FALL 2018 NEWSLETTER |
ISSUE 12
MSHF.ON.CA
Giving back after experiencing “first-class” cancer care The diagnosis was terrifying. Gerry Clarkson had ovarian cancer. With her husband, Tom, by her side Gerry began chemotherapy at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). The couple soon discovered the Chemotherapy Clinic was a place of incredible hope and compassion. “We’ve always been impressed with the people who work in the Clinic,” says Tom. “Everyone has absolutely always been 100 per cent.” Tom is especially grateful to Dr. Mateya Trinkaus, Gerry’s oncologist. From the beginning, Dr. Trinkaus has consistently gone the extra mile to provide expert care.
“We had emails from Dr. Trinkaus at night answering questions we raised during the day. She called our house personally to see how a treatment had affected Gerry,” says Tom. “Dr. Trinkaus is a gem. I can’t overestimate how good she is.” If you ask Dr. Trinkaus, she’ll tell you it’s a privilege to treat patients during what are often the most frightening, physically taxing and vulnerable moments of their lives. “As a physician, I have the opportunity to help shape cancer care in this growing community,” says Dr. Trinkaus. “The leading inspiration for all the advances we’ve seen in the Chemotherapy Clinic is our patients. We owe them a heartfelt thank you.”
Being treated for cancer is not a happy position to be in but we were looked after in the best possible way at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Tom hopes their story inspires people to think “what can I do to help?”
Our thoughtful supporters are an inspiration too. Your generosity has helped transform the experience for those who are receiving cancer treatment at MSH. Every year, thousands of patients and families access not only the expert health care but the compassionate psychosocial
— Tom Clarkson ...continued on page 2
Giving back continued... care they need throughout their cancer journey. And, our team of four oncologists is committed to growing our educational, palliative and clinical trials programs. “There’s never been a better time to be an oncologist,” says Dr. Trinkaus. “New targeted treatments and better attention to cancer prevention and survivorship have led us to improve the quality of patients’ lives, and ultimately increased the chance of a cure.” In appreciation of the first-class cancer care Gerry was able
to receive, the couple made a generous donation to MSH in honour of Dr. Trinkaus and the team. “The donation is to recognize everyone associated with the road we’ve been on,” says Tom. Tom hopes their story will inspire others to give and has issued a challenge to generous supporters: to match their donations, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. “It’s easy to come to a place like MSH and appreciate the care you receive,” says Tom. “Today I encourage you to take the next step and think about how everything comes together – the expertise of the staff, the equipment and technology.
Dr. Mateya Trinkaus
Think about what you can do to help ensure that the next person who comes here receives the same first-class care and treatment.”
Because of You
Linell with SimMan®
SimMan® Simon is MSH’s very first SimMan®. Providing an innovative approach to training, orientation and refresher days for our staff, Simon will enable our team to run replicated patient scenarios – including mock scenarios of cardiac arrest – in our Sim Lab or in actual units. Thank you to our incredible community who helped us purchase our new mannequin, and to Linell Curr for naming him.
Alongside Midwifery Unit (AMU) The transformation of the AMU – including renovations, furnishings and equipment – is thanks in part to the generosity of our donors. This ground-breaking unit allows MSH to be the hospital of choice for women who want a midwife-led birthing experience in a hospital setting. Denyse and Oliver of Markham are the proud parents of Kayne, the first baby boy born in Canada’s first AMU.
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YOUR GIVING IN ACTION
Proud parents with AM U
midwives
The Power of Your Giving I’m proud to work in a community where so many generous people support their local hospital. Thanks to you, there are always stories to share – stories about gratitude and the ever-inspiring power of giving. I hope the following stories will warm your heart and remind you that, as a supporter, you’re part of something truly special.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Thank you for your generosity and inspiration.
2018 Raffle of Hope
MSH Foundation CEO Suzette Strong
Sudhindra and Smriti Sarkar invited family and friends to celebrate their 5oth Wedding Anniversary by supporting MSH with a gift. Then they matched that gift amount themselves! Having a grandson who was born at MSH, the Sarkars are also grateful Congratulations to the Sarkars for the care they received in the Emergency Department. They think of MSH as “our hospital” in our community and feel giving back instead of receiving gifts is a meaningful way to say “Thank You.” When asked about plans for their 6oth, the couple laughed and said “we haven’t thought about that yet.”
Purchase now: 1-833-MSH-BEEP or raffleofhope.info
Angus Glen Fall Race Weekend Sunday, November 4, 2018 Angus Glen Golf Club Race your way into fall with a scenic run through the golf course! Register online: angusglenrunningseries.com
To all the donors who supply funds for the bears I want to extend a big Thank You! You are very kind to give joy to children and older patients like me. I felt I was past the teddy bear years but after my knee replacement surgery I was thrilled to receive my bear. After all, we all need a bear hug once in a while. — Maggie
Win this car and other great prizes including early bird draws! Tickets are $20 each, 3 for $50 or 7 for $100
Maggie with her bear
29th CIBC Celebration of Hope I will be forever grateful to each and every individual who generously donates to MSH. Having a medical facility with upgraded technology in order to provide quick diagnoses and treatment plans Ashlin gives back to her can save lives. It saved mine! And MRI Critical Care team with a machines are one of the most important donation of original artwork medical diagnostic tools available so it is important we stay on top of any new technology. Thank you all for your past, current and future generosity. — Ashlin
Sunday, November 11, 2018 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Shopping, entertainment, giveaways and an afternoon with the ladies declaring that Santa loves pink! Tickets available: celebrationofhope.info For a full list of events benefiting MSH, visit mshf.on.ca
YOUR GIVING IN ACTION
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Donor Profile
Your support helps ensure our youngest patients can get the care they need close to home
Doctors in our Emergency Department admitted the toddler and put her on oxygen, steroids and antibiotics. That night, as she sat by her daughter’s bedside, Salena was thankful Chanda was getting the care she needed close to home. “The doctors and nurses did everything that needed to be done,” says Salena. “I trusted them completely with the care of my child.” Less than 24 hours later, Chanda was alert and breathing on her own. She went home with her grateful family five days later. But Salena and her husband didn’t forget the expert care their child received at MSH — thanks to you. As a way to pay it forward, they donated the money Chanda received for her second birthday for the purchase of an IV pole.
ED nurse Cari is grateful to generous donors who help fund the purchase of ED equipment
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Chanda took her first breaths as a newborn at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Then, as a 20 month old toddler, she arrived back to our Emergency Department fighting to take a deep breath. Chanda was diagnosed with pneumonia. “It was deep into her lungs,” says her mother, Salena. “All she wanted to do was sleep. She didn’t even cry when they put in the IV. My daughter wasn’t getting enough oxygen.”
We wanted to give back for everything the hospital did to take care of our baby girl. I saw firsthand the difference donor support makes at MSH. Everywhere you look, someone is benefiting from it. The hospital needs a lot of equipment and this is something we can all help with. It’s amazing what we can do when we come together. — Chanda’s mother, Salena
Give a gift today by visiting mshf.on.ca 379 Church Street, Suite 303, Markham, Ontario L6B 0T1 Tel: 905.472.7059 | mshf.on.ca Charitable Registration No. 13064 3620 RR0001
@MSHospital