Urban Angel magazine, vol. 8 by St. Michael's Foundation

2017 VOL. 8 | stmichaelsfoundation.com

Haî&#x17D;?y Birthday

Table of

CO N TEN TS In Every Issue 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

IN THE NEWS

52 WELL-BEING, WELL-READ 57 GIVE YOUR BRAIN A WORKOUT 61 RECIPES 64 LIFE LESSONS

In the Spotlight 9

UP IN THE AIR

17 ONE-ON-ONE WITH BILL MORNEAU 18 DONOR PROFILE: PAUL ALBRECHTSEN 48 JULIA’S SUPERHEROES

Special Features 13 SILICON VALLEY NORTH One year, two milestones. Join us in celebrating Canada’s 150th and St. Michael’s 125th anniversary. Together, we can continue inspiring possibilities far into the future. Invest in the future. Invest in St. Michael’s Hospital.

stmichaelsfoundation.com Please give today!

20 CHEER LEADERS 22 HEALTH-CARE DISRUPTORS 28 CANADIAN VALUES 30 WHY I CHOSE CANADA 32 WANDERLUST 50 CANUCKS YUCK IT UP 60 SORRY, EH? Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Table of

CO N TEN TS In Every Issue 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

IN THE NEWS

52 WELL-BEING, WELL-READ 57 GIVE YOUR BRAIN A WORKOUT 61 RECIPES 64 LIFE LESSONS

In the Spotlight 9

UP IN THE AIR

17 ONE-ON-ONE WITH BILL MORNEAU 18 DONOR PROFILE: PAUL ALBRECHTSEN 48 JULIA’S SUPERHEROES

stmichaelsfoundation.com Please give today!

20 CHEER LEADERS 22 HEALTH-CARE DISRUPTORS 28 CANADIAN VALUES 30 WHY I CHOSE CANADA 32 WANDERLUST 50 CANUCKS YUCK IT UP 60 SORRY, EH? Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

anada:

No Place Like Home For me, there are few memories more pronounced than the recollections of my late father Jack’s profound patriotism. And as we approach the 150th birthday of this great nation, his expressions of gratitude flicker in my mind. My dad grew up in the small village of Flesherton, Ontario, and went on to become a successful automotive executive. His career came with responsibilities that demanded frequent flights abroad, however, he always came home with experiences and stories that helped shape who I am today. “It’s wonderful to travel,” he’d say. “But it’s always best to come home.” Over time, I learned that “home” to him, meant Canada – a country that’s diverse and accepting; a country with four majestic seasons that sweep us off our feet; a country that’s rich in character, culture and cuisine. He constantly reminded me of the fortunes we’re afforded by having a home that offers health care for the sick and poor; a home that’s recognized on the international stage for research and innovation; a home that doesn’t claim to be perfect, but is coveted across the globe. My father was a quintessential Canadian – and, like many of us, he was so proud to carry those enduring qualities everywhere he went.

We’re proud to help communities become better off

Home: it’s a word I hear often at St. Michael’s Hospital. It’s a place our diverse family of patients, who come to us in times of great need, call home. And, as we celebrate the Hospital’s 125th anniversary this July, we couldn’t be prouder to share the same tenets of respect, dignity and compassion with a country that’s so aligned in its spirited principles and depth of diversity. Contributing Team: Lara Banks

Our global philanthropic vision is aimed at actively responding to the needs of local communities, at a grassroots level. Our support for wellness initiatives is helping build stronger communities around the world.

Sandra Damiani David Gates Katie Haick Sabrina Jeria Michael Kennedy Brian Meadwell

Together, we act with the awareness that we are only as great as the sum of our parts; we speak with the familiarity of our past; we see through a lens of acceptance; we strive to inspire possibilities; and, while we still have many challenges, we have just as many people determined to find solutions. On the cusp of our nation’s sesquicentennial – and in the midst of uncertainty abroad – I hope this issue of Urban Angel compels you to reflect on the memories that define who you are. And, as always, be grateful, as there really is no place like home – Canada.

Iain Newbigin Madeline Stephenson Miranda Yorke Bruce Zinger

Lara L. Banks Vice President, Marketing & Communications St. Michael’s Foundation

Building the economy of everyone™ ®

Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

anada:

We’re proud to help communities become better off

Sandra Damiani David Gates Katie Haick Sabrina Jeria Michael Kennedy Brian Meadwell

Iain Newbigin Madeline Stephenson Miranda Yorke Bruce Zinger

Lara L. Banks Vice President, Marketing & Communications St. Michael’s Foundation

Building the economy of everyone™ ®

Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

IN THE NEWS

New Leadership in Multiple Sclerosis

Imaging the Future

Honours for St. Michael’s Friends

Imagine being able to create highly accurate models of the brain or the spinal cord – with a printer.

Inspire 2018 Co-Chairs & Foundation Director recognized for their philanthropic leadership.

Thanks to the support of the James H. Cummings Foundation, that is now possible at St. Michael’s. With the ProJet 3510 HDPlus 3D Printer, our physicians can now perform a simulated procedure using an accurate model before performing surgery on a patient. These models can also help physicians better explain procedures to patients.

Foundation Board members and Co-Chairs of the historic Inspire 2018 campaign Tony Arrell and William (Bill) Downe have been awarded the Order of Canada for their outstanding achievements and dedication to their community. Arrell, longtime donor, Hospital advocate and Co-Chair of the Foundation’s campaign to create the Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower, was cited specifically for “his Tony Arrell achievements in the investment industry and for his contributions to strengthening public institutions in his community.” Downe, volunteer, donor and former Hospital Board Chair, was recognized for “his commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the financial industry and Bill Downe for his generosity in support of education and health-care initiatives.”

The printing system, and the highly detailed representations of anatomical structures it can create, will serve our staff and patients well into the future.

Life Savers St. Michael’s Sonya Canzian has been honoured with the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Hospital Donation Champion Award.

St. Michael’s has proudly recruited Dr. Xavier Montalban, an internationally renowned neurologist, who joins us from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. He will hold the Waugh Family Chair in Multiple Sclerosis Research, lead the city-wide MS program and be Medical Director of St. Michael’s CONDRAIN GROUP Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, the largest in North America, effective July 1, 2017 – just in time for Canada’s 150th birthday! Dr. Tom Parker, St. Michael’s Physician-in-Chief, calls this recruitment “a game-changer.” This will be, he adds, “a major step towards the goal of eliminating MS, a disease that impacts the lives of so many Canadians.” With the support of John and Jocelyn Barford, John C. and Sally Horsfall Eaton, John David Eaton, Gregory S. Belton, Jon and Nancy Love, Beth Malcolm and Rick and Lynne Waugh, among others, St. Michael’s is a leader in MS research and treatment. The generosity of our donors will help Dr. Jiwon Oh and Dr. Montalban advance knowledge and improve outcomes in the field of MS.

Acknowledging health-care professionals who are active advocates for organ and tissue donation within hospitals, the award recognizes her commitment and leadership in St. Michael’s donation program and donation best practices. A registered nurse, Sonya Canzian is now St. Michael’s EVP, Programs, Chief Nursing Executive & Chief Health Disciplines Executive. In 2016, thanks to the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s efforts, a record 1,302 Ontarians received transplants. Policies and procedures are also being developed to guide the completion of the first successful hand transplant in the province. For more information, visit: stmichaelsfoundation.com or beadonor.ca

And last summer, donor, volunteer and Foundation Board member Greg Belton, was also awarded the Order of Canada, recognized for “his active support and promotion of youth development programs.” Greg Belton

John Cassaday

The Foundation offers its congratulations to these three great friends of St. Michael’s. They join an illustrious team of dedicated volunteers and donors including, among others, John Cassaday, Peter Gilgan, Margaret McCain and Rick Waugh, who have also been named to the Order of Canada.

Foundation Vice-Chair and fellow Co-Chair of the Inspire 2018 campaign John Cassaday was also recently awarded an honorary degree from the University of Toronto, which recognized his achievements in business and philanthropy and acknowledged him as “one of Toronto’s most dedicated and effective fundraisers.” A force in Canada’s broadcast industry, Cassaday served as President of CTV and Founding President and CEO of Corus Entertainment.

Another First

This newly created endowed Chair was established in January 2017 to support a world-class scientist who also serves as the Director of the Keenan St. Michael’s Surgeon-in-Chief Research Centre for Biomedical Science at St. Michael’s. This is the fourth Dr. Ori Rotstein is named the research chair at St. Michael’s and the University of Toronto supported by inaugural Keenan Chair the Patrick and Barbara Keenan Foundation. Dr. Ori Rotstein is also a in Research Leadership. Professor and Associate Chair of Surgery at the University of Toronto. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

IN THE NEWS

New Leadership in Multiple Sclerosis

Imaging the Future

Honours for St. Michael’s Friends

Imagine being able to create highly accurate models of the brain or the spinal cord – with a printer.

Inspire 2018 Co-Chairs & Foundation Director recognized for their philanthropic leadership.

The printing system, and the highly detailed representations of anatomical structures it can create, will serve our staff and patients well into the future.

Life Savers St. Michael’s Sonya Canzian has been honoured with the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Hospital Donation Champion Award.

John Cassaday

Another First

INSPIRATIONAL

IN THE AIR

YYC TO YYZ IT WAS A THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR FLIGHT, BUT FOR JOANNE, THE PLANE RIDE FROM CALGARY (YYC) TO TORONTO (YYZ) FELT LIKE FOREVER. Lost in an ivory veil of fog that mirrored the clouds around her, Joanne was up in the air, wondering if her husband would be alive by the time she touched ground.

The phone call she received just hours earlier cast a chill over an otherwise balmy October morning in 2015. Jack, her husband, had an accident at a business meeting in Toronto and was rushed to St. Michael’s – Canada’s soon-to-be premier critical care hospital. “At the time, I had no information as to what happened or his prognosis. I was completely in the dark,” remembers Joanne, who managed to book the very last seat on the next flight out. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

INSPIRATIONAL

IN THE AIR

The moment she landed at Pearson International Airport, Joanne charged toward the exit, where her husband’s company had a driver waiting. Without knowing any of the details, the driver sensed her urgency and stepped on the gas. “It was my second stroke of luck. There was absolutely no traffic downtown thanks to a Toronto Blue Jays game that was going on at the time.” When she arrived at St. Michael’s Emergency Department, she saw Jack lying on a bed, surrounded by staff. He had suffered a very bad fall which caused multiple bleeds in his brain – so severe that the Emergency team opted to put him into a medically induced coma. When Joanne asked how serious the situation was, she was told there was a chance he might not survive. “My heart dropped,” she remembers. “But those words gave me the strength to buckle up and fight. I had faith that we’d get through this.” Joanne and the couple’s three children connected with friends back home in Alberta’s medical community to get as many opinions as possible on Jack’s condition. “Every medical expert I spoke to said the same thing: ‘There is no better place in North America to be for head injuries than St. Michael’s Hospital.’ Again, I knew we were blessed.” The Emergency team rushed Jack up to the Trauma and Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit on the ninth floor of the hospital. “In a case as serious as this, timing is essential. You start

your clock,” says Dr. Sandro Rizoli, St. Michael’s Director of Trauma. “If you have a severe head injury, so severe that you go into a coma, your chance of dying is one in three. The faster a patient receives care, the more likely they are to survive.”

Then, after seven days, the fog lifted. Jack woke up. “I just screamed, ‘Jack! Jack! I love you! Everything is going to be OK. We’re in Toronto and you had a fall, but you’re OK!’” she remembers. “He was so calm. In my mind, he woke up and realized he was in good hands, then went back to sleep for a while.”

St. Michael’s Trauma and Neurosurgery teams collaborated to swiftly assess Jack. They inserted two sophisticated monitors – which only a few specialized centres possess – that would allow them to track the levels of pressure and oxygen in his brain and make real-time clinical decisions over the next several days. “From the nurses to the physicians, I was amazed by the care. They made Jack their top priority. Every tube that was placed, every test that was performed, they explained it to me step-by-step. Every day during rounds they made sure I was included in the discussions and explained the day-to-day progress. There were no egos involved,” says Joanne, who was especially comforted by St. Michael’s critical care nurse Michelle Williams, who is now a Clinical Nurse Educator in the Heart and Vascular Program. “She will forever resonate with me. She told me we’d get through it, no matter what. She took away all my fears.” “Part of my role as a critical care nurse was not only to care for the patient, but the family as well,” says Michelle. As Jack’s primary nurse, she spent many hours by Joanne’s side, keeping her up to date and encouraging her to stay

Michelle Williams, Clinical Nurse Educator, St. Michael’s Hospital

positive. “I was in a city that’s thousands of miles from home and I never felt alone. I knew there was always someone there I could talk to,” recalls Joanne. Not certain he could feel or hear her, Joanne squeezed Jack’s hand and whispered words of reassurance. “You’re going to get through this. You have to keep fighting. You can’t leave us. I love you, I love you, I love you,” she’d say. And when a neurologist recommended playing music for him, she called upon late Canadian legend Leonard Cohen’s brooding baritone to break the silence. Joanne seldom left Jack’s side. “What if he opened his eyes? I needed to be there. I needed him to know that he wasn’t alone, that he was in the best place possible.” All the while, the staff performed countless tests and provided around-the-clock neuro-intensive care.

“At St. Michael’s Hospital, we see health challenges and problems that seem impossible to solve. Our mission as a leader in trauma and critical care is to advance research and challenge the status quo to save even more lives. I am thrilled about the strides St. Michael’s Head Injury Research Group is making. The outlook for patients across the province and beyond is improving every day thanks to the groundbreaking research taking place at St. Michael’s.” – Dr. Andrew Baker, Chief of Critical Care and Director of the Brain Injury Laboratory within the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at St. Michael’s Hospital

Jack is one of the lucky ones. Trauma is the leading cause of death among people one to 44 years old, and approximately 30-40% of fatalities in these cases are caused by severe bleeding. “Head injury is especially nasty. Sometimes you do everything right and there is still a terrible outcome. Those are the cases that keep us humble, that keep us on our toes,” says Dr. Rizoli, who’s a national leader in trauma resuscitation research. “The thing with trauma is that it usually strikes active people who are at the most productive point in their lives.” Deaths related to severe trauma are expected to rise to more than 8.4 million globally by the year 2020. As a Level 1 Trauma Centre and Canada’s soonto-be premier critical care hospital, St. Michael’s is renowned for having the specialized resources and staff to provide comprehensive, timely care for patients like Jack, who arrive by ambulance or helicopter with life-threatening injuries. “If you come to a place like St. Michael’s, your chances of surviving – and not only surviving, but having a functional life – are significantly higher than in a nontrauma hospital. The difference is that trauma centres are ready for it – we’re

prepared to take on the most severe trauma cases,” says Dr. Rizoli. According to the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program, which tracks the performance of more than 220 North American trauma centres in three areas – mortality, complications and care process – St. Michael’s is among the top 10% in survival rate. “I’m so grateful that he happened to be in Toronto,” says Joanne. “He’s a better man, physically and medically – a better person because of this incident. And fully recovered due to the care he received at St. Michael’s.” Whether it’s a 16-year-old student who falls off his bike, a 35-year-old mother who’s struck by a car, or a 65-yearold father who falls at a meeting, “It’s always rewarding to have positive outcomes like this. It inspires us to keep doing what we’re doing – giving it our all,” says Dr. Rizoli. “Most people would be surprised to learn that one of our most important jobs as doctors is to comfort people at a very difficult time.” Joanne hopes her husband’s experience will serve as a lesson for others to live, laugh and love to the fullest. “We realized that life is too short and it can change in a nanosecond,” she says. For years, the pair had dreamed of moving to the coast of British Columbia, which they officially did last fall – one year after Jack’s accident.

“ST. MICHAEL’S SAVED BOTH OUR LIVES.” – Joanne

Dr. Sandro Rizoli, Director of Trauma, St. Michael’s Hospital

“THE THING WITH TRAUMA IS THAT IT USUALLY STRIKES ACTIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE AT THE MOST PRODUCTIVE POINT IN THEIR LIVES.” – Dr. Sandro Rizoli Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Michelle Williams, Clinical Nurse Educator, St. Michael’s Hospital

“ST. MICHAEL’S SAVED BOTH OUR LIVES.” – Joanne

Dr. Sandro Rizoli, Director of Trauma, St. Michael’s Hospital

“THE THING WITH TRAUMA IS THAT IT USUALLY STRIKES ACTIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE AT THE MOST PRODUCTIVE POINT IN THEIR LIVES.” – Dr. Sandro Rizoli Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

TECHNOLOGY

When the late Steve Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniak built the very first Apple computer in a Los Altos, California garage, they became the poster children of Silicon Valley’s tech boom – and proof that big ideas can be born anywhere. Not long after, two enterprising engineering students from Windsor and Waterloo started a small tech company called Research in Motion (RIM). In 1999, RIM was listed on the Nasdaq and, for a period, the Canadian tech venture, later known as BlackBerry, ranked among the most popular smartphone makers in the world. Soon afterwards, other successful Canadian startups like Hootsuite, Slack and Shopify secured international attention as Canada quickly earned the well-deserved moniker “Silicon Valley North.”

With the rise of Canadian startups there has been a well-established need for Canadian incubators: collaborative companies or organizations designed to oversee and help startups by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Five years ago, St. Michael’s Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Ori Rotstein and Ryerson University’s (then) Dean of Engineering, Mohamed Lachemi, met at an award announcement. Just one year later, St. Michael’s and Ryerson signed a 20-year partnership agreement to build an institute that would drive innovation and advance patient-centred solutions that reduce health-care spending and maximize citizens’ tax dollars.

At the time of their brief meeting, no one could have predicted that the chance encounter would lead to the creation of an innovation and commercialization centre that’s advancing biomedical research in Canada. The Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) is strategically housed at St. Michael’s, providing the ideal venue for researchers to bring inventions from the bench to the bedside. The partnership brings together Ryerson’s strengths in science and engineering with St. Michael’s world-class biomedical research and clinical expertise. Alongside iBEST is the Biomedical Zone, another joint venture between St. Michael’s and Ryerson that provides health technology entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to the clinicians, health practitioners and biomedical experts needed to develop their ventures. The Biomedical Zone, led by Dr. Linda Maxwell, offers the resources startups need to accelerate product development from early prototype stages to commercialization. Its aim is to create scalable, sustainable health-care solutions with global reach. Urban Angel spent time with the founders and CEOs of four early-stage ventures to learn more about the disruptive technology they’re developing. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

TECHNOLOGY

THE

KOMODO OPENLAB

LAB

MEDICAL

LIMESTONE LABS

The Tecla Shield, developed at Ryerson’s DMZ (Digital Media Zone), is an assistive device that allows people with upper-body mobility impairments to fully access smartphones, tablets and other portable devices. The company has amassed more than 3,000 users in 33 countries around the world and continues to expand its user base. At the Biomedical Zone, the startup does its prototyping, manufacturing, final assembly and product testing. “Working out of the Biomedical Zone at St. Michael’s has provided us with access to advisers and mentors within the medical technology and regulatory industries, and has allowed us to learn more about sales within the health-care system,” says Tecla’s CEO, Mauricio Meza.

Imagine growing cartilage in a petri dish. Ryerson University Professor Dr. Stephen Waldman’s iBEST lab does just that.

While working towards his PhD in biomedical engineering, Dr. Dale Podolsky’s thesis was to develop a robot that could perform cleft palate surgery. From here, Simulare Medical was born.

The average cellphone is six times dirtier than a public toilet. “Gross,” says CleanSlate UV’s Co-Founder & CEO Taylor Mann.

Though much of what the Waldman Lab produces is still in the experimental stages, one day soon, Waldman hopes to take living, functional cartilage grown in his lab (shown below) across the bridge to the Hospital and deliver it directly to St. Michael’s surgeons to implant into patients.

In order to test the robot’s ability to perform such a precise, intricate procedure, Podolsky developed a cleft palate simulator – a physical model – for the robot to work on. It was clear early on that the simulator was also a very valuable tool to better train surgeons to perform cleft palate surgery. The company officially launched the simulator in October 2016 and, already, 10 different countries have committed to implementing the technology. “The Biomedical Zone has done so much to help Simulare Medical thrive,” says Podolsky. “Through our residency here, we’ve been able to connect with St. Michael’s physicians and staff, consult with other startups about everyday issues and get expert advice about scaling the company, next steps and suggestions for future products.”

Meza has a strong background in the health and rehabilitation sector, having spent almost a decade as an assistive technology consultant with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute before co-founding Komodo OpenLab. His company has radically changed the way its clients interact with their smartphones and tablets. “One of our users in Seattle runs his entire software business from his phone,” says Meza. “We have another client in Ireland who is non-verbal but has used Tecla to develop a communication app that allows him to speak using his phone.”

Waldman is also the director of a new biomedical engineering graduate program that started in the fall of 2016 and has established a partnership with the Biomedical Zone. The new initiative places graduate students in internships with startup companies at the Zone. “We’re building connections with the Biomedical Zone to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, familiarizing them with startup culture and at the same time helping companies get their technology off the ground – it’s a win-win-win relationship.”

THE WALDMAN LAB

CLEAN ME! CleanSlate UV designs compact appliances that provide hospital-grade disinfection in just 30 seconds, sanitizing superbugs like MRSA and C. difficile – the most frequent cause of infectious diarrhea in Canadian hospitals. The company joined the Biomedical Zone in September 2015 and was immediately connected with Dr. Matthew Muller, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at St. Michael’s. “This was the perfect partnership for CleanSlate. Dr. Muller was the ideal person to help us better understand what our product needed to do to meet the needs of clinicians like himself and infection control practitioners throughout the industry,” says Mann. CleanSlate recently received a massive infusion of capital after being awarded $500,000 at a U.S. startup competition. “It was the insight and lessons we learned from colleagues and workshops at the Biomedical Zone that prepared us for our presentation at 43North and helped us succeed in the competition.”

TECHNOLOGY

THE

KOMODO OPENLAB

LAB

MEDICAL

LIMESTONE LABS

Imagine growing cartilage in a petri dish. Ryerson University Professor Dr. Stephen Waldman’s iBEST lab does just that.

While working towards his PhD in biomedical engineering, Dr. Dale Podolsky’s thesis was to develop a robot that could perform cleft palate surgery. From here, Simulare Medical was born.

The average cellphone is six times dirtier than a public toilet. “Gross,” says CleanSlate UV’s Co-Founder & CEO Taylor Mann.

THE WALDMAN LAB

WITH CANADIAN FINANCE MINISTER BILL MORNEAU Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau joins Urban Angel magazine for a conversation to commemorate Canada’s 150th and St. Michael’s 125th anniversaries. Morneau left an indelible mark on St. Michael’s as Chair of the Hospital Board of Directors, a member of the Foundation Board and a member of the Inspire 2018 Campaign Cabinet. What does Canada represent to you? Canada is the best place in the world to live – a place that gives opportunity to all, strives to be inclusive economically and socially, and recognizes our global responsibility. In your role as Canada’s Finance Minister, you’ve had the opportunity to meet with many world leaders. What is the perception of Canada among other countries? Canada is seen as a beacon of light around the world: good economically, stable politically, wonderful natural beauty, balanced and inclusive society. Who is the one Canadian you’ve always admired? I’ve admired so many Canadians. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin is so helpful to me in my role. Governor General David Johnston is doing a wonderful job representing Canada in his role. I met Margaret MacMillan recently, who has always captured my attention with her writing on history. We’re lucky to have so many Canadians making an impact in our country and around the world.

Canada’s 150th anniversary is a significant milestone – looking back on our history, what are you most proud of? I am very proud of our ability to create a country from people from everywhere around the world – a place where families can make a home and see the opportunity of our great country for generations to come. What legacy do you hope to leave as Canada’s Finance Minister? I want to make sure that our country is better off economically at the end of my tenure. Higher growth, creating opportunity for Canadians from all socio-economic groups. I want to ensure we make the investments in our future that will ensure a better Canada for our children and grandchildren. And I want to be sure that Canadians have a positive outlook on the future – recognizing our potential and striving to achieve it.

“WE’RE LUCKY TO HAVE SO MANY CANADIANS MAKING AN IMPACT IN OUR COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.” – Bill Morneau

Bill Morneau with wife Nancy McCain

Even before your life in politics began, you had a proud history of giving back. You’ve championed a number of important causes, and even served as St. Michael’s Hospital’s Chair of the Board of Directors. What inspires your philanthropic spirit? My philanthropy comes from my sense that each and every one of us has a responsibility to be a positive contributor to a better collective future. My ability to make a positive and lasting impact is enabled by my good fortune and success, and I want to push on every front – professional, personal and financial – to make that difference. You’ve been an important part of St. Michael’s past. As we prepare to celebrate our 125th anniversary, what message would you like to share? St. Michael’s has made an enormous contribution to our citizens, our city and our country, through superior health care delivered with a deep sense of caring; outreach to all, including the most vulnerable; and a focus on research that will bring the next generation of better health outcomes, respectively. I know that continuing the vision of the Hospital will make it a vital Canadian institution for coming generations of Canadians. You were an active volunteer at St. Michael’s for more than a decade – when you look back on your time here, what’s the one memory that stands out? My time at St. Mike’s is most memorable because of the people: the doctors, nurses and administrators delivering care; the Board members and volunteers committed to the cause; and the grateful patients I have met who know St. Mike’s has changed their lives for the better. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

“WE’RE LUCKY TO HAVE SO MANY CANADIANS MAKING AN IMPACT IN OUR COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.” – Bill Morneau

Bill Morneau with wife Nancy McCain

DONOR PROFILE: PAUL ALBRECHTSEN CANADIAN PHILANTHROPIST PAUL ALBRECHTSEN INVESTS $1 MILLION IN ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE HEART HEALTH FROM COAST TO COAST

“I’m thinking about the future,” says Paul Albrechtsen, a man whose past is highlighted by a series of entrepreneurial feats. The visionary founder of one of Canada’s most successful transportation ventures has set his sights on driving positive changes through philanthropy – and at 85 years old, he has no plans of slowing down. “When I see a need and it’s a need that I believe in, I want to give to it.” His commanding presence and affable sense of humour are a refreshing juxtaposition.

Dr. Beth Abramson with Paul Albrechtsen

Growing up in Denmark during the war, Albrechtsen developed a strong sense of work ethic that would later prove to be one of his greatest assets. At 13, he’d wake up at 3:30 a.m. to milk 35 cows on a farm and was responsible for milking half by hand before school. By 15, he was apprenticing as a diesel mechanic.

“Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get ahead.” At about 20, when he completed 18 months in the military, he was ready for a change. At 24, with just $50 in his pocket, he packed his bags and headed for Canada. It was 1954, and the oil boom that rapidly swept across western Canada ushered in a new era of resource-fuelled development. The post-war economic landscape created a hotbed of opportunities for industrious individuals who were willing to work hard and take risks. But when he arrived at the immigration agency in Winnipeg, he was told there were no jobs available. Unable to speak English, he bought a paper, scoured the employment section and hired a translator to help him. His persistence paid off and he eventually landed a job as a mechanic in Virden, Manitoba, making 65 cents an hour. There was one catch, however. His employer told him he needed to buy his own toolbox, which cost $124 at the

time. “I spent $13 on the translator, so I only had $37 left to my name,” remembers Albrechtsen. “Luckily, he let me pay $24 and finance the remaining $100.” Like a drop of oil in water, his skills quickly set him apart from his peers and he was later recruited to work as a mechanic for an oil company. While doing this, he saved enough money to buy a truck to haul water to the oil rigs. When the driver quit, he took on both jobs. “It was a different life. Sometimes I worked 55 hours straight without sleep. I slept in a tool shed for 18 months, and some nights it’d be 40 degrees below zero!” “One thing led to another and I bought another truck, and then another truck,” says Albrechtsen. It was the forming of Paul’s Hauling, which he officially founded in 1957 and transformed into one of Canada’s largest transporters of bulk commodities and goods. Along the way, he made investments in transportation and resort development, building a diversified portfolio of companies.

Later in life, Albrechtsen divested a number of assets to shift his attention to giving back. “I think we should all be grateful for what our forefathers have done. The money that they’ve spent in the past makes it possible for us to be where we are today,” he says. The business fundamentals that fuelled the success of Paul’s Hauling remain the force of his philanthropic commitments today. Since launching The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation, he has invested more than $44 million in various causes – including a medical fitness facility in Manitoba where he funded a portable defibrillator, which later saved his life after he suffered a heart attack while running. It was that heart attack that ultimately led him to St. Michael’s to meet with Dr. Beth Abramson, Director of the Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre and Women’s Cardiovascular Health in the Division of Cardiology. “I had read her book and I thought she was pretty neat, so I had an opportunity to come see her in Toronto,” he says. Their relationship

grew from there and he continues to fly to St. Michael’s for check-ups and consultations. “Dr. Abramson has treated me very, very well. She’s doing many great things for the cause.” In 2015, he made a substantial investment in St. Michael’s with a $1 million gift to create the Paul Albrechtsen Professorship in Cardiac Prevention and Women’s Health. “Paul’s generous gift will be used to improve the ‘Heart Health’ of all Canadians. Importantly, it will allow me to train physicians nationally and internationally in preventative cardiac care,” says Dr. Abramson. “My goal, with the help of this investment, is to share knowledge with patients and doctors coast to coast.”

Albrechtsen, who was recently appointed to the Order of Manitoba, personifies this nation’s spirit of philanthropy. “I’ve been very fortunate. I think that people like myself who can afford to do so should ensure that we keep the momentum going.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

DONOR PROFILE: PAUL ALBRECHTSEN CANADIAN PHILANTHROPIST PAUL ALBRECHTSEN INVESTS $1 MILLION IN ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE HEART HEALTH FROM COAST TO COAST

Dr. Beth Abramson with Paul Albrechtsen

Freddie Mercury’s “We are the Champions” echoes throughout the stadium as a young child clutches his foam finger and cheers in a desperate attempt to rally the crowd and inject some life into the hometown team. But by the end of the third period, the Vancouver Canucks have lost yet another game. Canada is home to some of the most lucrative and popular sports franchises in the world. Interestingly though, Canada isn’t home to many professional sports teams with winning records. These days, it isn’t easy being a fan, yet so many Canadians dedicate their time and hard-earned money to teams with less than stellar records.

Furthermore, says Dr. McInerney, an expert in depression studies, “A network of fellow fans and new friends is automatically created, which provides additional opportunities for people to watch games together and socialize, which can lead to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.”

THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, FOR EXAMPLE, IS AMONG THE RICHEST TEAMS IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, WITH A NET WORTH IN EXCESS OF $1.1 BILLION.

Other evidence points to the benefits that can be achieved by following high-performing teams with winning records. There are a few Canadian teams who fit this bill, such as the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays and 2016’s Grey Cup finalists, the Calgary Stampeders. Though the latter lost in the finals, Calgary treated its fans to an almost undefeated season, winning 15 of its 18-game season.

Despite the fanfare surrounding the team, the Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967 – the longest Cup drought in the National Hockey League’s history. So the question remains: what keeps these loyal fans coming back for more?

THE PERKS OF SPORTS FANDEMONIUM

According to mounting evidence, it could, unconsciously, be the variety of health perks associated with being a fan.

According to research from Daniel Wann, a professor of Psychology at Murray State University, and one of the most influential academics studying the psychology of sports fandom, watching competitive sports may even inspire people to get active themselves. And the more connected a person feels to a sport or particular athlete, the more likely he or she is to change their sedentary lifestyle.

St. Michael’s staff psychiatrist and avid sports fan Dr. Shane McInerney says psychological benefits from being a sports fan can have a lasting impact on the emotional well-being of a person.

So is it really just a game? Perhaps, as spectators, we should consider taking professional sports and individual matches a bit less seriously. But it’s difficult to refute the benefits associated with cheering on your team.

“Being a sports fan provides a unique sense of social connectedness that can really benefit an individual’s emotional well-being,” says Dr. McInerney. “The built-in community that comes from supporting a team provides positive connections with fellow supporters – whether that’s an established friendship or a satisfying high-five following an exciting goal.”

PICK UP A JERSEY, CALL SOME FRIENDS, HEAD OUT TO A LOCAL GAME AND CHEER YOUR HEART OUT! YOUR BODY AND SOUL WILL THANK YOU.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, FOR EXAMPLE, IS AMONG THE RICHEST TEAMS IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, WITH A NET WORTH IN EXCESS OF $1.1 BILLION.

THE PERKS OF SPORTS FANDEMONIUM

According to mounting evidence, it could, unconsciously, be the variety of health perks associated with being a fan.

St. Michael’s staff psychiatrist and avid sports fan Dr. Shane McInerney says psychological benefits from being a sports fan can have a lasting impact on the emotional well-being of a person.

PICK UP A JERSEY, CALL SOME FRIENDS, HEAD OUT TO A LOCAL GAME AND CHEER YOUR HEART OUT! YOUR BODY AND SOUL WILL THANK YOU.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

BREAKTHROUGHS

OVER THE PAST 125 YEARS, ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS THAT HAVE UPENDED THE STATUS QUO. From performing minimally invasive procedures with robots to creating a “black box” to minimize errors in operating rooms, St. Michael’s has been at the forefront of some of the most revolutionary health-care innovations of our time. Urban Angel selected a handful of disruptors who are pushing the boundaries by exploiting gaps in health care to save even more lives.

A Global Early Warning System for Infectious Diseases “What we’re doing at St. Michael’s lies at the crossroads of medicine, engineering, data science, design and business.” – Dr. Kamran Khan, Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute The photos were devastating: babies from Brazil with abnormally small heads and other severe birth defects. People, especially women of childbearing age, were afraid. St. Michael’s infectious disease specialist Dr. Kamran Khan was called on to forecast the potential spread of the Zika virus across the Americas, Europe and then Africa and Asia-Pacific (the carrier mosquito does not live in Canada). Dr. Khan was there when SARS crippled Toronto in 2003 and saw that public health decision makers needed information fast to deal with dangerous outbreaks. Dr. Khan’s light-bulb moment: a big data platform, BioDiaspora, that models the global spread and impact of infectious diseases using real-time data on airline travel, climate and many other data sources. In 2014 he formed a for-profit social enterprise, BlueDot, and received funding from Li Ka-shing’s Horizons Ventures. The platform has been used to evaluate H1N1, Ebola and Yellow fever at events such as the 2012 Olympics and the Hajj and, most recently, the Zika virus. Thanks to BioDiaspora, we are better prepared to deal with outbreaks.

Using the Brain to Drive the Respirator Big Data for Better Care “We will have the most advanced, comprehensive data warehouse of any hospital in the country at St. Michael’s.” – Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, Director of LKS-CHART Big data is set to disrupt health care, thanks to St. Michael’s new enterprise data warehouse, which will connect 19 existing hospital databases with over 17,000 data elements from half a million patients. A big part of that impact will come from the LKS-CHART (Li Ka Shing Centre for Healthcare Analytics Research and Training), a bold new research initiative led by Dr. Muhammad Mamdani. While Founding Director of the Applied Health Research Centre at St. Michael’s, Dr. Mamdani created a drug policy research program that identified significant overuse of blood glucose testing, helping Ontario save more than $100 million over five years. Thanks to philanthropist Li Ka-shing, Dr. Mamdani and his research team will work with clinicians and decision makers to use advanced analytics to answer pressing questions and solve real-world challenges – measure a problem, propose a solution, measure results – to generate improvements both big and small. For example, can we identify the most at-risk stroke patients in the Emergency Department? If yes, physicians can manage these patients differently and save lives.

“The key is the NAVA module, the software that translates the signals from the brain into information that tells the respirator what to do.” – Dr. Christer Sinderby, Scientist, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Respirators keep critically ill patients alive, but can damage delicate lung tissue. With 26 patents, St. Michael’s Dr. Christer Sinderby and Dr. Jennifer Beck invented the revolutionary Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) device, where the patient’s nerve signals trigger each breath, rather than imposing the rhythm mechanically. Now, the duo is taking NAVA to the next level to manage carbon dioxide buildup. Current solutions include more air, which can cause lung damage and increased mortality, and external filtering of blood, which can cause severe complications. Their elegant solution? NAVA Through-Flow (TF), with an in and out tube, so the patient breathes less CO2 back in with each breath. They expect to move to human trials this year. Dr. Beck is also working with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Director Dr. Doug Campbell on LifeVest, a NAVAequipped negative pressure vest to help premature babies breathe. In 2015, LifeVest won St. Michael’s Angels’ Den research competition. In 2016, NAVA-TF came second, and both went to the Global Healthcare Innovation Academy’s international competition in Calgary last August, where LifeVest won first prize. Drs. Beck and Sinderby, time to catch your breath!

A Prescription for Poverty “In my experience, living with low income has the biggest impact on a person’s health.” – Dr. Gary Bloch, Family Physician, St. Michael’s Dr. Gary Bloch sees the impact of poverty every day: “Poverty is at the root of many of the illnesses I treat.” Known as the “social determinants of health,” it means income, literacy and employment status all impact health. So rather than just prescribe, Dr. Bloch wants to pre-empt. As Chair of the Social Determinants of Health Committee in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at St. Michael’s, Dr. Bloch and his team have launched projects to address these challenges. One, likely a Canadian first, was to hire an income-security health promoter who works to improve the income security of patients. Next, Legal Aid Ontario, in partnership with St. Michael’s, funded a lawyer to help patients with employment, housing and other problems. Working with the Toronto Public Library, the team launched Reach Out and Read to improve literacy by providing books to babies and young children during checkups. Appointed to Ontario’s Income Security Reform Working Group in July of 2016, Dr. Bloch comments, “We need to treat poverty as a disease. People with adequate resources would be healthier and happier and not held back by poor health.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

BREAKTHROUGHS

Visit us in Cambridge, Ontario. One hour west of Toronto.

1.800.268.1898 langdonhall.ca

ALL BETS ON THE TABLE

THE GARISH GLOW OF NEON LIGHTS, THE CEASELESS SOUNDS OF SHUFFLING DECKS, THE RAUCOUS RINGING OF SLOT MACHINES, A RELENTLESSLY SPINNING ROULETTE WHEEL AND A CHORUS OF DICE THAT KISS THE CORNERS OF CRAPS TABLES.

No, Canada is not Las Vegas. But you don’t need an endless strip of casinos to be lured by the illusive lustre of Lady Luck. Canada has its very own conundrum when it comes to problem gambling. In fact, in Ontario alone over one million people have been negatively affected by someone else’s gambling addiction – that’s one in nine people.

Docket #: Colour: 4C Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Supplier: Designer: Sandra Damiani 416.483.7110 / s-damiani@sympatico.ca

A world away…

File Name: Langdon Hall ‘A World Away’ ad Pub: UA Magazine Insertion Dates: Spring 2016

FEATURE

Gambling is defined as betting money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome. It can include card games with friends, horse-race betting, scratch cards, slot machines and even bingo. These seemingly harmless activities can quickly evolve into a destructive, lifealtering addiction.

The adrenaline of winning can trigger an indescribable feeling of elation and excitement, which can capsize reason and judgment and hinder one’s ability to limit the amount of money or time spent on gambling. For those compulsively chasing the thrill, it can have powerful and striking consequences on relationships, careers and finances. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Visit us in Cambridge, Ontario. One hour west of Toronto.

1.800.268.1898 langdonhall.ca

ALL BETS ON THE TABLE

Docket #: Colour: 4C Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Supplier: Designer: Sandra Damiani 416.483.7110 / s-damiani@sympatico.ca

A world away…

File Name: Langdon Hall ‘A World Away’ ad Pub: UA Magazine Insertion Dates: Spring 2016

FEATURE

She co-authored a publication from this study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which explored the experiences of 20 of these men who began gambling when they were young. One of the participants, born and raised in Canada, had been betting since he was 15 years old. “My first ever bet was $100 … I’ll never forget it, too. It was the New York Rangers playing the San Jose Sharks,” he revealed. The Rangers had to win by four goals. “They won that game seven to one. I remember walking down the street and seeing the score through a restaurant window on a TV.” Not long after that, he began using his skills as a gambler to support himself by growing a roster of clients who paid money for his picks and advice. “It was an ego thing,” he told the report’s authors.

to socialize and escape boredom, to provide hope for a better financial situation, for fun or for the rush,” says Matheson.

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IN CANADA ERTA M

ATCHEW A

86.6%

BR I

77.3%

L AN D & L

77%

Q U E B EC

TARIO

82.9%

RAISING THE STAKES

66.6%

BRUNSWI

73.5%

ADOR

72.5%

A N ITO B

N E WFO U

A LB

O SH C LUM

Matheson led a study which analyzed the lives of 30 men with histories of problem gambling and housing instability.

Types of Gambling: Bingo, Bookies, Cards, Casino Slots, Casino Table Games, Horse Racing, Internet Gambling, Scratch/Instant Win, Sports Events, Sports Lotteries, Ticket Lotteries, among others.

She refers to a recent St. Michael’s study which found that clients experiencing homelessness using services at Toronto’s Good Shepherd Ministries – a community-based organization in Toronto – are nearly

nine times more likely to have a history of problem or pathological gambling than the general population. In fact, 35% of the 264 participants interviewed at Good Shepherd had indicated that at some point in their lives they had been a problem or pathological gambler. It’s an alarming statistic for researchers like Matheson, who’s been on a mission to better understand the social triggers of gambling and find solutions.

$25

If gambling is impacting your life in any way, speaking with a health-care professional is your best bet.

“The most significant impact is that it can lead to homelessness and perpetuate the cycle of poverty, but it can also strain relationships leading to

broken social ties,” says St. Michael’s Scientist Flora Matheson, PhD, adding that those experiencing problem gambling may also turn to alcohol and drug use to cope with poverty and gambling losses. “Gambling may represent a source of distress if the person can’t stop and is suffering ever-increasing financial and social loss,” Matheson says.

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St. Michael’s is partnering with the Good Shepherd Ministries and the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario to help these individuals. “We developed a training manual for service providers working in social and human resource shelters to help them develop the tools to work with members who have gambling problems,” says Matheson. The manual will be published this year.

So how does it start? There can be many factors that contribute to problem gambling, including “early life trauma, loss of a loved one, a coping mechanism for sadness, stress, a way

The most severe form, known as “pathological gambling,” is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as “chronic and irresistible impulses to gamble.” This condition has become a major public health concern – one that impacts individuals, families and communities across the country. People suffering from this addiction will sometimes choose to spend their money on gambling over basic life necessities such as food or shelter.

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There are ways to help people experiencing problem gambling. For example, providing care that focuses on personal strengths can help people get healthy. One of the participants of the qualitative study spoke of his personal journey to recovery. “It took me a while to work on myself to get myself to where I am today … and I’m still working on myself.”

85% N

A S COT IA OV

87%

*Year of Prevalence Survey ranges from 2001-2014 depending on province Source: “The Digest” Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling, retrieved Jan. 24, 2017, cprg.ca/Digests

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

to socialize and escape boredom, to provide hope for a better financial situation, for fun or for the rush,” says Matheson.

$25 $25$25

IN CANADA ERTA M

ATCHEW A

86.6%

BR I

77.3%

L AN D & L

77%

Q U E B EC

TARIO

82.9%

RAISING THE STAKES

66.6%

BRUNSWI

73.5%

ADOR

72.5%

A N ITO B

N E WFO U

A LB

O SH C LUM

Matheson led a study which analyzed the lives of 30 men with histories of problem gambling and housing instability.

Types of Gambling: Bingo, Bookies, Cards, Casino Slots, Casino Table Games, Horse Racing, Internet Gambling, Scratch/Instant Win, Sports Events, Sports Lotteries, Ticket Lotteries, among others.

$25

If gambling is impacting your life in any way, speaking with a health-care professional is your best bet.

“The most significant impact is that it can lead to homelessness and perpetuate the cycle of poverty, but it can also strain relationships leading to

$25

So how does it start? There can be many factors that contribute to problem gambling, including “early life trauma, loss of a loved one, a coping mechanism for sadness, stress, a way

$25

85% N

A S COT IA OV

87%

*Year of Prevalence Survey ranges from 2001-2014 depending on province Source: “The Digest” Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling, retrieved Jan. 24, 2017, cprg.ca/Digests

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Extraordinary Canadians join Urban Angel magazine in celebrating two major milestones: Canada’s 150th and St. Michael’s 125th.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CANADA?

Christine Day, CEO of Luvo, Former CEO of Lululemon Jann Arden, Multi-Platinum, Award-Winning Canadian Artist “I travel with a Canadian flag sticker on my suitcase. I’ve had some sort of Canadian flag with me for 35 years as I’ve made my way around the planet. People ALWAYS comment. ‘Are you from Canada?’ And of course I proudly say, ‘YES!’ Canada, the final frontier. People envy us. I won a lottery of sorts being born here. The freedoms I experience in every aspect of my life remain unparalleled pretty much anywhere else in the world. My work is a direct result of where I am from. I have had every opportunity afforded to me as an artist; I have had access to grant money, the constant support of the government on both provincial and federal levels as well as the undying encouragement of a huge, diverse creative community and it’s been amazing. I’m so very proud to be Canadian. We have some superb things here in this country and one of them is St. Michael’s Hospital. It has boldly served hundreds of thousands of Canadians for 125 YEARS! I want to wish them the most wonderful anniversary as they move forward on their journey to make our lives fuller and healthier and positive.”

“What I love about Canada is our beauty. Beauty of the land and the people and how we engage with one another as well as set an example on the world stage. For me, demonstrating our value for our world-class healthcare system that is available to all is more important than ever. By encouraging active lifestyles, nutrition and high-quality care, we are securing a strong foundation of health for all Canadians. We can exemplify that good health is key to a good quality of life. Luvo, the company I currently lead, and Lululemon Athletica, where I previously was CEO, both spring from this ethos of being Canadian. I could not be prouder to carry who we are into the world.”

Values

Susur Lee, Celebrity Chef

“Canada has been so welcoming to me. I am humbled by the diversity and multicultural open-mindedness. The scope of Canada’s landscape is so vast that it really gives me the opportunity to showcase my fusion cuisine. I am proud to have raised a family here as well, which I couldn’t be more thankful for. There is a Canadian pride and I can take comfort in the great education and health systems set in place. My experience at St. Michael’s is one of knowledge, experience and comfort.”

The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005) and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship “Canada is the place where everyone can belong and that’s why I love it! When I enter St. Michael’s Hospital, I always am so moved by the statue of St. Michael. It gives me such a sense of angelic protection. Please always keep it there.”

Roberta Bondar, O.C O.Ont. MD PhD FRCP FRSC ICD.D President, The Roberta Bondar Foundation and the First Canadian Woman Astronaut “In 2017, we mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of our country that has become the nation of diversity. It is also the 25th anniversary of my historic spaceflight as the first Canadian woman astronaut and the 125th year of compassionate medical care at St. Michael’s Hospital. These diverse milestones that we celebrate have in common the wonderful gifts of light and hope.”

Photo: Scarlet O’Neill

Neil Pasricha, #1 International Bestselling author of The Book Of Awesome and The Happiness Equation “Did you know there are 110 billion people who have ever lived? And we get to be in the lucky 7 billion alive today. That means we already won a 1-in-15 lottery! Put another way, 14 out of every 15 people will never see another sunset, have a bowl of chocolate ice cream or kiss their kids goodnight ... ever again. We already won the lottery. And then, within that 7 billion, we are in the 35 million who live in Canada. That’s another 1-in-200 lottery we won! Why is Canada always at the top of the United Nations World Happiness rankings? Because if you read the dense academic studies underlying those reports, you see it’s because we trust the water that comes out of our taps, we feel safe when we walk out our front doors, we can marry who we like and live where we please. That collective set of freedoms sets the basis for the incredible country we’ve built and are building. I can’t wait to see what the next 150 years look like. And, if all goes well with the rate of scientific advances at St. Mike’s, I should be around to see it.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Extraordinary Canadians join Urban Angel magazine in celebrating two major milestones: Canada’s 150th and St. Michael’s 125th.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CANADA?

Values

Susur Lee, Celebrity Chef

Photo: Scarlet O’Neill

Q&A Dr. Ashna Bowry’s upbringing near one of the biggest slums in Africa inspired her mission to ensure the poor and underprivileged have a fair shot at life. The lead physician for St. Michael’s Hospital’s Syrian Refugee Clinic opens up about her love affair with Canada and her dogged determination to eradicate social injustice, coast to coast.

“That was when my love affair with Canada began.” – Dr. Ashna Bowry

DR. ASHNA BOWRY

DR. SUNIT DAS

What inspired your journey from Kenya to Canada? My extended family moved to Canada in the early 1990s due to the political instability in Kenya. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that my parents followed. At that time, my sister and I decided to backpack across Canada, coast to coast, to explore the country. We started in Victoria, B.C., when I was just 18. We had Via Rail passes, but at times, we would hitchhike or travel by foot until we eventually ran out of money! That was when my love affair with Canada began.

“I wanted to be an academic surgical neuro-oncologist, and the University of Toronto stood out globally as the place to be for that. Initially I had no idea about St. Michael’s. We were working at a hospital in Chicago and I remember being tremendously troubled by the disparity between the haves and the have-nots in the health-care system. My wife and I wanted to work, ideally, where health care was a right and everyone had access to it – and that meant Canada.

Of all the hospitals in Canada, why did you end up at St. Michael’s? When I decided to take a residency program in Toronto, I remember looking at the brochures of seven hospital programs and saw that St. Michael’s looked after marginalized, homeless, immigrant, refugee, HIV and mental health patients – it really is a hospital for everyone. I thought ‘Bingo’, this is it. That was in 2008 and I’ve been here ever since. You’re the lead physician for St. Michael’s Syrian Refugee Clinic – why did you champion this initiative? I went to school literally a stone’s throw away from one of the biggest slums in Africa. I witnessed the devastating effects of poverty and communicable diseases, and the lack of public health facilities. It’s been in the front of my brain ever since I was little. It shaped my decision to go to medical school and it certainly shaped the path that I took. The Syrian Refugee Clinic has been one of the highlights of my time at St. Michael’s. This clinic represents who we are as an organization. We look after patients who are vulnerable and newcomers who need care. So for me, personally, this clinic was a game-changer.

Dr. Ashna Bowry is a Family Physician at St. Michael’s. She trained at the University of Bristol, U.K., and completed a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto. She holds a Master of Science in International Health and Tropical Medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Can you share an example of how the Syrian Refugee Clinic at St. Michael’s supports these families? A Syrian mother in advanced pregnancy needed urgent care. We were able to collaborate with our obstetrics colleagues to help deliver a healthy baby, who is now cared for by our Family Health team. That’s the beauty of St. Michael’s. We work together to overcome challenges. If there’s one value that’s reflective of both Canada and St. Michael’s, what is it? I would have to say acceptance. The one thing I loved about my time here, not just as a medical student, but subsequently as a trainee, then as a staff physician at St. Mike’s and now a citizen of Canada, is that I feel accepted for who I am and what I bring to the table. If you work hard and you have a vision, there is opportunity here for you to fly – that’s a true Canadian value and that is definitely a St. Michael’s value.

I also wanted to work in a place that offered a busy clinical practice and was known for excellence – that’s definitely St. Michael’s. It is one of the centres for brain cancer care in Toronto; my colleagues here are known for their expertise and are highly regarded by their peers. Here, I found support for the things I wanted to do, like brain mapping (studying the anatomy of the brain using imaging and other technologies) and building an “awake craniotomy” group (see below).

Born in Bangladesh and educated in the United States, Dr. Sunit Das was recruited to St. Michael’s Hospital in 2010. For this edition of Urban Angel, Dr. Das explains why he and his wife, Pavani, also a physician, decided to move north of the border, and how they feel about that decision today.

“My wife and I wanted to work where health care was a right and everyone had access to it – and that meant Canada.” – Dr. Sunit Das

I feel at home here. I love the ‘Let’s get it done’ attitude that everyone expresses. If you talk to our residents who do rotations at other hospitals, and ask them ‘What is St. Mike’s?’ – they will smile and say, ‘This is where it gets done.’ It’s amazing. I’m convinced that there is nothing you can throw at this hospital that we won’t get done. In May 2016, I was tapped by the media to talk about glioblastomas, the most aggressive and malignant form of brain tumour, and the condition that Gord Downie has. It is the most common cancer that begins within the brain, but there is no clear cause, or way to prevent it, and unfortunately it can recur. Now, I don’t really know the Tragically Hip, but a friend called me from Montreal and said he heard me on the air talking about Gord Downie. That I was asked, as an expert, to talk about a man who is so important to Canada made me stop and think about how life has changed. It also made me recognize ‘I am home.’” What is an Awake Craniotomy? Since 2011, Dr. Das and his team have performed 60 “awake craniotomies.” Their first procedure lasted nine hours. In these procedures, which treat brain tumours, the surgeon works with the anesthesiologist, bringing the patient back to consciousness so the surgeon can stimulate the brain and map areas of activity before removing a tumour. The patient can respond to stimulation and speak, smile, blink, count and move fingers or hands as requested. The object is to remove as much of the tumour as possible without impairing the functionality of muscles or cognition. Monitoring a patient’s responses in this way means that surgeons can take out much more of a tumour than in traditional surgery.

Dr. Sunit Das is a Neurosurgeon and Scientist at St. Michael’s and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Das studied English Literature at the University of Michigan and Philosophy at Harvard University before moving to Chicago for medical school at Northwestern University.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

“That was when my love affair with Canada began.” – Dr. Ashna Bowry

DR. ASHNA BOWRY

DR. SUNIT DAS

“My wife and I wanted to work where health care was a right and everyone had access to it – and that meant Canada.” – Dr. Sunit Das

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

TRAVEL

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

From Stanley Park to Old Montreal and places around and between – Urban Angel highlights some great Canadian getaways that capture the beauty of our incredible country. Take a trip or just Google Earth these places of scenic wonder.

You don’t need to be a veteran adventurist to conquer the Cabot Trail. With its breathtaking scenic panorama, this East Coast expanse, which encompasses Cape Breton Island National Park, boasts hiking trails, campgrounds and outdoor adventures for all – it was also ranked one of the top 10 cycling destinations in the world by Lonely Planet.

There is a town in north Ontario, With dream comfort memory to spare, And in my mind I still need a place to go, All my changes were there. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. – Neil Young

Lake Louise, Alberta

WhiteHorse

Kayak across vibrant turquoise water, scale colossal mountains and indulge in local Canadian cuisine – sublime is an understatement for this western Canadian destination. Whether you splurge on the century-old Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel in the heart of Alberta’s Banff National Park or save by trying the Parks Canada’s oTENTik experience, Lake Louise has it all.

iqAluit YelLoWknIfe

st. John’S lakE loUise

“Taking a break and finding rest and renewal in our busy lives is as important as our accomplishments,” says June Son, Spiritual Care Practitioner in the Spiritual Care Department, St. Michael’s.

stAnley parK

“Working in the city can lead you to forget about the abundant natural beauty Canada has to offer. Stanley Park is a perfect slice of outdoor calm to escape the chaos of the urban grind,” says Trevor Rauhala, Corporate Planning Specialist, Corporate Strategy, St. Michael’s.

caboT traiL

reGina

olD moNtreaL WinnipeG

Stanley Park, Vancouver A designated national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is something to marvel at amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Vancouver’s first and largest urban park impresses with 27 kilometres of trails that awe with evergreens, western red cedar and moss-dripped maple trees.

There’s so much more to explore. To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, Parks Canada is offering free passes to all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Visit pc.gc.ca to find out more.

niAgara-on-thE-lakE

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario From wine tours and world-class theatre to bike rides and heritage walks, this go-to getaway spot is a sweet retreat from the 9-5 grind. With an abundance of spas and bed-and-breakfasts, Niagara-on-the-Lake lives up to its reputation for unparalleled rest and relaxation. “Canada is abound with natural beauty. With a young daughter, my wife and I are especially inclined to explore local travel destinations, such as Niagara-on-the-Lake,” says Dr. David MacKinnon, Deputy Chief, St. Michael’s Emergency Department.

toRonto isLands

“The Cabot Trail is full of beautiful contrasts: the road winding between steep cliffs and the flat, blue ocean; the hot sun mixing with the cold snow of late spring on the trails; the rugged plants determined to hang on in a fragile ecosystem. I can’t wait to return,” says Ethan Macaulay, Officer, IT & Database, St. Michael’s Foundation.

Old Montreal, Quebec With its storied history, arresting architecture and coveted cuisine, it’s no surprise this picturesque district is a favourite among locals and tourists. “My top Canadian travel destination is Old Montreal. It’s beautiful, rustic and full of culture. Taking time off work allows you to alleviate stress and boost your physical and mental well-being. Many studies indicate that taking a vacation actually increases productivity in the workplace and leads to higher morale and employee retention. Worklife balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle!” says Hailey Garcia-Gonzalez, Leadership & Organizational Development, Human Resources Department, St. Michael’s.

Toronto Islands, Ontario The perfect escape for downtowners desperate for downtime. A 15-minute ferry ride, which boasts breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, transports passengers to Toronto’s largest parkland. From Gibraltar Point Lighthouse to Centreville Amusement Park, the Toronto Islands are an ideal spot for friends and families who are short on time but big on travel. “I love exploring the beautiful Toronto Islands,” says Isabel Fryszberg, Occupational Therapist, Creative Lead of Creative Works Studio, Mental Health and Addictions Services, Inner City, St. Michael’s. Fryszberg recently attended an artist residency program at Gibraltar Point. “It brought me back to my essence, which I lost touch with.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

TRAVEL

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Lake Louise, Alberta

WhiteHorse

iqAluit YelLoWknIfe

st. John’S lakE loUise

stAnley parK

caboT traiL

reGina

olD moNtreaL WinnipeG

niAgara-on-thE-lakE

toRonto isLands

Whether you greet the morning with “rise and shine” or tend to hit the snooze button, St. Michael’s Pediatrician Dr. Jonathon Maguire suggests the first step to a healthy morning is starting your day with a balanced, nutritious meal.

Get ready for a night to remember.

A N G E L

B A L L

OCTOBER 21, 2017

PATIO BRUNCH

Get your daily dose of goodness with Urban Angel Chef Victor De Guzman, Executive Chef at Rosedale Golf Club, as he whips up a bevy of scrumptious brunch dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick, go-to morning meal, or planning a decadent Canadian brunch, these recipes are guaranteed to please.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Get ready for a night to remember.

A N G E L

B A L L

OCTOBER 21, 2017

PATIO BRUNCH

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

WHAT’S COOKING, DOC? DR. JONATHON MAGUIRE SHARES HIS TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BREAKFAST. “Wake up just a few minutes earlier to eat breakfast every day. It starts the day off right and primes your body for an afternoon filled with opportunity and adventure.”

Smoothies

Granola CANADIAN MAPLE

TROPICAL BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE

SMOOTH SAILING

Find your daily servings of fruit hard to fit in? Smoothies are a great way to nourish your body at home or on the go. All you need is a blender, some of your favourite fresh or frozen fruits, and a base such as milk, water or yogurt. “For another feel-good boost, add some green to that smoothie. Chef De Guzman adds chopped kale. This leafy green is chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach – popularized by Popeye – is another good option. Did you know that adding greens to a smoothie with blueberries will not affect its colour? This is a great way to sneak in the greens for those in your family who may be less adventurous.” – Dr. Maguire

A SPOONFUL A DAY “Besides all of the other great things we love about fruit, it’s also a good source of fibre. One serving of fruit with breakfast typically contains two to four grams of fibre – your tummy will thank you. For an extra dose of fibre, try adding blackberries, pears and apples to your smoothie or granola.” – Dr. Maguire “Fresh fruit can provide a powerful punch of flavour. It’s amazing how easy it is to add it to your favourite brunch dishes!” – Chef De Guzman Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Smoothies

Granola CANADIAN MAPLE

TROPICAL BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE

SMOOTH SAILING

WHAT’S COOKING, DOC?

Eggs

PERFECTLY POACHED

Salad SMOKED SALMON NIÇOISE

EGG-CELLENT OPTIONS “By avoiding takeout and prepared foods, you control how much sugar and salt you use and enjoy fresher and healthier foods prepared to your taste.” – Dr. Maguire

VEGGIES ADD VALUE

“If you prefer to eat your vegetables rather than drink them in a smoothie, try Chef De Guzman’s smoked salmon niçoise salad or finish off your eggs with tasty toppings such as avocado, tomato and spinach.” – Dr. Maguire “Feel free to substitute salmon with chicken, chickpeas or tofu. Farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh vegetables for this satisfying summer salad.” – Chef De Guzman

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

WHAT’S COOKING, DOC?

Eggs

PERFECTLY POACHED

Salad SMOKED SALMON NIÇOISE

EGG-CELLENT OPTIONS “By avoiding takeout and prepared foods, you control how much sugar and salt you use and enjoy fresher and healthier foods prepared to your taste.” – Dr. Maguire

VEGGIES ADD VALUE

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Pancakes WHAT’S COOKING, DOC?

CINNAMON CARROT

art T FRESH ONTARIO RASPBERRY ALMOND

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Sneak some veggies into a classic family favourite with Chef De Guzman’s carrot pancakes. Known to reduce cholesterol and boost the immune system, this vibrant root vegetable is available year round. Spice it up with a pinch or two of cinnamon! “When making waffles, pancakes or muffins, try substituting whole wheat flour for white flour for added fibre and nutrients. Your family may not notice the difference.” – Dr. Maguire

TREAT YOURSELF

Make a statement at your next Sunday brunch with a Fresh Ontario Raspberry Almond Tart. This indulgent dessert is best topped with fresh, antioxidant-rich raspberries. A true crowd pleaser, be sure to share and provide your guests with alternatives such as Greek yogurt topped with raspberries.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Pancakes WHAT’S COOKING, DOC?

CINNAMON CARROT

art T FRESH ONTARIO RASPBERRY ALMOND

TREAT YOURSELF

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

MADE

TABLE FOR TWO

MUSKOKA,

CANADA

Set a table for two, or more, and enjoy a healthy assortment of brunch delights. Whether savoury or sweet, your guests will be clamouring for more. For recipes turn to page 61.

SIP. SAVOUR. SEIZE THE DAY.

Let’s celebrate 150 years of amazing Canadian summers with the all new AxiomAir!

Introducing the most advanced wireless speaker system ever created

HOST(ESS) WITH THE MOST(ESS) This summer, don’t forget to sip, savour and seize the day. Chef De Guzman and Dr. Maguire encourage you to rise and dine outdoors! For tips on setting the perfect table – and a bevy of healthy brunch-inspired recipes to share with your friends and family – visit stmichaelsfoundation.com/perfecttable

For over 35 years Axiom has designed and manufactured the best sounding speakers using one of the most advanced acoustical laboratories in the world. So when our customers challenged us to give them the Axiom sound they love combined in a wireless, portable and multi-room capable speaker, we knew we could create something truly amazing. Say hello to the AxiomAir.

To learn more visit axiomair.com

MADE

TABLE FOR TWO

MUSKOKA,

CANADA

Set a table for two, or more, and enjoy a healthy assortment of brunch delights. Whether savoury or sweet, your guests will be clamouring for more. For recipes turn to page 61.

SIP. SAVOUR. SEIZE THE DAY.

Let’s celebrate 150 years of amazing Canadian summers with the all new AxiomAir!

Introducing the most advanced wireless speaker system ever created

To learn more visit axiomair.com

THANK YOU AGNICO EAGLE

FEATURE

It’s a sweltering Canadian summer day. Imagine, instead of relaxing poolside with a chilled beverage and a good book, you’re searching. Searching for shelter, for your next meal, for relief from the oppressive humidity – for the basic necessities of human life.

Agnico Eagle’s investment of over $4 million will create the

AGNICO EAGLE CARDIAC SURGERY OPERATING ROOM and

AGNICO EAGLE ONCOLOGY UNIT in the new Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower and support other hospital priorities. St. Michael’s is proud and grateful to have such a wonderful community partner.

St. Michael’s Foundation Inspired Care. Inspiring Science.

stmichaelsfoundation.com 416.864.5000

This problem is not unique to Toronto; it stretches across the country. But as Canada’s most-populated metropolis, Toronto is at the forefront of this epidemic and St. Michael’s Hospital is located in the heart of the city.

But our scientists aren’t just interested in studying the problem; they want to find solutions. To resolve this epidemic, researchers and physicians are examining homelessness to understand the systemic issues, the social determinants of health and disjointed nature of our systems that allow these people, often suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues, to fall through the cracks and lose one of their most basic human rights – the right to safe and affordable housing.

Docket #: Colour: 4C Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Supplier: Designer: Sandra Damiani 416.483.7110 / s-damiani@sympatico.ca

Agnico Eagle believes in creating value and contributing to the prosperity of the communities in which it operates. Its generosity made St. Michael’s Inspire 2018 campaign the most successful in the history of Toronto’s Urban Angel.

File Name: SMHF Uban Angel Agnico Eagle ad Pub: Insertion Dates: March 2017

This is the troubling reality of an estimated 235,000 Canadians who face homelessness in a year, or 35,000 on any given night. A recent report, Ending Homelessness in Canada, found that despite efforts by cities to tackle homelessness, the number of Canadians who remain homeless or vulnerably housed has not declined.

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

THANK YOU AGNICO EAGLE

FEATURE

Agnico Eagle’s investment of over $4 million will create the

AGNICO EAGLE CARDIAC SURGERY OPERATING ROOM and

AGNICO EAGLE ONCOLOGY UNIT in the new Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower and support other hospital priorities. St. Michael’s is proud and grateful to have such a wonderful community partner.

St. Michael’s Foundation Inspired Care. Inspiring Science.

stmichaelsfoundation.com 416.864.5000

Docket #: Colour: 4C Trim: 8.375” x 10.875” Supplier: Designer: Sandra Damiani 416.483.7110 / s-damiani@sympatico.ca

File Name: SMHF Uban Angel Agnico Eagle ad Pub: Insertion Dates: March 2017

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

So what are we doing about it at St. Michael’s Hospital?

Few people are as qualified to speak on the matter of caring for the disadvantaged and marginalized as Dr. Stephen Hwang, Director of the Centre for Urban Health Solutions (C-UHS) at St. Michael’s, who has devoted his research career to studying homelessness and solving it once and for all. “At St. Michael’s, we work from the belief that to have a healthy city and a healthy country, we don’t leave people behind. We work to ensure that we thrive as a whole – as Canadians,” Dr. Hwang says. The At Home/Chez Soi project examined Housing First as a means of ending homelessness for people who are living with mental illness. Over four years, the project offered people quality housing right away, with no pre-conditions, off-site supports and a commitment to re-house participants as often as they needed.

This program has allowed St. Michael’s to help many homeless people. Shares Dr. Hwang: “There was a patient in Toronto I worked with for many years who was housed through the At Home/Chez Soi project. He struggled with mental health issues and had a gruff exterior that was sometimes off-putting to others. But inside, he was a kind and grateful person. Working with him over the years and helping him through his journey was so rewarding and gratifying. I value him not just as a patient, but as a person.” Pointing to a lily plant in the corner of his office, Dr. Hwang adds, “He gave me this lily. From someone who has nothing, a gesture of this sort is extremely meaningful. I diligently take care of it. It’s a small gift that means so much.” Dr. Hwang’s next project at St. Michael’s, the first of its kind in Canada, will support homeless patients who have been discharged from the hospital. People who are homeless are four times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital than even those in the low-income bracket – an all-too-frequent occurrence. This project will intervene – close the gap between hospital and community care and give patients the support they need to navigate the health-care system – wherever they live, and whatever challenges they’re facing.

“He gave me this lily. From someone who has nothing, a gesture of this sort is extremely meaningful. I diligently take care of it. It’s a small gift that means so much.” – Dr. Stephen Hwang

While this work would prove challenging for most, the physicians and researchers engaged in these areas are impassioned, bold advocates for the marginalized populations of Canada’s biggest city, who often cannot speak for themselves. The C-UHS is dedicated to reducing health inequities through innovative research that supports social change, so everyone can thrive. “We believe this truly reflects Canadian values of inclusiveness and fairness. We can’t guarantee that everyone will do well, but we want to give them the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives,” says Dr. Hwang.

Dr. Philip Berger, Medical Director of St. Michael’s Inner City Health Program and Founding Member of Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care, concurs.

He has been treating people with HIV in Toronto for more than 30 years, and has been a fierce champion of access to health care for refugees. “St. Michael’s welcomes everyone unconditionally. People who are traditionally disconnected from the health-care system are often not viewed favourably by large sectors of society. We hire staff members who believe in St. Michael’s commitment to the underserved. It’s not just nurses and doctors and clinical workers, but board members, volunteers and donors who believe it is their duty to provide for the sick and the poor. They are our allies,” proclaims Dr. Berger.

The Centre for Urban Health Solutions

In his career as a physician, Dr. Berger recalls the following as a defining story: “A few years ago, there was a pregnant, HIV-positive, refugee mother who visited us. She was so grateful for the care she received that she named her child after our HIV pharmacist.”

Dr. Patricia O’Campo, a social epidemiologist and former director of the Centre for Research on Inner City Health, now the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, focuses her research on population health and how to prevent the need for people to come to the hospital in the first place. “At St. Michael’s, we take a very wide view of homelessness, its prevalence, preventions and solutions. Prevention and solutions are where we differ – we want to solve the problem. And that’s unique,” says Dr. O’Campo.

Dr. Berger takes obvious pride in the work of St. Michael’s: “We can’t alone cure poverty or cure injustice or unfairness or inequity, but we can certainly make sure that there’s a sense of fairness that imbues all our healthcare work and delivery of services, no matter who the patients are.”

What does being a Canadian mean to Dr. O’Campo? “The work that we do at St. Michael’s aligns very much with Canadian values; wanting to leave no person behind and to play an active role as part of the solutions. Acting on our beliefs is at the core of what makes us Canadian.”

St. Michael’s Hospital’s Centre for Research on Inner City Health, a world leader in research dedicated to advancing the health of people who are marginalized and disadvantaged, became the Centre for Urban Health Solutions in 2016 to reflect the fact that poverty increasingly affects people living in many neighbourhoods, not only those in the downtown core. Adding “solutions” to the name emphasizes our conviction that St. Michael’s can and must act to address health inequities, and puts a heightened focus on the Centre’s work to develop, evaluate and implement practical programs and policies that will improve people’s lives.

This work is only possible thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who are leading the fundraising efforts for the Centre. To learn more visit stmichaelshospitalresearch.ca

Thanks to the Odette family’s $10 million endowment to establish the Louis L. Odette Family Urban Angel Fund for Homeless People, those in need can turn to the Supporting Transitions and Recovery (STAR) Learning Centre. *The patient’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.

This program helps people transition from homelessness to housing – people like Amelia*, whose life took a turn when faced with debt, depression and having to vacate her apartment, she had nowhere to turn other than transitional women’s homeless shelters. It was in one of those shelters that she saw a poster for the STAR program. “I decided to enrol, and I’m so glad that I did,” says Amelia.

As a recovery college, STAR offers a wide variety of classes and flexible programs that accommodate where individuals might be in their recovery and seeks to elevate its members in moving onward and upward with their lives. “It has been a bright star in my life – pun intended. I am now an alumna, sit on the Centre’s Board and work with St. Michael’s.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

So what are we doing about it at St. Michael’s Hospital?

“He gave me this lily. From someone who has nothing, a gesture of this sort is extremely meaningful. I diligently take care of it. It’s a small gift that means so much.” – Dr. Stephen Hwang

Dr. Philip Berger, Medical Director of St. Michael’s Inner City Health Program and Founding Member of Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care, concurs.

The Centre for Urban Health Solutions

This work is only possible thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who are leading the fundraising efforts for the Centre. To learn more visit stmichaelshospitalresearch.ca

s ’ a i l Ju

s e o r e rh

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On a snowy day in mid-December, Alan had an appointment with St. Michael’s internationally renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Cusimano. If there was one person capable of saving Alan’s life, it was Dr. Cusimano.

St. Michael’s Hospital pulls a super team together to perform a life-saving 38-hour operation. For more than a year, Alan Buttineau blamed his chronic headaches on caffeine. The 33-year-old’s wife had just given birth to the couple’s first child and restful nights seemed like a thing of the past. “I was drinking coffee every day to compensate for the lack of sleep,” says Buttineau, an arborist with Hydro One in the Town of Penetanguishene. “I’d talked to my doctor, but he thought it was just intolerance to caffeine or maybe allergies.” After a particularly sleep-deprived evening, Alan was removing blocks of wood from a tree trunk when his hand slipped and he crushed a small bone in his palm. When his doctor recommended an X-ray, Alan again complained about his constant headaches. “It’s been over a year now and my headaches are just getting worse and worse,” Alan said to his doctor, who agreed to also order a scan of his head. By the end of the day, Alan would learn he had a large tumour growing precariously on the base of his brain stem. That routine doctor’s appointment to assess a broken hand had led to the discovery of a life-threatening tumour.

Alan and his wife met Dr. Cusimano in the hospital and together walked over to the neurosurgeon’s office. “After listening to Dr. Cusimano for just a few minutes I knew I was speaking to one of the best in the business,” says Alan. “But it wasn’t until he delicately helped carry our son up several flights of stairs as he slept in his stroller, ever so carefully ensuring his sleep wasn’t disturbed, that my wife was convinced that Dr. Cusimano was not only an outstanding neurosurgeon but someone who would really care about her husband.” Exactly one week before Christmas, Alan underwent a 38-hour brain operation to save his life. Because of the location and type of tumour, an aggressive meningioma buried deep in his brain stem, the surgery was the most difficult and complex type of procedure that neurosurgeons perform. Accordingly, many surgeons had passed on the operation.

“THINGS WERE LOOKING PRETTY BLEAK BEFORE I ARRIVED AT ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL.” – Alan The intricate surgery would be extremely challenging. Although Dr. Cusimano had confidence that his team could tackle such a challenging surgery, the odds of a full recovery weren’t good. “It was around this time that the field of skull base surgery was really just in its infancy,” says Dr. Cusimano.

Alan had a five-centimetre meningioma growing on his brain stem – the lower back-end section of the brain responsible for regulating basic body functions such as breathing, swallowing, regulating heart rate, blood pressure and consciousness. On December 19, 2001, Alan was wheeled into the operating theatre and met by a team of surgeons, physicians and nurses. To remove the tumour, Dr. Cusimano and Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Chief, Department of Otolaryngology, St. Michael’s, and their assistants had to go underneath the skull and remove the inner ear structures, leaving Alan deaf in his left ear. The intricate and painstaking process of preparing a clear entry point consumed the entire day. On day two, when surgeons approached the tumour, they discovered a firm and rubbery mass that would require meticulous effort to remove. “Similar to the way a worm eats away at the centre of an apple, that’s what we do to remove a tumour. We go into the centre of the tumour and core it out, from the inside out,” says Dr. Cusimano. “So basically, we had to cut it out in little tiny pieces and since it was so rubbery, we were limited to using scissors, we were burning it and scissoring it out.” Throughout the painstaking 38-hour operation, Alan received four blood transfusions and seven units of plasma transfusion, emerging from the operating theatre in satisfactory condition. After spending two weeks recovering in the neurosurgical intensive care unit, he was moved to the ward to rest and be reunited with his anxious family.

THE MARATHON SURGERY WAS THE LONGEST OPERATION DR. MICHAEL CUSIMANO HAS PERFORMED IN HIS 25 YEARS AS A NEUROSURGEON AT ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL.

“It was an extremely challenging procedure and I think there’s an entire team of medical experts who should be commended for their meticulous work,” says Dr. Cusimano. “Too often the focus of attention tends to be on the surgeon but we have to remember that the surgeon can’t work in isolation. The entire team and everyone who works behind the scenes in logistics to make these operations possible – they all need to be recognized for their work. We are a leading centre because of our people. We, however, need to strive to be even better.” Today, Alan is blessed with an incredibly supportive family that includes his wife Anne and children Joel, Alexa and Julia. The Buttineaus enjoy camping in Pointe au Baril, travelling and any other activity they can do as a family. For a recent class project, students in Julia’s class were asked to identify their favourite superhero. As to be expected, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman led the vote. But Alan’s 10-year-old daughter, Julia, impressed her teacher and classmates by citing an obscure and mysterious superhero armed with the power to care for people. Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Cusimano, she explained, had come to her father’s rescue and led the team that saved his life. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

s ’ a i l Ju

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THE MARATHON SURGERY WAS THE LONGEST OPERATION DR. MICHAEL CUSIMANO HAS PERFORMED IN HIS 25 YEARS AS A NEUROSURGEON AT ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL.

HEALTH What makes Canadians so funny? Is laughter good for your health? Does humour make Canadians healthier? Urban Angel investigates.

SO, WHAT MAKES US FUNNY? HERE ARE SOME POPULAR THEORIES: 1. AS A WAY TO COPE:

2. THE COLD:

3. SELF-EFFACING:

Many people argue that humour is a coping mechanism. Cathy Jones makes the same kind of point below: comedy allows us to get through life’s drama and challenges.

You can either laugh or despair about our weather. All that time pent up indoors together would get ugly if we couldn’t joke. As Mike Myers writes about our frozen North in his recent book Canada:

Like it or love it, Canadians are known around the world for our impeccable manners. In fact, our politeness is often so pronounced that it can sometimes spiral into self-deprecation. Rick Mercer riffs on a similar idea:

“Legend has it that the late, great Canadian comedian John Candy was at Pearson Airport in Toronto one day when a baggage handler came up to him and said, ‘Wow John Candy. Let me ask you something, John – why is it that when all you Canadian comedians make it big, you move down to the States?’

“Canadians have traditionally had a pretty self-deprecating sense of humour. We simply don’t take ourselves that seriously. I think the ability to be selfdeprecating, to be able to laugh at one’s self, is a very admirable trait in a person and an admirable trait in a country.

“I think that in the middle of all comedy is the disappointing, frustrating sort of sorrow that is part of life. It can be so delightful if – in the middle of our desperation, at any given point – we get a sort of aerial view of our seriousness – and it dissolves on the spot and we suddenly see it as funny! It’s the best. The beauty of our situation here in Canada is that we have great freedom, yet enough irritating difficulties that we have lots of opportunities to laugh and cry at the same time. Canadians are lucky, we don’t feel sort of terribly crushed or oppressed, nor are we terribly caught up in a humourless superiority complex. Canada has a good climate for comedy. It’s an ideal spot for humour to live.” Cathy Jones

John Candy replied, ‘Actually, I live north of Toronto.’ And the baggage handler said, ‘Aw, that’s too bad. I thought you made it big, eh?’” Mike Myers Canadian Comedian

This Hour Has 22 Minutes Photo Credit: Tom Munro

I can’t imagine how different life would be without the ability to laugh. I think I would rather give up one of my five senses. There is no doubt laughing is healthy. It’s good cardio. Also it is impossible to simultaneously laugh and worry. Every laugh is a mental health break.” Rick Mercer Rick Mercer Report

Photo Credit: Jon Sturge

Photo Credit: Riley Smith

Comedians are a top export to our southern neighbour, up there with oil and lumber, and include Jim Carrey, Seth Rogen, Caroline Rhea, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Samantha Bee, Tom Green and so many more.

“SOME OF MY BEST MOMENTS NOW ARE WHEN I SHARE LAUGHTER WITH MY PATIENTS.” – Dr. Harold Spivak, Psychiatrist, St. Michael’s Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

So, yes, Canadians are funny and laughter is a top export. But is humour good for your health – like exercise and kale smoothies? Professor Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist from the University of Oxford, says laughter is good for us. Not a smile or even a giggle, but a good belly laugh is required, because the muscle contractions – the sheer physical exertion of laughter – release endorphins. How do we know? Dunbar’s volunteers who were exposed to comedy had a higher pain threshold. Dr. Harold Spivak, a staff psychiatrist who works in the St. Michael’s Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, says you can’t argue with the idea that laughter is good and that

the capacity to view the world from a humorous perspective is associated with good psychological health. “I do a lot of psychotherapy and when I first started working, I was concerned about being funny, about not being empathic,” says Dr. Spivak. “But some of my best moments now are when I share laughter with my patients. For them, it’s an incredible experience to make other people laugh, to know they have that kind of mastery. It’s a return to our childhood capacity for play. As we become more playful, we can see the humour in things.” For Dr. Spivak, humour has become, when appropriate, a way to connect with patients.

“A shared understanding of something funny is so important socially: it’s a way of increasing attachment and people’s sense of connection to one another,” he says. “When a patient tells a funny story and laughs, I know they are getting better.” So, let’s own our national sense of humour, but without arrogance or too much pride (that would be un-Canadian). And share a joke that makes you laugh with a friend, colleague or family member – or doctor! It’s a form of social glue that is life affirming and healthy. Eh? Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

HEALTH What makes Canadians so funny? Is laughter good for your health? Does humour make Canadians healthier? Urban Angel investigates.

SO, WHAT MAKES US FUNNY? HERE ARE SOME POPULAR THEORIES: 1. AS A WAY TO COPE:

2. THE COLD:

3. SELF-EFFACING:

Many people argue that humour is a coping mechanism. Cathy Jones makes the same kind of point below: comedy allows us to get through life’s drama and challenges.

You can either laugh or despair about our weather. All that time pent up indoors together would get ugly if we couldn’t joke. As Mike Myers writes about our frozen North in his recent book Canada:

John Candy replied, ‘Actually, I live north of Toronto.’ And the baggage handler said, ‘Aw, that’s too bad. I thought you made it big, eh?’” Mike Myers Canadian Comedian

This Hour Has 22 Minutes Photo Credit: Tom Munro

Photo Credit: Jon Sturge

Photo Credit: Riley Smith

“SOME OF MY BEST MOMENTS NOW ARE WHEN I SHARE LAUGHTER WITH MY PATIENTS.” – Dr. Harold Spivak, Psychiatrist, St. Michael’s Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

BOOK REVIEWS

THE PROMISE OF CANADA

GREEN GRASS, RUNNING WATER

Charlotte Gray Published: 2016

WELLBEING WELLREAD

In The Promise of Canada, award-winning biographer and historian Charlotte Gray reflects on the people and ideas that have shaped Canada on the cusp of its 150th anniversary. “I’m a big supporter of Canadian literature so it only made sense to read The Promise of Canada in the lead up to the country’s 150th anniversary,” says Jessica Brigantino, Philanthropy Officer, St. Michael’s Foundation. “Gray’s book breaks down Canada’s rich and complex history into fascinating profiles and provocative ideas that keep the reader engaged in a way that few other historical retrospectives can.”

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES L.M. Montgomery Published: 1908 A Canadian literary legend, the late Lucy Maud Montgomery could never have known the torque of her typewriter when she sat down in her P.E.I. home to tell the story of an 11-yearold orphan named Anne Shirley. Since it was published in 1908, it’s believed that more than 50 million copies of this classic children’s fable have been sold worldwide. “Anne of Green Gables was always a favourite story of mine growing up – I had the full series,” says Brittney Heisz, Business Manager, Trauma, Neurosurgery and Mobility, St. Michael’s.

CANADA Mike Myers Published: 2016 “In 1967, Canada turned 100. Canadians all across the country made centennial projects. This book is my centennial project. I’m handing it in a little late… Sorry,” says Mike Myers, of his national bestseller, Canada. In a poignant display of patriotism, the renowned actor pens a powerful analysis of what makes Canada Canada. “It’s a hilarious tribute to Canada,” says Vladislav Litvinov, End User Support Specialist, IT Client Services, St. Michael’s.

Thomas King Published: 1993

OUTLIERS Malcolm Gladwell Published: 2008 University of Toronto alumnus Malcolm Gladwell put popscience literature on the map with his bestselling book Outliers, which examines the lives of successful people. Dr. Bobby Yanagawa, Surgeon, Cardiovascular Surgery, St. Michael’s, is a fan. “He largely dispels the notion of innate ‘genius’ and focuses on hard work and the importance of one’s environment. ‘My earliest memories of my father are of seeing him work at his desk and realizing that he was happy,’ Gladwell writes. My father also taught me the joy that comes from hard work, a lesson I hope to instill in my kids,” says Dr. Yanagawa.

“Thomas King’s award-winning novels display his concerns about Indigenous rights in North America by infusing First Nations oral traditions into contemporary writing. Using satire and humour, he shows the significance of land in his culture while condemning the politics that could take it away,” says James Wysotski, Communications Advisor, Digital Media, Communications and Public Affairs, St. Michael’s. King is best known for his novel Green Grass, Running Water that was featured in the Canada Reads series and has since won the 2014 Governor General’s Award for The Back of the Turtle.

THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS Robert Munsch Published: 1980 Canada’s favourite kids author flips the fairytale narrative upside down: plucky princess rescues prince from terrible dragon and then realizes shallow prince wasn’t worth the effort. Burn! “My two daughters get a kick out of this story and we all love the message that girls can solve problems without worrying about the superficial,” says Dr. Alina Toma, Emergency Department Physician, St. Michael’s. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

BOOK REVIEWS

THE PROMISE OF CANADA

GREEN GRASS, RUNNING WATER

Charlotte Gray Published: 2016

WELLBEING WELLREAD

Thomas King Published: 1993

Sitting is the new

SMOKING HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK DO YOU SPEND SLOUCHING AT YOUR DESK, SINKING INTO A RECLINER OR MARATHONING YOUR FAVOURITE NETFLIX SERIES? IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU’RE SITTING, SPENDING TOO LONG IN ONE SPOT HAS BEEN THE CRUX OF COUNTLESS HEALTH CONDITIONS.

CompuCom is committed to key causes that are important to our clients, our associates and our communities. That’s why we’re so proud to support the St. Michael’s Foundation. Congratulations to everyone involved for making a difference!

Former St. Michael’s physician Dr. Mike Evans, who recently relocated to California to help lead health innovation at Apple, has diagnosed our generation with a “severe case of sitting disease.” And it’s becoming a risk factor for bad health. In his Let’s Make Our Day Harder video, the YouTube sensation makes a compelling case. “We watch phones, tablets and TVs, we stare at computers while we work … we shop on the Internet instead of walking to the store, we have vacuums that automatically circulate so we don’t have to,” he says. “Instead of driving around the parking lot for 10 minutes trying to find that spot that’s 10 feet closer, can you just park farther away in that spot reserved for people who want to live longer and have a higher quality of life?” The Mayo Clinic reported that people who spend more than four hours a day sitting in front of a screen had a nearly 50% increased risk of death and about a 125% increased risk of factors associated with cardiovascular disease. And travel tips regularly emphasize the need to walk about the cabin during long air flights to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. In terms of damage to your health, sitting has even been called “the new smoking.” The best solution – and the one proposed by Dr. Evans – is the simplest: dedicate 30 minutes every day to some activity that gets you up and moving. If you’re not sporty or don’t want to invest in a lot of equipment or a gym membership, stretching and walking may be your best bet.

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

Sitting is the new

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

St. Michael’s Occupational Therapist Lee Rosen recommends some basic exercises that can be done at your desk, targeting different muscles throughout the body. To avoid or relieve painful muscle tension, he suggests you perform 5-10 minutes of these stretches every other hour. Hold each position for 5-10 seconds with the feeling of gentle stretch, repeat two to five times. Use these stretches in combination with regular walks throughout the day.

FINGERS

FACIAL/JAW/EYES

Separate and straighten fingers until you feel light tension, and hold. Then relax, bend the finger knuckles and hold. Repeat.

Raise eyebrows, open eyes as wide as possible, open mouth as round as possible (large O, you should feel the muscles stretching around your nose and chin) and stick out your tongue. Hold, then relax and repeat.

SHOULDERS/ARMS/ HANDS/BACK AND NERVE GLIDING STRETCH Interlace fingers, straighten arms in front of you and keep palms facing away from you. Hold, then reach arms up towards the ceiling, stretching rib cage upwards. Hold, then relax and repeat.

SHOULDER/BACK/ ARM Reach left arm up to the ceiling, then bend the elbow behind your back. Hold the left elbow with the right hand and gently pull behind the head for a gentle tension. Relax and repeat the actions with the right elbow.

SHOULDER/NECK SHRUG

SHOULDER BLADES/NECK

Raise top of shoulder to ears until you feel tension in your neck and shoulders. Hold, then relax and repeat.

Interlace your fingers behind your head, keep the elbows out to the side and back straight. Pull the shoulder blades toward each other to feel tension and hold. Then relax and repeat.

NECK From a neutral/straight neck position, tilt head to the left (ear to shoulder) and hold at a gentle tension position. Return to neutral, then tilt to right, hold and return to neutral. Repeat.

CHEST/SHOULDER

BACK/HIP

CALF/LOWER LEG

Interlace fingers behind back, turn elbows inward and straighten arms back. Hold, then relax and repeat.

Ensuring you’re safely on your chair, bend your left leg over your right leg. Rest the right forearm against the left leg and gently rotate your back/ neck towards the left. Hold, and then relax. Repeat in other direction.

Stand a few steps back from a wall, resting your arms and forehead against it. Keep one leg straight and bend the other knee slightly. Keep your straight leg’s foot flat on the ground and gently move hips forward as you feel the stretch. Hold, then release, repeating with the other leg.

In The Matrix, a hacker turned hero (Canadian actor Keanu Reeves) learns kung fu by having a program uploaded to his brain. Last year, headlines suggested this could be a reality. The Telegraph reported “Scientists discover how to ‘upload knowledge to your brain.’” Researchers in California experimented with a painless procedure in which a low-level electrical current (less than 1% of that needed to run a light bulb) is delivered through the head to stimulate brain cells. After studying the electric signals in the brain of a trained pilot, they fed the data into the brains of people with no experience learning to fly in a simulator. They found subjects who received brain stimulation learned 33% better than the control group. Sounds incredible, but could it actually be true?

ALGEBRA PUZZLE

PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER LIKE A PRO

• Activates most of the body’s muscles • Promotes maintenance of a healthy weight and circulation and helps manage heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes • Gives you a much-needed mental break • Prevents your brain from feeling “burnt out” • Gives you time to problem solve, plan schedules and socialize

• Stand up straight, with shoulders over hips and hips over knees • Relax your shoulders and keep your chin up • Use your arms: bend them 90 degrees and swing back and forth from the shoulders. If you want to speed up: larger arm swings promote larger strides • Land your heel first with each step. Roll through the foot and push off with your toes • Start slowly and then increase your pace • You should be able to walk and carry on a conversation without being breathless • You’ve got the why, what and how, so get moving!

*If you have limitations to walking (such as requiring a walking aid – cane, crutch, walker, specialized boots, etc.) or stretching, you should follow the advice of your health-care professional.

Sadly, you can’t upload a program for kung fu into your brain or stave off failing memory with electrical stimulation – at least not yet. Dr. Fischer suggests stimulating your brain the old-fashioned way – by learning a new language, taking up a new sport, writing a novel or solving puzzles like the ones below. “Exercising your brain creates a wealth of neural networks that allow you to adapt in the event of age-related memory loss,” she says.

SUDOKU PUZZLE

*If you have clicking/popping in your jaw, seek dental attention before doing this stretch.

BENEFITS OF WALKING*

We asked Dr. Corinne Fischer, Director of St. Michael’s Memory Disorders Clinic and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, to set the record straight. “That’s science fiction,” she laughed. “Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) doesn’t involve passing data directly to the brain. But several studies suggest tDCS may be a valuable tool to treat neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and dementia.”

Using the sums of the rows and columns above, determine the value of each icon.

2 5 7 9 6 3

9 8 3 5

9 2

7 4 8 2 4 6 2 3 9 8 7 1 4 8 5 7 9 6

Solutions: Page 61 Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

FINGERS

FACIAL/JAW/EYES

Separate and straighten fingers until you feel light tension, and hold. Then relax, bend the finger knuckles and hold. Repeat.

SHOULDER/NECK SHRUG

SHOULDER BLADES/NECK

Raise top of shoulder to ears until you feel tension in your neck and shoulders. Hold, then relax and repeat.

Interlace your fingers behind your head, keep the elbows out to the side and back straight. Pull the shoulder blades toward each other to feel tension and hold. Then relax and repeat.

NECK From a neutral/straight neck position, tilt head to the left (ear to shoulder) and hold at a gentle tension position. Return to neutral, then tilt to right, hold and return to neutral. Repeat.

CHEST/SHOULDER

BACK/HIP

CALF/LOWER LEG

Interlace fingers behind back, turn elbows inward and straighten arms back. Hold, then relax and repeat.

ALGEBRA PUZZLE

PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER LIKE A PRO

*If you have limitations to walking (such as requiring a walking aid – cane, crutch, walker, specialized boots, etc.) or stretching, you should follow the advice of your health-care professional.

SUDOKU PUZZLE

*If you have clicking/popping in your jaw, seek dental attention before doing this stretch.

BENEFITS OF WALKING*

Using the sums of the rows and columns above, determine the value of each icon.

2 5 7 9 6 3

9 8 3 5

9 2

7 4 8 2 4 6 2 3 9 8 7 1 4 8 5 7 9 6

Solutions: Page 61 Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

FUTURE GIVING

Where there’s a will, there’s a way BUT WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A WILL, IT CERTAINLY ISN’T GOING TO BE YOUR WAY.

We all know estate planning is important – for you, your spouse and children – but just how important is it? To find out, Urban Angel sat down with M. Elena Hoffstein, a partner at Fasken Martineau who specializes in estate planning, wills and trusts, and not-for-profit law.

When you don’t have a will

Wacky will wishes

When you pass away without a will (dying intestate), a statute created by each province dictates how your hard-earned assets are distributed. The intestacy rules provide for a fixed percentage of the estate to go to spouses and children. Under these rules, the amount provided to your spouse and the distribution to your dependents may not match your wishes.

Some people have put A LOT of thought into what happens after they pass – and Hoffstein has heard it all.

If you don’t have a will: 1. The administration of your estate gets expensive: you cannot plan to reduce taxes payable on death. Someone must be appointed by the court to handle the estate, and the process is expensive. 2. Money could be given at the wrong time, or to the wrong people: children will be entitled to their inheritance at age 18, but what if you intended for funds to be used for their care before then? What if age 18 is too young for children to receive their inheritance? If you are separated but not formally divorced, that person is still your spouse and is still entitled to a portion of your estate. 3. You cannot give to charity: charities do not factor into the distribution of the estate if you haven’t named them in a will.

Take another look • Review your will every two to three years: legislation and tax rules are constantly changing – you may have thought your estate plan achieved a certain tax result, but as the rules have changed, you or your estate may not be entitled to the tax credits you think you are. • When you have a change of life circumstance – marriage, birth of a child, death of a spouse or dependent, or a child moving to the United States or elsewhere – think “How does this impact my will?”

Funeral Instructions: From eyeshadow colours and clothing to music and hymns, menus and a pre-determined invite list. Cryogenic Preservation: Preserving bodies to hopefully be brought back to life in the future – their fortunes held for their return. Fortune to Fido: Many people want to leave a gift for the care of their pets – from cats and dogs to horses and other animals. In the United States, Leona Helmsley, the late property and hotel billionaire whose holdings included the Empire State Building, left $12 million in trust to her beloved Maltese, Trouble.

What’s trending • Will-making has gotten more complicated and rules are changing. • Many Canadians have cottage properties. Estate planners know they’re in for complicated discussions when there are many children and grandchildren, many of whom will have emotional attachments to the property. • More blended families and an increase in dependents with disabilities and impairments means more complicated wills and trusts. • Charitable giving following death has become more complicated as a result of recent changes in the tax rules, so more people are thinking of giving during their lifetime rather than leaving bequests.

y r o t s r u o y e r Sha

More than 2,500 babies are born at St. Michael’s every year. Were you one of them? Would you like to share your story with the St. Michael’s community? If so, please visit stmichaelsfoundation.com/baby to tell us all about it.

Favourable future • Hoffstein anticipates more frequent and larger gifts to the Canadian charitable sector.

For more information on how to leave your legacy to St. Michael’s Foundation, please contact Cynthia Collantes at 416.864.5879 or CollantesC@smh.ca 416.864.5000

FUTURE GIVING

Where there’s a will, there’s a way BUT WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A WILL, IT CERTAINLY ISN’T GOING TO BE YOUR WAY.

When you don’t have a will

Wacky will wishes

Some people have put A LOT of thought into what happens after they pass – and Hoffstein has heard it all.

y r o t s r u o y e r Sha

Favourable future • Hoffstein anticipates more frequent and larger gifts to the Canadian charitable sector.

For more information on how to leave your legacy to St. Michael’s Foundation, please contact Cynthia Collantes at 416.864.5879 or CollantesC@smh.ca 416.864.5000

POINT OF VIEW

RECIPES Salad Ingredients:

TROPICAL BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE Serves 4

Somebody walks into you and you, as a Canadian, instinctively say, “Sorry!” What is with that? You didn’t know it’s a thing? Google it and you’ll see a sorry spectacle of newspaper and magazine articles, YouTube videos and more, either documenting or commenting on the Canadian habit of asking for forgiveness. WHY ARE CANADIANS SO APOLOGETIC? Where does that put us on the spectrum of rude to tail-between-the-legs? Not just in crowded malls, but politicians for messing up, athletes for losing and the media for getting it wrong. And maybe it’s not a bad thing! Communication theorist Professor David Black of Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C., thinks saying “sorry” is our national catchphrase, our “linguistic Swiss army knife” that distills those quintessential Canadian virtues of temperance, modesty and civility. Why? “Mutual accommodation is the story of Canada and ‘I’m sorry’ is how we transact this central part of our national character,” he says. As civility around the world is under threat, he argues that, “for Canadians, saying ‘I’m sorry’ restores a degree of equilibrium.”

In their award-winning book, How To Be A Canadian: Even If You Already Are One, Ian and Will Ferguson chronicle 12 Canadian “sorries”: simple, essential, occupational, subservient, aristocratic, demonstrative, libidinous, ostentatious, mythical, unrepentant, sympathetic and authentic. They explain:

“Once you learn how to properly say ‘I’m sorry,’ you will no longer be trying to become Canadian, you will have rewired your brain to such a degree that you will actually be Canadian.” So Urban Angel is happy to confirm we’re sort of in the middle, between the brash Yanks and the reticent Brits, which is a good place to be. Sorry not to be more categorical.

Ingredients:

Directions:

2½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 cup pineapple, cut into 2-inch chunks and frozen ½ cup orange juice 1 tbsp honey ½ cup Greek yogurt

1. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, season with salt, and cook until fork-tender, about 15−20 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Directions:

2. Return water to a boil and cook green beans or asparagus in the same saucepan for about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water. Chill until cold, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and pat dry.

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Start blending slowly then increase the speed. 2. Blend until smooth. 3. Pour into glasses, top with a few more berries and serve.

What about at St. Michael’s? Well, Director of Mission and Values Filomena Machado recalls the days when the Sisters of St. Joseph ran the Hospital. They took manners very seriously, she says. “The Sisters would remind the younger staff especially to say ‘please and thank you’ and ‘sorry’ as needed. It helped instill a sense of St. Michael’s as a special place, a sense that continues to animate the culture of the Hospital to this day.” So, Urban Angel advises, own “sorry” with pride, knowing this Northern touchstone sets us apart as the nice but not too nice country of citizens all too ready to accept blame when we’re blameless and all for the greater social good! SO THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL INCLINED, JUST GO AHEAD AND LET OUT A GOOD, CANADIAN, “SORRY, EH!”

1 cup small potatoes Salt to taste 1 cup green beans or asparagus, trimmed 6 large eggs, hard boiled 6 tbsp olive oil 4 cups (450 g) smoked salmon 4 cups baby greens, mixed ¼ cup niçoise olives, pitted 8 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered

3. Peel the hard-boiled eggs, cut into halves and set aside.

GIVE YOUR BRAIN A WORKOUT SOLUTIONS ALGEBRA PUZZLE

87 80 71 63

SMOKED SALMON NIÇOISE SALAD Serves 6 Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated 2 tsp (about ½) shallot, minced 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped Freshly ground pepper, to taste 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6. P lace the baby greens on a platter. Arrange the potatoes, green beans or asparagus, hard-boiled eggs and smoked salmon on top. Pour any juices from the tomatoes into the dressing, then add the tomatoes to the platter. Drizzle with dressing and top with the olives.

4. Prepare the vinaigrette: whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and zest, shallot, mustard, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until mixed. 5. T oss the tomatoes in a small bowl with salt and pepper to taste. Add about 1/4 cup vinaigrette to the potatoes and toss.

SUDOKU PUZZLE

4 7 8 2 3 1 6 9 5

1 2 5 9 6 7 8 3 4

3 9 6 8 5 4 1 2 7

2 4 7 3 9 6 5 1 8

5 6 1 7 8 2 3 4 9

8 3 9 4 1 5 2 7 6

7 5 4 6 2 3 9 8 1

6 8 2 1 7 9 4 5 3

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

9 1 3 5 4 8 7 6 2

POINT OF VIEW

RECIPES Salad Ingredients:

TROPICAL BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE Serves 4

Ingredients:

Directions:

2½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 cup pineapple, cut into 2-inch chunks and frozen ½ cup orange juice 1 tbsp honey ½ cup Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender. Start blending slowly then increase the speed. 2. Blend until smooth. 3. Pour into glasses, top with a few more berries and serve.

3. Peel the hard-boiled eggs, cut into halves and set aside.

GIVE YOUR BRAIN A WORKOUT SOLUTIONS ALGEBRA PUZZLE

87 80 71 63

SUDOKU PUZZLE

4 7 8 2 3 1 6 9 5

1 2 5 9 6 7 8 3 4

3 9 6 8 5 4 1 2 7

2 4 7 3 9 6 5 1 8

5 6 1 7 8 2 3 4 9

8 3 9 4 1 5 2 7 6

7 5 4 6 2 3 9 8 1

6 8 2 1 7 9 4 5 3

Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

9 1 3 5 4 8 7 6 2

RECIPES Place in the centre of an ungreased round springform fluted pie pan. Gently press the dough evenly up to the sides of the pan, trim and form a small lip on the edge of the pan. Prick dough with a fork all over. Refrigerate while making the filling.

FRESH ONTARIO RASPBERRY ALMOND TART

BRUNCH EGGS: FRESH TOMATO & PEPPER

BRUNCH EGGS: LEEK & SUMMER PEA

CINNAMON CARROT PANCAKES

Serves 4-8

Serves 4

Makes 8 pancakes

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

Crust Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour ¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp salt 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly ground 1/8 tsp ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ cup brown sugar 3/4 cup coconut milk or low-fat buttermilk 1 tbsp canola oil 1½ tsp vanilla extract 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups carrot, finely grated Cooking spray 3 tbsp butter, softened 2 tbsp honey

1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tbsp granulated sugar Pinch of salt ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 cubes 1 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil ½ cup white onion, diced 1 carrot, diced 3 red bell peppers, cut into small chunks ½ cup white wine or vegetable stock 3 medium/large tomatoes, peeled and chopped into small chunks 4-8 eggs

2 medium-sized leeks ¼ cup white wine 1 cup fresh podded peas ¼ cup cream or natural yogurt ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp olive oil 4 eggs

Directions:

1. Warm the olive oil in a large pan; then lightly fry the onions, diced carrot and peppers without browning. Cool for about 2 minutes.

1. Wash the leeks well and then slice finely in half lengthways.

2. Add the white wine or stock. Reduce by half. 3. After about 2 minutes, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook the mixture until all the vegetables are soft, around 7-8 minutes, and the juice has been reduced by about half. 4. Season with salt and pepper. And top each dish with a poached egg.

2. Melt the butter or oil in a pan and sauté the leeks gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the white wine. 3. Add the peas. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, until hot. 4. Remove from heat and mix in the cream, cheese and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top each dish with a poached egg.

Note: You may poach the eggs directly in this tomato sauce.

WHY DR. JONATHON MAGUIRE LOVES CANADA… “As a pediatrician, and father, these are just a few reasons why I love Canada: Children from all backgrounds can go to school and be friends with kids from around the globe. Children can grow up to love and appreciate nature. Children can be safe, healthy, have a promising future and know that they are important.”

Directions: 1. Spoon flour into dry measuring cups and level with a knife. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with a whisk. Combine coconut milk or buttermilk, vanilla and eggs, mix well. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until moist. Fold in finely grated carrot. 2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Spoon ½ cup batter mounds onto pan, spreading with a spatula. Cook each pancake for about 1 minute on each side or until bottoms are lightly browned. Repeat with remaining batter.

For more recipes visit: stmichaelsfoundation.com/recipes

Filling Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter at room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract 2 tbsp orange peel, finely grated 2 tbsp orange juice 2 cups ground almonds Topping Ingredients: ¼ cup of jam or ¼ cup of Greek yogurt 1 pint of fresh raspberries Directions: 1. For the crust: combine flour, sugar and salt in a food processor or mixer, and pulse until blended. Add cubed butter and pulse until coarsely ground. Add lemon juice and pulse until the mixture begins to form a ball. Transfer to a clean board and gather the mixture into a ball. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to ¼ inch thick and about 12 inches in diameter.

2. Preheat oven to 350F. Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts, orange peel and juice. Gradually beat in the ground almonds using the low speed until evenly distributed. 4. Pour mixture into pastry crust. Bake at 350F until crust and filling are a deep golden colour and a toothpick inserted into the centre of the tart comes out clean, about 3o minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

CANADIAN MAPLE GRANOLA Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 2 cups raw, old-fashioned whole rolled oats ½ cup raw nuts, chopped ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds ½ cup unsweetened dried fruit, chopped (optional) 2-3 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil or other healthy cooking oil ½ tsp vanilla extract or almond extract ¼ tsp fine sea salt Directions:

5. Once cool, spread the topping over the tart. Transfer to platter. Cover with raspberries and dust with icing sugar to garnish.

1. Preheat the oven to 300F. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly using your fingers or spatula. Make sure the coconut oil and maple syrup are mixed evenly.

6. Garnish with fresh sprigs of mint from your summer garden or local farmers’ market.

2. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake until very lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. 3. Cool before serving or storing. 4. Serve with layers of Greek yogurt and fresh fruits or berries.

WHY CHEF VICTOR DE GUZMAN LOVES CANADA… “Canada is my home. I moved to this beautiful country from the Philippines in the spring of 1996. It is cold but Canadians are warm. To me, being Canadian means being who I truly am. I can be proud of my cultural heritage and still be a citizen of this great nation. In Canada, I have the opportunity to do what I love to do. It’s an honour to be involved with St. Michael’s Foundation. I see it as a platform for me to reach out to my community and share my knowledge and passion for food.” Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

FRESH ONTARIO RASPBERRY ALMOND TART

BRUNCH EGGS: FRESH TOMATO & PEPPER

BRUNCH EGGS: LEEK & SUMMER PEA

CINNAMON CARROT PANCAKES

Serves 4-8

Serves 4

Makes 8 pancakes

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

Crust Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tbsp granulated sugar Pinch of salt ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 cubes 1 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized leeks ¼ cup white wine 1 cup fresh podded peas ¼ cup cream or natural yogurt ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp olive oil 4 eggs

Directions:

1. Warm the olive oil in a large pan; then lightly fry the onions, diced carrot and peppers without browning. Cool for about 2 minutes.

1. Wash the leeks well and then slice finely in half lengthways.

Note: You may poach the eggs directly in this tomato sauce.

For more recipes visit: stmichaelsfoundation.com/recipes

5. Once cool, spread the topping over the tart. Transfer to platter. Cover with raspberries and dust with icing sugar to garnish.

1. Preheat the oven to 300F. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly using your fingers or spatula. Make sure the coconut oil and maple syrup are mixed evenly.

6. Garnish with fresh sprigs of mint from your summer garden or local farmers’ market.

URBAN ANGEL MAGAZINE SPOKE WITH JOHN BARFORD, VICE-CHAIR OF ST. MICHAEL’S FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ABOUT HIS DECADE-LONG DEDICATION TO THE HOSPITAL.

You joined St. Michael’s Foundation’s Board a decade ago. Looking back, what’s your proudest moment? I am proud every day to be associated with St. Michael’s Hospital. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of physicians, staff and fellow board members who are all guided by a unique culture of compassion. If I had to pick one moment that stands out to me, however, I would say it was spearheading the creation of the Chairs in MS and Homelessness, Housing and Health. I honestly feel they will lead to substantial breakthroughs.

AMONG HIS MANY GENEROUS ACTS, BARFORD PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HELPING THE FOUNDATION SECURE $235 MILLION TOWARDS ITS HISTORIC INSPIRE 2018 CAMPAIGN TO BUILD THE NEW 17-STOREY PETER GILGAN PATIENT CARE TOWER. HE ALSO LED FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH CHAIRS IN HOMELESSNESS, HOUSING AND HEALTH, AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RESEARCH. THE PRESIDENT OF VALLEYDENE CORP. EXEMPLIFIES CANADA’S SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AND THE VALUES THE HOSPITAL HOLDS DEAR.

You and your family have long been advocates of multiple sclerosis initiatives. Why does this cause mean so much to you? The battle against MS is very personal for us. My mother, Elizabeth, endured the progressive form of the disease for over 25 years – and I might add that she fought it with great determination and humour, and with the unwavering support of my father, Ralph. We witnessed firsthand its effects on individuals and their families. The Elizabeth S. Barford MS Patient Comfort Fund provides financial assistance to lessen the physical burden. We are very excited about the research and clinical work being done at St. Michael’s. Together, with Jon and Nancy Love, and my sister Beth Malcolm, we established the Love and Barford MS Research Fund to support neurologist Dr. Jiwon Oh, who is studying the spinal cord using MRIs to aid in the diagnosis and management of the disease. With the opening of the new CONDRAIN GROUP Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, the largest of its kind in North America, and the pending arrival of world-renowned neurologist Dr. Xavier Montalban of Barcelona, we are confident that St. Michael’s will have one of the preeminent MS Centres in the world.

You’ve championed many critical hospital priorities, including leading the fundraising efforts for St. Michael’s Chair in Homelessness, Housing and Health. Why are you so passionate about finding solutions for our most vulnerable and marginalized inner-city members? One of the first things that attracted me to St. Michael’s was its unbiased care for the homeless. When Tony Arrell, former Chair and current member of the Foundation Board, first introduced me to Foundation President Alayne Metrick and Hospital President & CEO Dr. Bob Howard, and we toured the Rotary Club of Toronto Transition Centre together, I immediately knew St. Mike’s was different. There was no doubt that I wanted to be a part of it. And after meeting Dr. Stephen Hwang, currently Director of St. Michael’s Centre for Urban Health Solutions, it was evident that creating an endowed Chair in Homelessness, Housing and Health would have a real and tangible impact on our community. We are so pleased to see the ongoing support in this area from the Louis L. Odette Family and the marvellous work being done by John Cassaday, John Lederer and so many others that will make a real difference. In addition to being Vice-Chair of St. Michael’s Foundation Board you’re also Chair of the Toronto Foundation, where you strive to strengthen the quality of life in Toronto by connecting philanthropy to community needs. What do you love most about this city? Through our association with Toronto Foundation we’ve been exposed to the most remarkable people who help make this city a world leader on so many fronts. It’s a real tribute to our integration of different cultures and ethnicities that should stand as a model for other cities around the world. Toronto Foundation serves to engage people who want to make a real difference. Its incredible staff, led

John and Jocelyn Barford attend St. Michael’s Angel Ball.

by our new president, Sharon Avery, has an inspiring vision for Toronto. While my wife Jocelyn and I have had the opportunity to travel to many places, every time we return to Toronto we are so grateful to call it home. What’s your advice to the next generation of Canadians who want to get engaged in philanthropy? Volunteer your time and talent – I can assure you that you will be rewarded many times over. St. Michael’s Young Leaders, led by David Cooper and Bill Pringle, is a great example of the next generation coming together to benefit the Hospital while also networking and having some fun along the way. The next generation should find an area or agency and jump in – it will always be appreciated. What does being Canadian mean to you? Being Canadian means that we are among the most fortunate people in the world. Living in a civilized and respectful society, where all are welcomed has made this a most unique and wonderful country. There is no place that I would rather call home. Please give at stmichaelsfoundation.com

URBAN ANGEL MAGAZINE SPOKE WITH JOHN BARFORD, VICE-CHAIR OF ST. MICHAEL’S FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ABOUT HIS DECADE-LONG DEDICATION TO THE HOSPITAL.

John and Jocelyn Barford attend St. Michael’s Angel Ball.

PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

St. Michael’s Hospital, 1892

Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, established in 2011

Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower, currently under construction

Each year on St. Michael’s Day we announce the winners of our Values in Action Awards, given to physicians, staff and teams who demonstrate our core values – a legacy, in part, of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

How we treat people is at the heart of our current transformation. Since the Hospital was established in 1892, we’ve built on our success significantly. Research at St. Michael’s has advanced dramatically since the Li Ka Shing These values include Human Dignity, Excellence, Compassion, Knowledge Institute, comprised of the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Social Responsibility, Community of Service (the creation Education Centre, opened in 2011. And we see a future of a climate that enables healing, collaboration and the with inspiring possibilities as we create new facilities, like the fulfillment of potential) and Pride of Achievement Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower and the Slaight Family (the value we place on our work and our colleagues). Emergency Department, and renovate older spaces to This year, we celebrate the 150th birthday of Canada and ensure that, when you need us, you can be confident that the 125th anniversary of the opening of St. Michael’s Hospital. you are receiving the best care in the best environment. Both occur on July 1st. Thinking about those anniversaries and Through its history, Toronto’s Urban Angel has evolved – how they coincide, it is striking that our values are very Canadian thanks to the generosity of its many friends – as this country values. Canadians have a reputation for thoughtfulness, for has to better serve its growing and changing population. being community-minded, for being nice. The word nice may It is fitting that our values and those of our country align. not sound very dynamic, but we think, at heart, it means being guided by an innate belief in active kindness. It means In our own way St. Michael’s reflects what, at its best, this country stands for. that other people – and how we treat them – matter. Bob Howard, MD President & CEO St. Michael’s Hospital

L. Alayne Metrick, FAHP President St. Michael’s Foundation

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

St. Michael’s Foundation Inspired Care. Inspiring Science.

Create your legacy with a bequest to St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Contact Cynthia Collantes 416.864.5879 collantesc@smh.ca

PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

St. Michael’s Hospital, 1892

Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, established in 2011

Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower, currently under construction

L. Alayne Metrick, FAHP President St. Michael’s Foundation

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

St. Michael’s Foundation Inspired Care. Inspiring Science.

Create your legacy with a bequest to St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Contact Cynthia Collantes 416.864.5879 collantesc@smh.ca

Artist: Nyle Migizi Johnston

Thank you to The Slaight Family Foundation for your generous support of Indigenous Communities

This generous gift of over $12 million will provide vital support to 15 organizations working with Indigenous communities and people across our country to enrich Canada for the future. Funding will be used to create unique initiatives that build capacity and leadership within Indigenous communities to strengthen the physical, mental, cultural and social well-being of the First Nation, MĂŠtis and Inuit across Canada.

The following organizations express deep appreciation and thanks to The Slaight Family Foundation for its incredible gifts

OUTWARD BOUND CANADA