How it all Started

Alexander Lesti

 

The Glimmer of Hope Golf tournament was founded in 2019 and inspired by our son, Alexander Lesti, who at that time was only 3 years old and suffering dozens of seizures every day. Our family found much comfort from the knowledge and support that we received from Epilepsy York Region and wanted to give back in any way we could. That is when we, and a wonderful committee of family and friends, decided to establish The Glimmer of Hope Golf Tournament, benefitting Epilepsy York Region.

The first tournament was a huge success and raised $55,000. We were so thrilled when Epilepsy York Region decided to use the funds to launch the Glimmer of Hope Summer Camp for kids living with epilepsy.

Although the Covid 19 Pandemic delayed our second tournament, we came back strong in 2021 and raised another $85,000 and followed that up with an unbelievable $110,000 last year! We have been blown away by the support and generosity of our golfers, sponsors, dinner attendees, donors and volunteers.

As a group, we are passionate about this cause, as epilepsy affects so many people and families. In fact, approximately 1 in 100 Canadians are living with epilepsy and the numbers continue to grow. This is why agencies like Epilepsy York Region are so important. They continuously raise awareness and provide support to those who really need it. Our family and The Glimmer of Hope group of individuals is dedicated to helping with this cause and continuing our efforts to help those living with this debilitating condition.

Alex is now 7 and continues to struggle every day with a countless number of  seizures and has endured so much in his little life: prolonged hospital stays, surgeries, multiple medications, and many other things that most of us will never have to suffer through. Yet he continues bravely on in his journey to be an inspiration to everyone he meets. Despite the many challenges he has faced, Alex is about to finish Grade 1 and has made so much progress. We are so proud of how far he has come!

Although Alex’s epilepsy is a constant stress for our whole family, we are so grateful for the support groups, resources, and dependability of the EYR team. They truly feel like part of our family!

 

Dianna & Peter Lesti

 

2019

2021

2022