THE LEGACY OF TANNY NADON

As a dedicated and selfless volunteer, Tanny Jean Nadon (1941-2016) inspired and connected with all whom she met. She was described as a true collaborator and team player who was always inclusive.

Tanny supported the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA) since its early days. She was a founding member of the Alberta Society of Melanoma, which became one of the CSPA’s first Affiliate Members, and was a devoted volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Action Network, the Cross Cancer Institute and other service organizations. Her vast volunteer experience provided invaluable counsel and led her to author CSPA’s very first Application for Affiliate Organizations as well as the first Code of Ethics. Tanny was known to speak her mind and to be a voice of reason who helped build consensus at the discussion table. She was an innovative leader who worked hard behind the scenes and helped shape the CSPA in its formative years.

Tanny’s ability to connect with and support others was welcomed by the Alberta dermatologist community, paving the way for patients and healthcare providers to work together to help patients. In recognition of her many contributions to healthcare, Tanny received the Alberta Medical Association Medal of Honour in 2011. This achievement is a source of great pride for the Nadon family.

Tanny has been missed by many since she passed away in 2016. Her legacy as a selfless volunteer in the areas of patient advocacy and mentorship lives on and continues to inspire us all! Beyond her organizational talents, Tanny was described personally as fun, humble, and the epitome of a caregiver. On more than one occasion, Tanny’s kindness was extended to patients, separated from their family and friends while traveling for treatment, whom she shuttled between airport and treatment centres. She even supplied personal items to a patient whose stay was unexpectedly extended. As the beloved matriarch of a family of seven that expanded to include grandchildren and great grandchildren, it is amazing that Tanny had the time to contribute so much to so many!

THE TANNY NADON CAREGIVER AWARD

The CSPA honours the memory and example of Tanny Nadon’s life by recognizing those who go above and beyond in their role of caregiver to an individual impacted by a skin, hair, or nail condition.

Tell us about a caregiver in your life who has made a difference!

How to Nominate a Caregiver:

To enter, please complete the online nomination form.

Nomination Criteria:

The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance invites you to nominate your friend or family member for our Tanny Nadon Caregiver Award & Spotlight.

1. Their dedication to providing assistance goes beyond tending to physical needs and who models compassion and strength; an individual whose efforts have an extraordinary effect on those for whom they care
2. Their problem-solving techniques
3. Their use of services available to patients or caregivers in the community (for example, attending support groups or information sessions to help manage the condition, get to medical appointments, etc.)
4. Their approach to staying educated about the condition

Award & Recognition:

• Tanny Nadon Caregiver Award Certificate
• Embroidered CSPA blanket

• Social media posts
• Newsletter article
• Website
• Short video(s)
• Public news outlets (via a CSPA press release)

Timing:

Nominations for the Tanny Nadon Caregiver Award are invited 2 times per year. The nominations will be evaluated by a CSPA committee with up to 3 recipients chosen per year (1 per round).

The following is the projected 2022 schedule* for nomination deadlines and notifying award recipients:

*The CSPA reserves the right to change these dates without notice.