Past Recipients of the Cornerstone Awards
2009
Dr. Ronald Barr and Dr. Mohan Pai, two Hamilton Health Sciences physicians who are
co-recipients of one award, have careers spanning more than three decades. They have
helped to build a world-class pediatric hematology/oncology program at McMaster
Children's Hospital. At the same time, they have led research and advocacy initiatives
that have impacted patient care practices far beyond Hamilton.
Shirley Elford, as an artist, has shared her talents with Hamilton Health Sciences by
creating and donating handcrafted glass awards, including the annual Cornerstone
Awards. But her art is only one dimension of Shirley's dedication to Hamilton Health
Sciences. As a volunteer, she has been a board member, event organizer and ambassador.
Over the years, she has contributed to the success of Hamilton Health Sciences’ “Mend a
Broken Heart” campaign, annual Research Gala and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Highland Secondary School - The students and teachers have demonstrated incredible
commitment to health care through their participation in a variety of special events and
programs. These Dundas students have fundraised for McMaster Children's Hospital and
the teachers have donated their time and talent to create scenarios that are used by
McMaster's medical school.
2008
Charles E. Cunningham - For his contribution to health care, research and education,
locally at Hamilton Health Sciences as well as nationally and internationally. Chuck 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. Chuck lead a team which developed 'Quality Counts' - a quality improvement
process across all programs at McMaster Children's Hospital. He also developed the
Community parent Education (COPE) program to help families develop skills to help
their children.
Brenda Flaherty - For her multitude of contributions to Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS),
the health care profession and the community. Brenda is the Executive Vice President of
Clinical Operations at HHS and has played a number of leadership roles outside the
organization including Chair of the Board of the YMCA of Hamilton Burlington, Board
Chair for the North Hamilton Community Health Centre and a member of the Canadian
Stroke Steering Committee. As Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University's
School of Nursing, mentors students and is dedicated to inspiring future generations of
health care professionals. Brenda has also been instrumental in overseeing Hamilton
Health Sciences' Management Service Agreement - an innovative alliance with five
community hospitals.
Nancy Hemrica - For her commitment, dedication and leadership as Coordinator of the
Organ and Tissue Donation program at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). Nancy and her
team have worked collaboratively with others to lead Hamilton Heath Sciences'
participation in the Donation after Cardia Death (DCD) policy that is consistent with
national guidelines and provides for patient-and-family centred end of life care. It is this
commitment to organ donation and the Trillium Gif of Life program that has impacted
organ donation at HHS substantially. In only three years, HHS has become the leading
donation site in Canada.
2007
Stella Bester - For her passion and dedication that changed the lives of many members of
the community living with acquired brain injury (ABI). As a former Clinical Manager
for the Acquired Brain Injury program at Hamilton Health Sciences, and provincial
advocate and advisor for persons living with ABI, Stella was revered for her positive
attitude, encouragement and leadership and is also respected by hundreds of families in
the province.
Margaret and Charles Juravinski – For supporting health care in Hamilton. To-date the
Juravinski’s have donated more than $43 million to improving health care in Hamilton.
They also give generously of their time, and participate on a number of local boards and
committees and also encourage others to give back to their community.
Dr. Robert Hollenberg – For being a longstanding pediatric neurosurgeon serving centralwest Ontario, offering on-call emergency service 24-hours a day for the past 25 years,
making himself available to care for those precious youth who are in need. Dr.
Hollenberg keeps family members informed and active in their child’s care. He also is an
innovator in the realm of surgical education at McMaster University and encouraged the
development of the neurosciences surgical program, in which he now serves as the
Director.
2006
Donald Weber – For being one of the most respected practitioners of orthotics in Canada,
and for his commitment to customizing the best possible orthotics for his patients. Don
created a diagram-based assessment form to bridge all language barriers in the creation of
orthotics. Today, this tool has been adopted by Hamilton Health Sciences as a visual
assessment aid for orthotists.
Connie Smith and Dan McLean – For their commitment to the City of Hamilton’s
volunteer organizations and ongoing support of health care projects at Hamilton Health
Sciences. They are both leaders in their field, and have set a high standard for aspiring
journalists while further highlighting the important role of community volunteerism.
Dr. Douglas Allan Holder – For helping to establish world-class cardiac care right here in
Hamilton. Dr. Holder was the first to perform Hamilton’s first coronary angioplasty in
1982 and advocates for improvements in cardiac care at both the local and provincial
level. He is also credited for his passion for educating others.
2005
Dr. Justin de Beer - For his research and dedication to the advancement of joint
replacement in the Hamilton region. He was also acknowledged for his dedication to his
patients’ well being, education and empowerment - all of which has greatly impacted the
delivery of care and quality of life for many people in Hamilton-Wentworth.
Bruce Wilson - For his volunteer work at Hamilton Health Sciences and in the
community, raising awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s
disease. Bruce also worked with the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster
University as a resource to students studying the needs of the physically challenged. His
work with students in advancing the awareness of disability issues, recently earned him a
designation as Professional Associate.
Diana Tikasz – For her role as Coordinator of the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence
Care Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences, Diana has made major contributions to assist
victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Hamilton. She has spearheaded
various information campaigns and is an active lobbyist and advocate for victims of
sexual assault. Whether in the community, the courthouse or the hospital, Diana is a
leader, an advocate and an inspiration to all.
2004
Dr. Peter Fitzgerald – For his dedication and commitment to establish McMaster
Children’s Hospital as one of North America’s leading centres for minimal access
pediatric surgery. As one of Hamilton Health Sciences’ finest pediatric surgeons, he is
also a teacher to young surgeons both within North America and beyond. He has been
described as loyal, dedicated and indefatigable.
In addition Dr. Fitzgerald is a loyal supporter of the Hamilton Health Sciences
Foundation, offering both his financial support and his time. Year after year, Dr.
Fitzgerald volunteers to help host and participate in the McMaster Children’s Hospital
Celebration.
Pat Mandy - For her passion and dedication to the profession of nursing. She was also
honoured for her active role in keeping the Chedoke Hospital site open when its future
was uncertain and for her involvement in the formation of the first Nurses Union in
Hamilton.
Dr. Robert Cornett (posthumously) - For his dedication to helping others, which extended
far beyond the bedside. In his many years at Hamilton Health Sciences, Dr. Cornett made
an impression on patients, staff, students and the community through his steadfast
leadership abilities, exceptional good nature and his expertise as a physician and a
teacher. His lasting legacy to Hamilton Health Sciences, the Foundation and everyone
who had the pleasure of knowing him continues to distinguish him as one of the
hospital’s greatest influencers and supporters.
2003
Ms. Charlotte Daniels - For her commitment, teamwork, leadership and unwavering
dedication to excellence in patient care and education.
Dr. Michael Marcaccio - For the patients of today, he lends his expertise and experience
with compassion and dedication; for the patients of tomorrow, his leadership is shaping
the next generation of caregivers; and for the patients of the future, he is searching for
medical advancements in the treatment and prevention of disease.
Mr. Norman Preece - For his steadfast commitment and momentous contributions to
Hamilton and the healthcare of our community.
Dr. Jack Hirsh – For his leadership, passion for research and commitment to patient care.
Dr. Hirsh has not only dramatically improved health outcomes for patients, but also
ensured the next generation of researchers are optimally prepared to carry the research
torch.
2002
Highview Middle School - For their outstanding generosity through selfless fundraising,
and for molding our community’s future by teaching adolescents the meaning of
compassion and humanity.
Wanda Ostertag - For battling a devastating disease while fundraising for advancements
in patient care, and teaching a community the value of philanthropy and commitment to a
cause.
Kathryn Dorsey - For her humble, empathetic and lifelong contributions to the Hospital
through her commitment to the craft group, making items for the comfort and cheer of
patients.
Dr. Clive Davis - For his exceptional leadership and outstanding commitment to the
highest quality patient care in Internal Medicine, Respirology and Critical Care.
Dr. Suzette Salama - For leading by example and inspiring, activating and supporting
research activities that improve patient care and elevate employee morale.
Reverend John O'Connor - For his unwavering and wholehearted compassion for people
and his dedication towards spiritual care-giving in his work in Chaplaincy Services.
2001
Dr. Michael Greenspan - For his leadership and accomplishments in Urology, Organ
Retrieval and Donations and the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.
The Blood Disorders Unit - Nominated for their exceptional patient care, compassion and
comfort.
Ron Foxcroft - For his support and leadership as Honorary Chair of the Week of the Child
and Youth Committee. HHS is among the organizations and agencies that participated in
this community initiative.
John Stone and Fred Anderton - For their work in organizing the annual Children's
Hospital Golf Classic fundraiser.
Roland Bonenfant - For personally donating approximately $40,000 through various
fundraisers.
Debbie Demers - For leading the Helping Our Parents Through Education (HOPE)
support group, coordinating the annual McMaster Parents Association picnic and chairing
the Foundation's 2001 Secret Garden Gala.
2000
1999
Bill Kamula
Danny McManus
Critical Incident Stress Management
(CISM)
Golden Horseshoe Marathon Team
Dr. Charles Malcolmson
Susan Ward
Dr. Greg O’Connell
Dr. Willie Molloy
Scotiabank
Don Shilton
TPN Program
Irving Zucker
1998
1997
Anne D’Ambrosio
Dofasco
Iain Hentry
Simone Lisselman
Fay Ng
Dr. Frank Baillie
Ron and Gina Fraser
Dale Hails
Hamilton Professional Fire Fighters
Dr. Robert Lofthouse
Elizabeth Shaver
Chester Waxman
1996
Ninalee Craig
Dr. Peter Dent
Dr. Hugo Ewart
1994
Marnie Paikin
William Pigott
The Right Honourable Ellen Fairclough
Ralph Cooper
1995
CHTV Hamilton
Cathy Connelly
Charles Munro
John Pokorski
Dr. Chris Walker