Professor John Bauer and his family have been fundraising for SickKids since his daughter, Miranda, lost her courageous battle with cancer, a rare form called Rhabdomyosarcoma, in 2013. She was 17 years old.
The dollars raised – a total of nearly $200,000 – support pediatric cancer research to help fund advancements in cancer care for children, with the hope that one day a cure will be discovered.
“Supporting oncology research at the Hospital for Sick Children is deeply personal for us,” said Bauer, who is a Professor in NC’s School of Justice and Fitness. “The shock of Miranda’s diagnosis, managing the highs and lows of her treatment, and ultimately coping with her loss was met with unwavering support from the dedicated staff in that ward. SickKids is far more than just a hospital.”
Miranda (left) appears on a poster for the SickKids “Together We Will” campaign. Her t-shirt and mug designs also appear.
Before she passed, Miranda organized a fundraiser called ‘Celebration of Miracles’ that raised more than $10,000 for SickKids. She also participated in SickKids campaigns Together We Will and You Got It, and designed logos for t-shirts and travel mugs used for the ‘Sick Kids Rally For Kids With Cancer’ in 2012.
Since 2014, the Bauer family has honoured Miranda and her fundraising legacy by hosting trivia and live music events under the name ‘Making More Miracles.’
“My wife, Patti, my son, Eric, and I often speak of Miranda, share stories at family gatherings, and reflect on what she might be doing today,” said Bauer. “These fundraisers serve a dual purpose: they provide crucial funding for research while also introducing people to my daughter – those who never had the chance to know her personally.”
Miranda aspired to be a lawyer one day. This honourary certificate from the Canadian Bar Association hangs in her bedroom, left untouched since she passed, and in Bauer’s office at the College.
This year’s trivia event will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at John Michael’s Banquet Hall in Thorold. The evening will include dinner, trivia games, live entertainment, a wine pull, a silent auction, and raffle items.
Tickets are $40 per person (tables seat eight to 10 people) and can be purchased by calling 905-357-9194, texting 905-246-2914, emailing [email protected], via e-transfer to [email protected] or at the door of the event on Apr. 26.
The fundraiser is a public, family-friendly event where singles, couples and children are welcome. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m.
Bauer and his family are grateful for the support they have received from the NC community over the years, and they are once again inviting people to be part of the collective effort to advance pediatric cancer research.
“Since Miranda’s passing, there have been significant advancements in oncology research, including personalized treatment based on genetic coding. The funds we raise – alongside contributions from many others – help make these breakthroughs possible,” said Bauer.
The event also provides volunteer hours for high school students who help make the night a success. NC employees with high school-aged children can reach out to Bauer at the contact information above or via his NC email at [email protected].
To learn more about Miranda’s story and the fundraiser, visit the ‘Making More Miracles in Memory of Miranda Bauer’ Facebook page.
