adult Homeless Shelter. She is a successful businesswoman who runs the largest private daycare organization in North Vancouver and Squamish. Her volunteer experience includes North Shore Hospice and Oncology as a pet therapy team with her dog Paisley, Board positions with VPD Victim Services Unit, North Shore Disability Resource Centre, and with all three North Shore municipal authorities to establish a homeless youth shelter. As a mother of 3 daughters, and a breast cancer survivor, she is honoured to bring her business acumen, but most of all, her compassion for those less fortunate to the Forward Foundation.
Adrian is a corporate lawyer at Fasken and advises entrepreneurs, corporate clients, and not-for-profit organizations on mergers and acquisitions, organizational structuring, and commercial matters. Prior to practicing law, Adrian owned and operated a wholesale and distribution business for BC produce. Adrian has a history of community involvement in a variety of areas, such as coaching youth sports and serving on the boards of various non-for-profit and business organizations. He is proud to offer his enthusiasm and legal and business acumen to the Forward Foundation.
With a Master's Degree in Sports Business Management, Danielle has held leadership positions in a variety of sports organizations including professional sport, college athletics, and community sport and recreation. She was also involved with the 2010 Olympic Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Danielle values being active in the community, giving back, and creating meaningful experiences. She has been involved in many volunteer and philanthropic capacities including coaching youth sports, Big Sisters Canada, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The Cayford Gala. Danielle brings passion and expertise in event management and strategic planning to the Forward Foundation and is inspired to share the positivity and strength of character of her friend, Chris Cayford.
Lily is an accomplished businesswoman and holds a degree in business management. As the owner of Divine Décor, she specializes in event design, planning, and floral. Lily has contributed to the delivery of some of Vancouver’s largest charitable initiatives, such as the BC Children’s Hospital Gala, the Cayford Gala, and fundraising events for the BC Cancer Agency, in addition to serving on the Boards for The Richmond Hospice and Funding Hope. Lily has witnessed the impact that special experiences can have on an individual fighting a serious, life-limiting illness and thus was inspired to share Christopher Cayford's legacy of kindness and connection through the work of Forward Foundation.
Marie is an experienced marketing professional with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in strategic development and execution of marketing plans, client relationship management, branding and positioning, market research and analysis, and budget management, she is proud to bring her business and marketing acumen to Forward Foundation. As one of the Board of Directors, she is dedicated to helping individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses live while they’re alive.
Peter is an experienced finance and accounting professional who focuses his work around advising entrepreneurs and start-up businesses and guiding them through their growth. Peter is the founding shareholder of Peter Wu and Associates Ltd. and is a CPA, CA, CGA. Peter’s role with the Forward Foundation is to provide accounting, reporting, and budgeting for the organization.
Jonathan’s role within the Forward Foundation is to develop partnerships with corporations passionate about engaging their brand and employees with causes that give back to the community. He works with local businesses to invest their time and promote fundraising initiatives to support the Forward Foundation's mission to create personal meaningful experiences for Canadians with serious, life-limiting illnesses. Jonathan is a Consultant and Entrepreneur who works with companies to supercharge their sales and execute complex, legacy-defining projects. and product launches. His career spans industries from fashion to hospitality, real estate and technology, including working with industry-leading organizations such as Health Canada, Telus, BCLC, and DDB.
As a medical oncologist, Dr. Alannah Smrke is passionate about improving the quality of care and cancer care experience for young adults. She is a connection between the 'real world' and the ideal world that the Forward Foundation strives to create for young adults with serious illness. The foundation's mission is to provide meaningful connections and age-appropriate support for these young adults.
Dr. Smrke first learned about the Forward Foundation through Mary Lou, the charge nurse of the Vancouver General Hospital PCU, after discussing the care of young patients with cancer. Her role as an oncologist complements her role as Medical Officer for the Forward Foundation as she is able to use her clinical experience to inform ongoing projects and advocacy for the foundation.