Table of Contents
Stuntman Stu meets bone marrow donor who saved his life
Gratitude and Anticipation
- Stuntman Stu Schwartz had been pondering over the profound question of how to express gratitude to the individual who bestowed him with the gift of life.
- His anticipation reached a peak as he prepared to meet his anonymous bone marrow donor for the first time.
- Schwartz, known as a prominent Majic 100 morning radio host and the Ottawa Senators’ home game announcer, was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2016.
- Following intensive treatments, he was informed of the imperative need for a bone-marrow transplant within three months.
- After an extensive search locally and nationally, a match was found in May through the assistance of Ezer Mizion, a not-for-profit organization managing the largest international Jewish bone marrow registry.
The Emotional Reunion
On a Monday morning, Schwartz finally had the opportunity to extend his heartfelt gratitude to his donor, David Levi, who had flown in from Israel for the meeting facilitated by Ezer Mizion. Amidst a crowd of supporters and media, the long-awaited embrace between Schwartz and Levi, who share an unspoken connection through DNA, symbolized the profound impact of their encounter.1
As tears welled up in Schwartz’s eyes, he expressed his gratitude, acknowledging Levi as the savior of his life. Levi, a former member of the Israeli army, humbly reciprocated the gratitude, emphasizing the magnitude of Schwartz’s medical journey compared to his own contribution.
Mutual Appreciation and Generosity
Schwartz’s mother, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed her profound appreciation to Levi for restoring her son’s life. Despite Levi’s modesty, he acknowledged the significance of the moment, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of their meeting. In the ensuing days, Schwartz and Levi, along with their families, shared moments of camaraderie, including attending an Ottawa Senators game together.
Reflecting on the encounter, Schwartz emphasized the instantaneous connection he felt with Levi, underscoring the profound impact of the donor’s generosity on his life trajectory.
Advocacy and Community Support
Throughout his treatment journey, Schwartz utilized his platform to raise awareness about leukemia, spearheading the #stustrong campaign that garnered significant contributions towards leukemia and stem cell research at The Ottawa Hospital.
Notably, he established a dedicated donor pool for the Ezer Mizion organization, further amplifying his commitment to the cause. Schwartz’s unwavering advocacy underscores the transformative power of community support in fostering hope and resilience amidst adversity.
Just hours after being let go this morning from Bell Media in a round of ongoing layoffs, familiar Ottawa radio personality “Stuntman” Stu Schwartz was still cracking jokes and already “looking forward to sleeping in.”https://t.co/onWkELiJ1M pic.twitter.com/KYjIkpPVhD
— Ottawa Business Journal (@obj_news) February 13, 2024
Meeting the Life Saver
A Reunion Full of Emotions
Two years ago, in February 2016, the Ottawa community was devastated to learn in a Facebook video that “Stuntman” Stu Schwartz – MAJIC 100 radio host, Ottawa Senators PA announcer, and beloved community philanthropist – had been diagnosed with Leukemia.2
Two months later, in April 2016, Schwartz shared a video update announcing what the Ottawa community had hoped for: a bone marrow donor had been found.
The Awaited Reunion
A Moment of Anticipation
It is now two years later, and this past Monday morning, Schwartz stood in the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport awaiting the arrival of his bone marrow donor from Israel —David Levi. The wait feels never-ending, both to his family and the small group of media gathered to capture the moment.
Gratitude Beyond Words
Tears of Appreciation
Schwartz is immediately overcome with emotion and begins to cry, his arm tightly embracing Levi as he says “thank you.” Levi says in a voice thick with emotion, “thank you. You know why? Because I saw all the suffer[ing] that you went through. You are so brave. I admire you; I admire you.”
A New Family Bond
Forever Grateful
With Schwartz’s arm around her, Luba says she cannot find the words to thank Levi. “It was extremely emotional,” she says. “He’s now apart of our family forever and ever. Every time I look at Stuart, I know who gave him life now, who gave him back to us.”
Community Support
Strength in Unity
Consuelo Bernardi, Schwartz’s wife, expresses gratitude for the immense support from the community. She emphasizes that their collective support helped them through their nightmare.
Pride in Saving a Life
A Daughter’s Perspective
Levi’s daughter, Tahel, shares her pride in her father’s selfless act and underscores the importance of saving a life, irrespective of the person’s status in the community.
Closure and Reflection
From Nightmare to Dream
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Stu expresses disbelief at the journey from his darkest days to this surreal moment of reunion.
A Special Celebration
Sharing Joy Through Hockey
Tonight, the Schwartz family will accompany the Levi family to the Senators game, marking the Levi’s first hockey game, a celebration of life and newfound friendship.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Battling Leukemia’s Aftereffects
- Stuart Schwartz, known as “Stuntman Stu,” opens up about his mental health struggles stemming from his battle with leukemia.
- Despite enduring two rounds of the illness, he continues to grapple with its physical and psychological repercussions.
- Schwartz candidly discusses his journey through deep depression and PTSD, highlighting the turning point when he could no longer conceal his inner turmoil.
- He opted for a sabbatical, sought therapy, and prioritized spending time with loved ones to navigate through his challenges.
The Journey to Media Stardom
From Class Clown to Radio Icon
Despite being synonymous with Ottawa, Stuart Schwartz, a Montreal native, reflects on his journey to becoming a media icon. From his mischievous school days to his rise in the regional radio and TV scene, Schwartz shares anecdotes of his journey.3
His infamous nickname, “Stuntman Stu,” coined by local radio personalities, traces back to a memorable incident at a Tragically Hip appearance. Schwartz attributes his success to his education at Algonquin College’s Broadcasting program and his enduring partnership with Angie Poirier.
Triumph Amidst Adversity
Navigating Career Challenges
- Schwartz and Poirier faced significant hurdles when they transitioned to MAJIC 100’s morning show.
- Despite initial resistance from listeners accustomed to the previous format, they persevered. Schwartz acknowledges the patience of their audience and expresses gratitude for their unwavering support.
- Their resilience and dedication ultimately cemented their place in the hearts of their listeners.
Gratitude and Resilience
A Journey of Healing and Connection
Schwartz reflects on the profound impact of his bone marrow donors, who enabled his return to the airwaves after battling leukemia. He shares the emotional experience of meeting one of his donors and the ongoing connection with the other through social media.
Schwartz also reminisces about his tenure as the Ottawa Senators’ in-game announcer, cherishing moments like announcing players’ first NHL goals. Despite facing adversity, Schwartz remains grateful for the support of his loved ones and continues to embrace life with appreciation.
Stu and Connie Consuelo: A Enduring Connection
Stu and Connie Consuelo have shared a profound bond for 21 years since their marriage on November 16, 2002. Though the details of their first meeting remain undisclosed, their enduring relationship speaks volumes about their connection.
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Connie Consuelo: Personal and Family Background
Connie, a proud Canadian citizen, is the daughter of Natalio Bernardi and Wanda. She celebrates her birthday with joy every May 21st.4
Connie Consuelo: Professional Life and Family
In her professional life, Connie excels as a radio and TV promo director, garnering recognition on various social media platforms. Her active presence in the public eye not only highlights her professional achievements but also her strong family ties.
As a devoted mother, Connie proudly shares her children’s academic milestones on Instagram, offering glimpses into her loving family life. Together with her husband Stu and their children Matteo and Isabella, they frequently embark on holiday adventures, creating beautiful memories together.
Stuntman Stu’s Departure from Move 100 Production
Stuntman Stu recently made headlines following his departure from Move 100 production under Bell Media, where he was an integral part of the morning show team. Contrary to speculation, his exit was not due to poor performance or moral lapses. Reports indicate that the root cause lies within the production house itself.
An internal memo from Bell Media executives Richard Gray and David Daigle revealed significant financial losses exceeding $40 million, leading to a 9% reduction in the workforce.
Stu’s Resilience and Impact
- Despite this setback, Stu remains a remarkable radio personality with a wealth of experience in entertaining audiences.
- There is speculation about his potential debut on another prominent platform.
- Stu is not only a seasoned broadcaster but also a beloved figure among fans.
- He has made a profound impact by openly sharing his personal struggles, including battles with leukemia and heart attacks, through his radio programs, thereby raising awareness and forging deeper connections with his audience.
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Stuntman Stu’s Departure as Sens PA Announcer
Announcement and Reasons
- Stuntman Stu, the renowned MAJIC 100 host, has recently declared his resignation from the position of PA announcer for the Ottawa Senators, signaling a change in the auditory landscape of the Canadian Tire Centre. Effective immediately, there will be a void awaiting the new voice to resonate through the arena during the Sens’ performances.
- In a heartfelt announcement made on his MAJIC Morning Show, Stuntman Stu Schwartz revealed his departure, citing personal reasons and family priorities as the driving force behind his decision.
- While expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Senators’ PA announcer since 2006, Stu disclosed the challenges he faced, particularly after his leukemia diagnosis in 2016.
- He acknowledged the toll his health condition took on his ability to deliver the energetic calls synonymous with his tenure.
Reflection and Gratitude
Reflecting on his time with the Senators, Stu Schwartz reminisced about his journey, describing it as a dream come true despite the unforeseen obstacles. He extended his appreciation to the players, staff, and the fervent fan base for their unwavering support throughout the years, emphasizing the significance of their loyalty during both triumphs and tribulations.
Addressing the passionate Senators fans directly, Stu conveyed a message of enduring enthusiasm and appreciation, urging them to cherish the privilege of having an NHL team in their city. He encouraged them never to lose sight of the excitement and pride associated with being part of a hockey community.
Future Engagements and Personal Endeavors
While bidding farewell to his role as PA announcer, Stu expressed his commitment to remaining engaged with the Senators and the Sens Foundation, pledging to participate in various events. However, he eagerly anticipates embarking on a new chapter focused on family experiences, particularly enjoying hockey games alongside his children.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of family, Stu conveyed his anticipation for this forthcoming phase, highlighting the profound significance of familial bonds amidst life’s transitions.