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Hamilton Health Sciences
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Summer 2008
Hamilton General Hospital heart patient sets
Guinness World Record
Integrating with
St. Peter’s Hospital to
serve seniors better
“What about seniors?” It’s a question that gets
asked more and more often these days. The
health care system is challenged like never
before and one of the fastest-growing, most
vulnerable populations is seniors and people
who have chronic illnesses.
“As we look to the future, we know that we
must continue to put a priority on caring for
seniors,” said Murray Martin, President & CEO,
Hamilton Health Sciences. “We have to build
on what we have already achieved in order
to ensure that the health care system in this
community is prepared for the tidal wave
of aging baby boomers that will soon make
tremendous demands on our hospitals and
services.”
Realizing this challenge, St. Peter’s Hospital
and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) are
joining together to ensure that seniors in
this region receive the care and attention
they need and deserve. This amalgamation
will enhance services for seniors and those
with lifelong, complex medical conditions by
creating a combined system that builds on
the strengths of both hospitals. This will also
fully complement the excellent programs that
already exist within St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Hamilton.
“Through the sharing of expertise, knowledge
and skills, we can enhance the lives of these
individuals and strengthen our entire health
care system,” said St. Peter’s President & CEO
Donna Cripps. “We look forward to sharing
our approach to care with our colleagues at
Hamilton Health Sciences. Getting to know the
person behind the illness is what we do best.”
The new combined program will be led
by Donna Cripps, who will take on the
executive leadership role for seniors’ care and
rehabilitation across HHS while continuing to
serve as President of St. Peter’s.
“Access to the Best Care” is the focus of our
ongoing clinical realignment at HHS,” said
Murray. “I think this new alliance with St.
Peter’s is yet another step in the right direction.
It will help to secure access to care for seniors
in the years to come. It will also ensure that the
best practices of our two organizations will be
shared and embraced.”
The beat goes on – Alfred Foster Revell, the world’s longest surviving quadruple heart bypass
patient, presents a Guinness World Records certificate to Dr. Kevin Teoh, Chief of Cardiac Surgery
at Hamilton Health Sciences.
Guinness World Records recently recognized
former Hamilton General Hospital patient,
Mr. Alfred Foster Revell, as the world’s longest
surviving quadruple heart bypass patient. Alfred
underwent surgery 30 years ago on June 17, 1978,
and returned to Hamilton General Hospital on
this anniversary to celebrate. He also presented
Cardiac & Vascular Program staff with an official
Guinness World Records certificate.
“It’s wonderful to see Mr. Revell has lived a
full life since his surgery,” said Dr. Kevin Teoh,
Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Hamilton Health
Sciences. “We’re honoured to share this historical
achievement with him.”
Hamilton General Hospital is a regional provider
of advanced cardiac services, and cardiac surgery
has evolved tremendously since Alfred’s surgery.
New procedures and technological advancements
over the past 30 years have dramatically reduced
the amount of time patients spend in the hospital
from two to three weeks to approximately five
days. The number of cardiac surgeries performed
daily has grown from only one or two per day
in 1978 to up to eight each day. Last year, the
Hamilton General performed 1,469 cardiac
surgeries. Dr. Alfonso Parisi who performed
Alfred’s surgery, was a pioneer in open heart and
bypass surgery at Hamilton General Hospital.
At 93, Alfred is living independently in his
own apartment and leading an active life. Born
September 9, 1914, in Yorkshire, England, he is
a shining example of an astute gentleman who
genuinely enjoys life. He is truly an inspiration to
others who have had similar surgery or are facing
the prospect due to heart disease.
Since his surgery, Alfred has produced many
large oil paintings, actively pursued his passion
for golf, joined the choir and was a soloist with
the Hamilton Geritol Follies. He continues to
participate in senior activities.
“The bypass surgery gave me a new lease on life,”
said Alfred. “I would like to thank Dr. Parisi, the
surgeons and staff at Hamilton General Hospital
for making my beautiful life possible.”
Inside this edition:
Page 2 • Access to the Best Care update
Page 3 • Heart surgery patient saved at
Hamilton General Hospital
• Hamilton Health Sciences
acknowledged for excellence
in patient safety
Page 4 • Cornerstone winners
Page 5 • Breast reconstructive surgery
at the Juravinski Cancer Centre
Page 6 • Donor next door
• Climbing mountains for cancer
Page 7 • Hamilton Health Sciences
has the human touch
Page 8 • Donors pay tribute
• Coming events
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Access to the Best Care update
A message from Murray T. Martin, President & CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences
Earlier this year, Hamilton Health Sciences
introduced ‘Access to the Best Care’. This is a
plan that will span a number of years and focus on
continuing to organize the health care resources
within this community as wisely as possible for the
benefit of patients in Hamilton and throughout the
region.
Many people have contributed to the plan, offering
ideas and suggestions about how we can optimize
existing health care services while also ensuring
that the needs of a growing number of patients can
be met. Hamilton is fortunate to have a rich health
care landscape but like so many other cities, we are
also facing challenges related to keeping up with
the demand for care. In order to keep pace and
plan for the future, we need to make some changes
in the short and longer-term. ‘Access to the Best
Care’ lays the groundwork for Hamilton Health
Sciences to better co-ordinate and deliver high
quality complex care while balancing the needs of
our local and regional patients.
Since the introduction of ‘Access to the Best
Care’ earlier this year, we’ve engaged in extensive
consultation and received a lot of feedback from
our staff and the community. It is clear people are
invested in the plan and want to know more about
what it will mean to them. Here’s what it will mean:
Better Organized, Coordinated Services
For many years, Hamilton Health Sciences has
been working hard to consolidate and better
organize the health care services it provides. We
also work very closely with other community
providers to make sure that we are all set up to best
serve the needs of our patients. This is an ongoing
challenge and ‘Access to the Best Care’ allows us
to build on this approach to really strengthen the
services and sites we have.
We talk a lot about Centres of Excellence in our
plan and that’s because we have some of the best
medical minds working in our facilities right now.
All of our staff members have key roles to play in
caring for our patients and helping them achieve
the best possible outcomes. ‘Access to the Best
Care’ allows us to build on the strength of our
teams by pulling more of them together, in the
same buildings as much as possible, so our patients
have easy access to our expertise. We know that
by taking this approach we will be able to work
more efficiently rather than simply harder. We also
know we have the right people. We just need to get
everyone working together in the right places.
Expanded, Modern Clinical Care
These days, because of changes in medical practice
and advances in technology, many patients who
come to the hospital for care do not need to stay
overnight. One of the major goals of ‘Access to the
Best Care’ is to support this trend by enhancing
ambulatory care.
In the new configuration of our services, MUMC
will be home to an expanded same day surgery
program as well as other adult services including:
women’s health, high-risk obstetrics, digestive
diseases (with an expanded, high-volume
endoscopy suite), diagnostic imaging including
diagnostic testing of the cardiac, respiratory,
neurological and vascular systems, and lab tests.
We will also transfer some of the MUMC inpatient
beds to our other sites to give MUMC the space it
needs to expand in this new and exciting direction.
More Care for Kids
Transferring adult inpatient beds out of MUMC
also allows us to make room for the growth of
McMaster Children’s Hospital. Already the second
busiest children’s hospital in the province, it is
bursting at the seams and needs room for a new
pediatric intensive care unit, a child and adolescent
mental health inpatient unit and more ambulatory
care services. In addition, we will be building a new
Emergency Department for children – something
that is long overdue in this region. Hamilton is one
of the last three cities of its size in Canada to have a
pediatric ED.
Better Access
Another exciting component of ‘Access to the Best
Care’ is the new Urgent Care Centre that we are
recommending be established at the West End
Clinic at 690 Main Street West. It will help service
what city planners have told us will be the fastest
growing area in Hamilton, the lower west end.
This centre will mean that instead of having five
places to access urgent and emergency care across
Hamilton, we’ll have six. To remind you, the other
five are:
• a redeveloped and expanded Emergency
Department at the Henderson
• a completely renovated Emergency Department
at the General
• a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department at
MUMC
• St. Joseph’s Emergency Department which was
very recently renovated
• St. Joseph’s Urgent Care Centre in Stoney Creek.
By adding another point of access for our patients
and dedicating the ED at MUMC to pediatric
patients, we will be able to see more patients
more quickly because our services will be better
organized and coordinated.
With the pressures surrounding health care, we
must change the way we do business if we are
going to continue to provide high-quality care to
our patients. ‘Access to the Best Care’ is our plan
for the future but we won’t get there overnight.
Change will come gradually as we work to establish
a health care system that is accessible, provides
great care, and remains vital and effective for years
to come.
Celebration 2008 raises $5.6 million
Something to cheer about – Volunteers, patients, supporters and HHS staff celebrate the final figure of $5,616,424 donated during the Celebration
telethon. Since its inception, the annual telethon has raised almost $38 million in support of the world-class care, research and education happening
at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Thank you to all donors and participants involved in this year’s Celebration.
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Quintuple bypass surgery patient gets a second chance
arrived, Dave was defibrillated five times and had
two more cardiac arrests during the 30-minute
drive to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre
where he stayed in an induced coma for more than
a month.
In the month of September, Dave came close to
dying several times. He had a blood infection,
lung infection, bladder infection and tracheotomy
infection. He developed an allergy to the
antibiotics and his arms, legs and torso were
covered in bumpy red blotches.
At one point, his doctor asked his family to discuss
medical directives. It was possible he would suffer
severe brain damage and live the rest of his life in a
vegetative state. His family stayed positive and his
brother-in-law was determined to see him golfing
and fishing again by the next Victoria Day long
weekend.
Gone fishin’ – Dave Kendall’s life was saved
at Hamilton General Hospital after receiving
quintuple heart bypass surgery.
When Dave Kendall and his wife Lori left their
home in Niagara Falls in August 2007 for a
fishing trip in Peterborough, one they’ve taken
several times a year over the past 10 years, they
never expected Dave wouldn’t return home until
November. Today, he’s grateful he was able to
return at all.
The last thing Dave, 52, remembers was feeling
dizzy as he got ready for bed at the cottage. He
suffered a heart attack and collapsed on the bed.
The cottage is in a remote location with limited cell
phone reception. While his wife desperately tried
to call 911, two of his neighbours - a firefighter
and a nurse - performed CPR for 45 minutes while
waiting for an ambulance. When the ambulance
In October, Dave was brought out of sedation
and taken off the ventilator. He appeared to be
recovering and began talking and walking again.
However, shortly after, he suffered another
cardiac arrest. His doctor determined he required
an emergency angioplasty and immediately
transferred him to St. Michael’s Hospital in
Toronto where an angiogram indicated Dave had
severe coronary artery disease and at least one of
his arteries was blocked 100 per cent.
Doctors at St. Michael’s Hospital recommended
bypass surgery, however they felt there were far
too many risk factors for him to have the surgery at
that time. Dave was still far too weak. He already
had a brain injury, had been intubated a number of
times and had a tracheotomy.
Dave was then transferred back to Peterborough to
get stronger for surgery. But given he had suffered
two more heart failures in the past two weeks,
his doctor in Peterborough knew he had to have
surgery immediately.
A week later, on October 15, Dave was transferred
to Hamilton General Hospital, a regional cardiac
centre of excellence that specializes in complex
and high-risk cases. Dr. Victor Chu, a specialized
cardiac surgeon, agreed to assess him. Dr. Chu
determined that Dave needed straightforward
bypass surgery but that it could be challenging
because of his complicated condition.
“As a referring centre for tertiary cardiac care, we
see patients like Dave every day,” said Dr. Chu.
“Even when cases seem tough, we do what we can
to facilitate their recovery. It’s gratifying to help
people, make a difference in their life and give
them a chance to get better.”
On October 22, Dr. Victor Chu performed
quintuple heart bypass surgery. Dave came
through the lengthy surgery very well, both
physically and mentally. Remarkably, he has
recovered completely from his ordeal without
injury to his brain.
“The Hamilton General saved my life,” says Dave.
Dave returned home on November 1, only 10 days
after his surgery. Today he has all of his cognitive
functioning, is back to work full-time and enjoying
life again the way it once was. He has now taken
responsibility for his health and is learning more
about his disease. He no longer smokes, he eats fish
five times a week and walks five kilometres a day.
This past Victoria Day long weekend, Dave and
Lori returned to the cottage in Peterborough for
his first fishing trip since his heart attack. “My
vacation was cut short last time,” said Dave. “I had
a fishing trip to make up for.”
Hamilton Health Sciences wins award for excellence in patient safety
Hamilton Health Sciences is the 2008 recipient
of the Government of Ontario’s inaugural
Dr. William Sibbald Award for Excellence in
Patient Safety. This award recognizes excellence
and innovation in the development and
implementation of patient safety initiatives across
the health care system. The $25,000 award is
granted to an organization that demonstrates
excellence in system innovation, knowledge
translation, advocacy or research in patient safety.
On April 15, at a ceremony at McMaster
University Medical Centre, Dr. Adalsteinn Brown,
Assistant Deputy Minister of the Health System
Strategy Division of the Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care, presented the award to
Hamilton Health Sciences representatives for
their patient safety triads and networks. Triads are
unit- or area-based teams of staff who champion
for patient safety. They are usually made up
of a manager, front-line staff member
and physician. Broader networks of
multidisciplinary, multi-site triad
members come together
bi-monthly to share successful initiatives and
ideas and collaborate on solutions to patient safety
challenges.
“Your ‘Triads and Networks’ project was a clear
winner amongst many high-calibre applications,”
wrote The Honourable George Smitherman,
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in a letter
of congratulations. “This initiative demonstrates
innovation, leadership, and a true commitment to
improving the safety culture within your hospital.”
“The members of the patient safety triads and
networks are the quiet heroes of the patient safety
movement here at Hamilton Health Sciences,”
said Murray Martin, President and CEO,
Hamilton Health Sciences. “As champions of
patient safety, these dedicated staff members make
contributions that are saving lives and improving
patient outcomes, and they do this in addition to
their everyday responsibilities.”
“The implementation of patient safety triads and
networks has created a collaborative teamwork
approach to patient safety at Hamilton Health
Sciences,” said Teresa Smith, Assistant Vice
President of Quality, Patient Safety and Clinical
Resource Management. “It has also resulted in
many improvement projects related to patient
safety and an enhanced patient safety culture
across our four hospital sites. This award is really
about Hamilton Health Sciences’ collective effort
to keep patients safe.”
The Dr. William Sibbald Award for Excellence in
Patient Safety is named after the late Dr. Sibbald,
a pioneer in critical care medicine and a champion
of improvements in patient safety system-wide.
Safety pays – Teresa Smith, Assistant Vice
President of Quality, Patient Safety and Clinical
Resource Management, thanks HHS staff
for their contributions to patient safety at a
ceremony in which Hamilton Health Sciences
was honoured with the Ontario government’s
inaugural Dr. William Sibbald Award for
Excellence in Patient Safety.
Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER
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Introducing this year’s Cornerstone Award winners
Since 1994, Hamilton Health Sciences and the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation have recognized the exemplary leadership of donors, volunteers, and staff
of our hospitals by honouring individuals with Cornerstone Awards.
This year’s winners were recognized during a special dinner and celebration on April 9 at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The recipients are:
Dr. Charles E. Cunningham
Brenda Flaherty
Nancy Hemrica
Charles (Chuck) Cunningham’s contribution to
health care, research and education, locally at
Hamilton Health Sciences as well as nationally
and internationally, has made a significant impact
on his colleagues, partners and peers, and most
importantly on the children and families who
experience a higher quality of life because of his
dedication.
Brenda Flaherty began her career with Hamilton
Health Sciences as an Emergency Department
nurse in 1980. Since then, she has had many
career opportunities in clinical and leadership
roles. In addition to serving as Associate Director
of Nursing, she has been Vice-President Patient
Services and Site Administrator for both Henderson
General Hospital and Hamilton General Hospital.
Brenda has also been instrumental in creating and
overseeing Hamilton Health Sciences’ Management
Service Agreement - an innovative alliance with
four community hospitals.
Nancy Hemrica, Organ and Tissue Donation
Coordinator, Trillium Gift of Life Network,
is part of a team that has led Hamilton
Health Sciences’ organ donation program to
outstanding achievements in the province. In
only three years, HHS has become the leading
donation site in Canada -- enabling 32 multiple
donations in the past year alone, resulting in
over 100 successful transplants.
As a psychologist at McMaster Children’s
Hospital, the Clinical Director of the Community
Education Service and a Professor in the
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural
Neurosciences at McMaster University, where he
holds the Jack Laidlaw Chair in Patient-Centred
Health Care, Chuck has spent his entire 30-year
career at Hamilton Health Sciences, starting at
Chedoke Hospital in 1977.
With an international reputation for developing
and conducting innovative research that examines
the utilization, cost effectiveness, and outcome
of interventions for children and youth with
behavioural problems and selective mutism,
Chuck’s groundbreaking work has left an indelible
mark on the lives of many patients and families
around the world.
Chuck has also been involved in the development
and evaluation of programs to combat some of
today’s most pressing issues for children and
families including bullying and violence at schools.
His work spans the globe and his practices and
research have been adopted across North America
and as far away as Sweden and Japan.
As Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster
University’s School of Nursing, she mentors
students and is dedicated to inspiring future
generations of health care professionals. She
also regularly gives presentations to a variety of
audiences on topics ranging from patient safety to
balancing work and family life.
As a resident of Hamilton, Brenda is devoted
to giving back to her community. She actively
volunteers in a number of capacities and is
currently Chair of the Board of Directors for the
YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington, and has served
as the Chair of the Board of the North Hamilton
Community Health Centre.
Brenda has received numerous awards for
her community involvement and professional
achievements, including the Association of Ontario
Health Centres’ ‘Health is a Community Affair’
Award, Mohawk College’s Alumni Award and
the Athena Award, presented by the Hamilton
Chamber of Commerce.
Nancy is first and foremost committed to
the physical, emotional and spiritual care of
patients and their families, sometimes working
48 hours straight to ensure their needs are met.
She also supports the staff who have cared for
the patient and those who will participate in the
retrieval process. She has been available to our
patients, families and staff at all hours of the
day and night.
Nancy nurtures the human spirit of those who
are likely facing the worst tragedy of their
lives, and does so with kindness, empathy and
compassion, often sharing stories and tears
with families of transplant patients. She assists
families through the donation recovery process
by holding patients’ hands, relaying the last
words that were spoken on behalf of a loved
one, and providing compassionate and dignified
care of the patient both during and after
surgery.
Nancy is a registered nurse and has been a
dedicated Hamilton Health Sciences employee
for more than 25 years.
Like peas in a pod: cool new room for JCC tykes
On their way to play –Special guests, 11-year-old Kaleb
and five-year-old Keaton have the honour of cutting the
ceremonial ribbon to mark the grand opening of The Pod, the
new pediatric radiation waiting room at the Juravinski Cancer
Centre. Celebrating with the pair are JCC supporters from
the Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M., Dr. Pam Milroy, President
and Peter Neziol, Foundation Chair. The Pod was made
possible by a generous donation from the Rotary Club of
Ancaster A.M. The Pod has a cheerfully bright colour palette
and is loaded with children’s must-have toys, from cool
board games to the latest video game systems. It creates
an environment that allows kids to be kids during a difficult
time in their lives
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Breast reconstructive surgery: providing options for women
This is a story about four women who faced breast
cancer and emerged stronger in spirit and wiser
from experience. For each woman, undergoing a
mastectomy became part of the journey to a new
beginning.
While Josie Bespolko chose to have a mastectomy
to prevent the spread of early stage breast cancer,
Judy Porter, Cindy Cwiertniewski and Maria
Eisenring, each decided to undergo a double
mastectomy to reduce their risk of developing
breast cancer due to inherited gene mutations.
But the journey to wellness does not have to end
after a mastectomy. In fact, for Josie, Judy, Cindy
and Maria, it was just the turning point.
For many women who face the prospect of losing
their breast(s) due to cancer, breast reconstructive
surgery is an option. The goal of breast
reconstruction is to provide symmetry so patients
are reminded less of their cancer diagnosis. In
breast reconstruction a soft supple mound is
created using either implants or autologous tissue
(the patient’s own tissue). A reconstructed nipple
and areola can also be included. The timing for
breast reconstruction can be immediate (at the
same time as mastectomy), early (three to four
months following mastectomy) or late (three
months or more after mastectomy).
What is essential for women in deciding if
breast reconstruction is right for them is
information and expert guidance from health care
professionals. At the Juravinski Cancer Centre
(JCC), surgeons including Dr. Nicole Hodgson,
Surgical Oncologist and Dr. Arianna Dal Cin,
Head of Service in Plastic Surgery, work together
to provide patients with comprehensive and
complete breast cancer care.
As part of the JCC’s multidisciplinary approach
to cancer care, breast cancer patients meet with
their surgeon when exploring surgical treatment
plans, and if candidates, they are then referred
to Dr. Dal Cin to discuss breast reconstruction
options. The involvement of both physicians in
care planning is essential in helping patients make
informed decisions.
For Cindy, who found out through genetic
testing that she was a carrier of the BRCA 1
gene mutation and had up to an 80 per cent risk
of developing breast cancer in her lifetime (the
average woman has an 11 per cent risk), speaking
with Dr. Hodgson and Dr. Dal Cin helped
her decide to undergo a double skin sparing
mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction
with TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle)
flap reconstruction – a procedure which uses
tissue and muscle from the lower abdominal
wall to create the breast mound. Although the
physical changes from both procedures may be
overwhelming for many women, Cindy says both
doctors helped her choose her care route.
“Dr. Hodgson and Dr. Dal Cin enabled me to
make an informed decision because they cared
about me. From the initial explanations of breast
cancer and my options to preparing me for
surgery, they made sure I understood all the facts
so there were no surprises along the way,” said
Cindy.
Inside the operating room, Dr. Hodgson and
Dr. Dal Cin work together to make a positive
difference for their patients. This was certainly
true for 33-year-old breast cancer survivor, Maria
Eisenring, who underwent a double skin sparing
mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with
final silicone implants (tissue expansion was not
required in this case).
The choice is theirs – Women who have mastectomies at the Juravinski Cancer Centre have multiple
options for breast reconstructive surgery, if they choose. From left: Josie Bespolko, mastectomy
patient, Dr. Nicole Hodgson, Surgical Oncologist, Cindy Cwiertniewski, mastectomy patient, Judy Porter,
mastectomy patient and Dr. Arianna Dal Cin, Head of Service in Plastic Surgery.
In this highly coordinated procedure, both
surgeons are in the operating room at the
same time – after Dr. Hodgson completes a
mastectomy on one breast, Dr. Dal Cin begins
the reconstruction process. Although not every
patient is a candidate, for those who are, it can
help make the experience more positive.
“I was extremely lucky. I went into surgery with
two breasts and came out with two breasts,” said
Maria. “Mentally, this was a huge deal and I’m
grateful to both doctors for what they have done
for me.”
The experience can also be positive for patients
who undergo delayed breast reconstruction. Josie,
51, was advised by her physician to delay breast
reconstruction after a mastectomy. In the interim,
Josie wore a prosthesis but was anxious to move
ahead with the final surgery. After meeting with
Dr. Dal Cin to discuss her options, Josie made
the choice to go with TRAM flap reconstruction.
In September 2007, two years after her initial
diagnosis Josie underwent breast reconstructive
surgery. She emerged from the procedure feeling
like she had been given a second chance.
“I couldn’t believe how I felt after the operation,”
recalled Josie. “I felt whole again, I felt renewed
and I looked good. I felt sexy for the first time in
two years.”
Judy Porter, a 45-year-old cancer survivor who
carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation, was also
happy with her outcome after recently going
through exchange surgery to complete the
breast reconstruction process. A tissue expander
was used as part of skin sparing surgery when
Judy underwent a double mastectomy. Since
then, Judy has regularly visited Dr. Dal Cin for
saline injections in order to stretch her skin in
preparation for the final implants. Despite the
long process, Judy is just glad she has chosen a route
that will help reduce her chances of getting breast
cancer. Her advice to other women going through a
similar experience is to focus on the positive and to
know and understand all their options.
“Knowledge and information is key to making a
decision that is right for you,” said Judy.
Ultimately, the decision for breast reconstruction
rests on the type and stage of breast cancer,
the patient’s overall well being, as well as the
individual’s choice. Dr. Hodgson understands
these decisions are personal but wants women to
have enough information and resources to make
informed decisions.
“Moving forward, a lot more can be done
to support women in their decision making
process. A coordinated support system involving
social workers and psychologists would be of
value to women in helping them understand
reconstruction outcomes,” said Dr. Hodgson.
In keeping with this, a new breast reconstruction
clinic is being established at the JCC. The clinic
will be available to mastectomy patients who are
candidates for breast reconstruction. The main
purpose of the clinic will be to provide patients
with options on breast reconstruction – but
Dr. Dal Cin is quick to point out that the overall
well being of the patient is the priority in all
care decisions being considered.
“Foremost, our objective is to provide patients
with the most effective treatment for cancer. And
among patients who are candidates, our goal is
not to have a 100 per cent rate of reconstruction,
but to provide them with information to make a
choice that is right for them,” said Dr. Dal Cin.
Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER
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Climbing mountains for cancer
Private foundation offers
a way for Florence to
make an impact
Florence
Martin
believes she has a
personal responsibility
to do what she can to
make her community
a better place.
Florence, now in her
92nd year, was born
in Vineland and later
moved to the Grimsby
area. As a young
Florence Martin
woman,
Florence
began volunteering with the Jordan Historical
Museum, eventually becoming curator of the
Grimsby Historical Society, a volunteer role that
spanned 21 years. She volunteered with the Red
Cross, Christmas Seals, Canadian Cancer Society,
and the Children’s Aid Society. Through her
various volunteer roles, Florence became very
well known and respected in her community. In
1960, to honour her selfless spirit, the Grimsby
Lion’s Club named Florence its Citizen of the
Year. Almost a quarter of a century later, the
Grimsby Chamber of Commerce followed that
up, awarding her Citizen of the Year in 1984.
Florence is also a savvy donor. For many years
she made gifts to a number of charitable causes,
but then she found it increasingly difficult to
keep track of what charities she was giving to,
how much she was giving, and how often she
was making her gifts. Florence had a discussion
with her financial advisor about ways in which
she could better manage and organize her
charitable giving, and how she could make sure
her favorite organizations continued to receive
her support even after her death. Her advisor
told her how people who wanted to make a
significant financial investment in charitable
works could set up a private foundation
Florence took her advisor’s advice and did just
that, establishing the Charles and Florence
Martin Foundation, in honour of her parents.
Florence feels that with her Foundation, she is
able to take a more active role in determining
how she can make a difference. For someone
who has given as much to her community as
Florence, that can be really important.
Florence has been a long-time supporter of
Hamilton Health Sciences, particularly the
Hamilton General Hospital and McMaster
Children’s Hospital, and as such, she has chosen
the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation as
one of the recipients of her charitable giving.
She supports the General Hospital because
she had her own very personal experience as a
patient several years ago when she underwent
an angioplasty procedure to fix some problems
with her heart. She credits this procedure with
allowing her to enjoy continued good health
and longevity. She gives to McMaster Children’s
Hospital because of her love of children.
Florence believes that making sure everyone
has access to the best health care is a shared
responsibility. “Our hospitals need our help,”
says Florence. “If we could all give a little or
do a little bit, it would benefit everyone in our
community.”
For more information on gift planning, please
contact Lisa Gonnering, Senior Legacy Giving
Officer, at (905) 522-3863 Ext. 44244 or go
online to www.hamiltonhealth.ca
6
Help make something great even greater
Stepping up to the challenge – More than 400 participants climbed Hamilton’s
Chedoke stairs to raise money for the Juravinski Cancer Centre during the Climb for
Cancer event on April 26.
Ask Brian Humphrey what climbing Hamilton’s mountain has to do with cancer and he’ll
explain. “For people living with cancer, the challenges they face might be compared to trying to
climb Mount Everest; they fight with everything they have to conquer it. In a way, the cancer
becomes their own personal Everest. In Hamilton, we don’t have a Mount Everest, but we do
have a mountain,” said Brian.
Brian is a partner in Integrated Active Living Inc., a business located in downtown Hamilton
that is committed to helping individuals, groups, and companies live more physically active and
healthy lives. So Brian took his passion for healthy living and a desire to help and created the
Climb for Cancer, with all proceeds benefitting the Juravinski Cancer Centre (JCC).
The annual climb, which began in 2007, consists of 289 steps up the Chedoke stairs on
Hamilton’s escarpment. The stairs represent the enormous number of challenges faced by
people who are living with cancer. “At the top of Hamilton’s mountain is the Juravinski Cancer
Centre,” says Brian. “It’s a place that represents hope to a lot of people. Right here in our own
city, we have a facility that is second to none in terms of the treatment that’s offered and the
research that’s taking place. It’s important to me to support it because, who knows, one day I
might need it, or a member of my family might need it.”
By all accounts, the climb is gaining momentum. This year’s event, which took place on
Saturday, April 26, welcomed 400 participants. Combined, they climbed the equivalent of
Mount Everest 27 times (at just over 29,000 feet, Everest is the tallest mountain in the world)
and raised more than $38,000. By comparison, last year’s event hosted 264 people who
‘climbed Everest’ 17 times, raising over $23,000.
“Anyone can do this,” emphasizes Brian. “You don’t have to be an athlete. People of all ages
come out; some walk the stairs, some run.” Teams register in groups of four and each team
climbs up and down the stairs as many times as possible in one hour. Each team member makes
a minimum $20 donation and also collects pledges of support.
“I wanted this event to be a testament to the spirit and courage of people who are battling
cancer right now and to honour those who have lost their battle with cancer. It’s also a
celebration of the JCC and the incredible people who work there.”
Brian gets excited when he talks about next year’s goal. “I don’t have an actual fundraising
number in mind, but if we can double this year’s proceeds, I’ll be thrilled. Mostly, this is about
continuing to raise awareness of the Cancer Centre. People can feel good about donating to the
JCC because they know their money will stay right here in our region to benefit everyone who
needs cancer care.”
To find out more about the Climb for Cancer, go to www.ialfitness.com.
To make a donation to the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation, visit www.jccfoundation.on.ca
or call Jill Anderson, Senior Development Officer, at (905) 522-3863.
H a m i l t o n
h e a l t h
sc i e n c e s
a n d
h a m i l t o n
h e a l t h
sc i e n c e s
f o u n d a t i o n
Small touch, big difference
Kids just want to be kids. But when you are a
child with cancer and your days are occupied
by hospital visits, life isn’t fun and games. Two
medical professionals from Juravinski Cancer
Centre have helped change the lives of children
with cancer. Radiation therapist, Michele Cardoso
and registered nurse, Hilda Dubé received Cancer
Care Ontario’s 2008 Human Touch Award, which
recognizes and honours health care professionals
for providing exceptional and compassionate care
to cancer patients.
Michele and Hilda have worked with McMaster
Children’s Hospital since 2006 to develop a
Pediatric Radiation Therapy Program to improve
the radiation process for children. The program
provides a welcoming environment for both
children and their families.
Michele and Hilda have a personal and
professional commitment to the continual
improvement of patient care. Part of top-quality
patient care involves forging relationships
with patients. Michele and Hilda are primary
contacts for both children and their families and
communicate with them throughout the entire
radiation process. They take the time to listen
and understand to ensure all patients and their
families have the best experience possible. They
assess and identify needs and concerns to develop
individualized plans of care.
“Radiation treatment can be scary for anyone,
but especially for our young children,” said Hilda.
“The treatment of pediatric cancer is truly a team
effort. This innovative program allows us to involve
families and kids in their care so that the journey
to recovery is a safe and positive one.”
In their continuing effort to optimize patient
safety and clinical care, Michele has experimented
with various available techniques to reduce the
use of sedation during treatment. With additional
coaching and the use of a portable DVD player,
the number and age of children requiring sedation
has been decreased.
The team transforms the series of radiation
treatments into an accomplishment. After each
completed treatment, children are rewarded
with a coloured bead and a toy of their choice.
They receive individualized calendars featuring
their favourite characters and mark off each
treatment day with a sticker. Those with
an immobilization device even get to
decorate their own mould with their
choice of colour and design. Once all
radiation treatments are completed,
Michele and Hilda organize a special
graduation ceremony to celebrate the
child’s accomplishment.
impact their work has is evident in the positive
experiences of the children and families they care
for. The ‘human touch’ is evident in every aspect
of Michele and Hilda’s work. It is this touch, this
extra care in all they do, that lets kids just be kids.”
Above and beyond – Michelle Cardoso,
Radiation Therapist, and Hilda Dubé,
Registered Nurse, received a Human Touch
Award from Cancer Care Ontario for providing
exceptional care to cancer patients.
“Michele and Hilda are
leaders with an unwavering
commitment to innovative
and compassionate patient
care that does not go
unnoticed by their peers,”
said Marcia Smoke,
Manager, Radiation
Therapy. “Their
work is significant
to the continuous
improvement of
professional practice.
But the biggest and
perhaps most important
Community raises $70,000 in Wal-Mart Canada’s Walk for Miracles
On Sunday, June 8, more than 300 participants
- friends, family and neighbours - came out
to Hamilton’s Confederation Park for the 2nd
annual Wal-Mart Walk for Miracles, raising
over $70,000 in support of children’s hospitals
across Canada. Hamilton’s Walk was just one
of 12 that took place from coast to coast. Jacob
Jones, Children’s Miracle Network “champion,”
representing McMaster Children’s Hospital, led
Hamilton’s walk this year.
Walks also took place in Vancouver, Calgary,
Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London,
Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and
St. John’s. Walkers had the choice of a 1 km
walk, a 5 km walk or the ‘silly’ walk, where
participants were encouraged to get creative
and dress up, skip, hop or join together as a
family for a three-legged walk.
Dr. Peter Steer, President of McMaster
Children’s Hospital, expressed his appreciation
to everyone involved. “On behalf of everyone
at McMaster Children’s Hospital, thank you
to Wal-Mart Canada for all of their hard work
in organizing this event year after year. And
special thanks to those who came out to walk or
pledge their support; you’ve outdone yourselves
this year! Hamilton and the surrounding region
has a world-class pediatric hospital, and it’s
made possible because of people like you.
Thank you for opening your hearts.”
To find out more about how you can support
McMaster Children’s Hospital or the Wal-Mart
Walk for Miracles, visit online at www.mackids.
ca or call (905) 522-3863.
Walking for kids – The fifth annual Wal-Mart Walk for Miracles took place in cities across
Canada. Hamilton participants raised $70,000 for children’s hospitals across the nation.
Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER
7
H e a l t h
I n f o r m a t i o n
f o r
a l l
t h e
s e a s o n s
Giving from the heart
Giving back – Thomas Colwell gives
an annual donation to Hamilton General
Hospital after receiving great care during
cardiac surgery he had three years ago.
upcoming surgery because he knew he was in
very capable hands at the General, a centre of
excellence in cardiac and vascular care.
Just weeks after being diagnosed, Tom’s
cardiac surgery was performed. “The surgery
went incredibly well,” recalls Tom. “Eight
days after the operation, I was back in my own
home.” Tom felt like he’d been given a new
lease on life.
Thomas Colwell was 73 when he started having
difficulty breathing. He’d had asthma as a
younger man, but it hadn’t bothered him in
years. Assuming the asthma had returned, Tom
went to see his family doctor. The physician
referred Tom to Dr. Lloyd Semelhago, a
cardiac surgeon at Hamilton General Hospital,
who told Tom that his breathing trouble had
nothing to do with asthma. Tom’s heart valve
was functioning very poorly and his coronary
arteries were clogged. Surgery was required as
soon as possible.
Tom admits he’d never really been concerned
about his heart health even though there
was a history of heart disease in his family.
Although Dr. Semelhago’s news surprised
him, Tom wasn’t nervous or afraid of the
It’s now three years after the surgery and
there’s no stopping him. He enjoys a busy
schedule as a volunteer driver working with
physically challenged children. He also runs
errands for neighbours who are not able to get
about as easily as he can. “I volunteer because
I am able to. I’m lucky to be active so I want to
help people who aren’t as mobile as I am. It’s
my way of giving back. I owe my good health
to the medical team at Hamilton General,
and I give back to them by way of an annual
donation. My mom used to say ‘There’s no use
living to be 90 if you can’t help out others.’ She
was right.”
To find out how you can support the
Hamilton General Hospital please visit
www.hamiltonhealth.ca or call Christopher
Beckett, Director, Cardiac, Vascular & Stroke
Fundraising Council at (905) 522-3863
Ext. 43175.
Coming Events
6th Annual Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen®
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Participating Dairy Queen® locations in our region will donate proceeds from every Blizzard®
sold to McMaster Children’s Hospital, a member of Children’s Miracle Network. For more
information, call Sarah DeLuca at the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (905) 522-3863
Ext. 43728.
4th Annual Freddy the 13th Motorcycle Ride
(in memory of Frederick Gauld)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Ride starts in Caledonia in the Beer Store parking lot at 11 a.m. and ends in Port Dover.
Proceeds to support neuro-oncology research at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. For more
details or to make a donation, call Steve at (905) 387-9495 Ext. 67060, or Michelle at the
Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation (905) 575-6380.
Boston Scientif ic Ltd. 17th Annual Open Heart
Open Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sundrim Golf Course, Highway 6, Caledonia at 1 p.m. Entry fees include lunch, driving range,
complimentary golf cart, roast beef dinner, a prize for every golfer and the awards ceremony.
Proceeds to the Cardiac & Vascular Program at Hamilton General Hospital. For more information
or to register, call the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation at (905) 522-3863.
The Bright Run/ Walk
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Bright Run/ Walk, benefiting breast cancer research at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, takes
place at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governors Road, Dundas. Participate in
a 1 km or 5 km walk or a 5 km or 10 km run. The day starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
On-line registration and pledge forms available at www.jcc.hhsc.ca or call Michelle at
(905) 521-2100 ext. 66382.
8
Thank you to our sponsor Pegasus Direct Mail Worx
o f
y o u r
l i f e
Retired physician pays
tribute to family and
Hamilton Health Sciences
Back in 1972 when the Hamilton General
Hospital and the Henderson General
Hospital together formed Hamilton Civic
Hospitals, a young Dr. George Gerula
embarked on a long and rewarding career
in anesthesiology. Dividing his time equally
between the General and the Henderson,
Dr. Gerula worked as an anesthesiologist for
28 years, retiring in 2000.
Earlier this year, Dr. Gerula made a generous
donation to Hamilton Health Sciences
Foundation in honour of several family
members, including his mother, father
and two brothers. “My decision to give to
Hamilton Health Sciences was influenced
by three things: first, my family was my
support system, especially during those
years at medical school and the early days
of my career. This gift is a tribute to their
dedication. Secondly, in later years, HHS
touched their lives in a more personal way,
as patients. So this gift is also a way for
me to express my gratitude for the care
they were provided. Lastly, I have a great
affinity for HHS, having spent a good part
of my life working there. As a doctor, I know
firsthand how much it costs to provide care.
I’m pleased to do what I can for the hospitals
that have played such an important role in
my life.”
Donors just like Dr. Gerula share Hamilton
Health Sciences Foundation’s (HHSF)
commitment to a healthier future. HHSF
relies on the generosity of everyone who
lives and works across the region to ensure
HHS medical teams have the best tools,
the most modern facilities and the latest in
technology to help people when they need
it most.
To learn more about making a gift to the
Hamilton Health Sciences family of hospitals,
please visit www.hamiltonhealth.ca or call
(905) 522-3863.
If you have questions or comments
about Seasons, please contact us at:
Hamilton Health Sciences
Public Relations & Communications
McMaster University Medical Centre
Room 2E38, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4J9
Telephone (905) 521-2100, ext. 75387
Email: publicrelations@hhsc.ca
Web site: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
P.O. Box 739, LCD 1,
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3M8
Telephone (905) 522-3863
Email: info@hamiltonhealth.ca
Web site: www.hamiltonhealth.ca
Editor - Carly Baxter
Writers - Laura Bruccoleri, Carrie Gabla,
Jennifer Kramer, Melissa Macdonald,
Christine Moon, Vel Snoukphonh
Photographers - Peter Foulds,
Bridget Greer, Irma Longo, Craig Peters
Graphics - Nadia DiTraglia