Breakfast Meeting February 20, 2021

Sharon Babineau is a published author of the book “The Girl Who Gave Her Wish Away” a memoir about her daughter Maddie. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, as a motivational and wellness facilitator, presenting to corporations and students in Canada and the USA. Sharon is TEDX speaker and a past member of the Writers Union. She received funding from the Authors in the Schools program to travel and present to residential schools in northern Ontario. Sharon is a contributing author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books: Hooked on Hockey, Family Caregivers, and Hope and Miracles. Sharon completed the Raindance Screenwriting Foundation l & II program and is writing a screenplay based on her book. She recently pitched her movie idea at a Pitchfest in Hollywood.

Her next book which she is currently writing, “The Power of a Promise”  is a teaching memoir, and extension of her first book.  In this book, Sharon recounts her life and lessons learned after the passing of Maddie. How a promise she made to her daughter took her on an unexpected journey halfway around the world.

 

Sharon and her daughter Maddie’s story, which she will share today, has been featured on the reality TV Show “No Opportunity Wasted” by Phil Keoghan – host of the Amazing Race, and the Oprah Winfrey Network, Canada Show – Life Story Project.

 

Sharon is a decorated military soldier (retired), mountain climber, hockey player, and volunteer. Sharon started a not for profit in her daughter’s memory, Maddie’s Everlasting Wish.  She has been recognized for the work she has done at home and in Africa and is the recipient of many awards including Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.

Sharon was on a meditation retreat in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains when the COVID 19 pandemic was declared. Temporarily stranded in India, Sharon finally arrived home the day the state of emergency for Ontario came into effect. Since then (and after her own meltdown) she has been writing her book and helping others cope with their stress and anxiety during this difficult time.