Marcia Gordon.
Marcia Gordon recently received the Mothers of Distinction Foundation's Mother of Distinction Award.
Photo/COURTESY
Marcia Gordon might be a guardian angel for her daughter, Tamara, but the North York woman didn't expect to snag the Mothers of Distinction Award Saturday, May 7.
The inaugural award, handed out by non-profit Mothers of Distinction Foundation, recognizes moms who have made outstanding contributions to her family and community.
"So today I receive this distinguished award, not for myself, but on behalf of all the mothers who everyday are adding their contribution to help others and to improve our world," Marcia said during her acceptance speech at the gala, held at On the Park Event and Conference Centre on Leslie Street at Eglinton Avenue. "It is my hope that this gesture will inspire other mothers to step out and make their contribution, because we can all be of help, we can all contribute in some way, no matter how small."
Marcia's devotion to her daughter was put to the test nine years ago when, at age 16, Tamara was involved in a ski accident that left her a quadriplegic.
Marcia stood - and slept - by Tamara's side throughout her daughter's hospital and rehabilitation stays, along with assisting her when he was able to come back to their Don Mills Road apartment. Marcia also helped Tamara with school assignments and took notes to assist her daughter during her time at York University.
"I was listening to what all the other nominees had done to make the world a better place and it was just amazing," Marcia said in an interview. "Just to hear other people share ways they help their families and others was really good. Tamara is always searching the Internet for ways to recognize me for what I've done for her."
In her nomination filing, Tamara noted despite her mother's own health issues, she never hesitates to lend a hand to those in need.
"If the greatness of a person is measured not by what they have received, but by what they have given to others, not by the wealth they have obtained for themselves but how rich they have made the lives of others, and not just by the happiness they experienced but what they brought into the lives of others then my mother deserves this award," Tamara wrote. "In her, I saw, someone who - in her weakness - help to strengthen others, in her sickness sought healing for others, so that despite ovarian cancer that terrified her body, fibromyalgia that tried to destroy her, reflect systematic dystrophy syndrome that tried to cripple her and multiple hernia operations that tried unsuccessfully to alter her life she is still that little candle blowing in the wind and letting her good deeds shine."
Along with her many volunteer commitments, Marcia recently started up a volunteer centre at her apartment building, which provides access assistance to various government programs, food and clothing donated from non-profit and for-profit organizations and access to information on Wheel Trans, Meals on Wheels and volunteer opportunities.
"I once received the title of "Angel of 2020" but I believe they got it wrong my title should have been the daughter of the Angel of 2020," Tamara wrote, referring to the street number of Marcia's building, where Tamara also lived until moving to Markham. "She is a devout Christian, my best friend, teacher, doctor, consultant and a great blessing to others. She lives her life not just for me but for others."
Marcia hopes the Mothers of Distinction Awards inspire others to perform good deeds.
"It encourages other mothers to do more so we can make the world a better place," she said.