Tracy's Dream lives on; Sault Area Hospital honours its best for 2017 (4 photos)

There was no shortage of good news stories (and ‘works in progress’ stories) presented by Sault Area Hospital brass at the organization's annual general meeting held Monday.

But the presentation of SAH iCcare (Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration and Partnership, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) Awards for 2017 was the highlight.

Awards were presented for staff member, physician and volunteer of the year for 2017, along with the Dr. William Hutchinson Award.

The most poignant of the awards for 2017 was the volunteer award, given posthumously to Tracy Dinelle.

Dinelle captured the community’s heart, launching Tracy’s Dream, a fund to support parking costs for SAH patients receiving cancer treatments, even as she battled breast cancer herself.

Dinelle passed away June 21, 2016 at the age of 52.

“It’s very difficult because she wasn’t just my daughter, we were best friends, we were together all the time,” said Rena Ross, Tracy’s mother, speaking to SooToday.

Also present was Carla Particelli, Tracy’s sister, a breast cancer survivor who travelled from Hamilton for Monday’s award ceremony, her father Jackie Particelli, who is currently going through his own battle with cancer, Tracy’s husband Dennis Dinelle and son Tyler Dinelle.

“This woman was stronger than any woman I have ever met in my whole life,” Ross said.

“Tracy was exceptionally strong, she kept me strong.  I’ve never seen anyone with so much fight in her, she was not one to complain or to cry.  I miss her a lot.”

“Tracy’s Dream made her happy and made her keep going.  People would come to the house and get tokens for the parking and she would just be all smiles.  She always had that smile,” Ross said.

“Since all this began several years ago with my sister, myself and my Dad, I just want to be with my family constantly, so whenever I can get here, I’m here,” said sister Carla Particelli.

“She did a great thing for people here.”

"It’s real joyful for us (to see Tracy receive the SAH iCcare Volunteer Award for 2017),” said father Jackie Particelli.

“The things she did for other people, I’m really proud to say I’m her Dad.”

“I know it’s not just the average person who gets an award like this, so it’s pretty awesome,” said Rena Ross.

Tracy’s Dream continues.

Those who wish to make a donation to Tracy’s Dream to help SAH cancer patients deal with parking costs may do so online

Meanwhile, John Nardo, a registered nurse in the Algoma District Cancer Program (ADCP) received the SAH iCcare employee award, while Michael Bodnar, an emergency department physician, received the SAH iCcare physician award.

The Dr. William Hutchinson Award was presented to Dr. Douglas Bignell, a long-serving gastroenterologist, for distinguished contributions to health services in Sault Ste. Marie and the District of Algoma.