Healthy.Together.Markham.Stouffville. Winter 2020 Edition

WINTER 2020

MSHF.ON.CA

TM

MARKHAM.STOUFFVILLE.

Faces of our 30th

Donors for decades

Three generations of generosity pg.24

Get to know the people behind the faces

pg.12

Caring for seniors ‘beyond our walls’ pg.18

Food for thought

pg.22

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CONTENTS NEWS & COMMUNITY 4

MSH NEWS What’s new at MSH and in our community

7

FEATURED EVENTS Annual MSH Foundation Golf Tournament and Markham-Unionville Ladies Golf Tournament

8

MSH HEROES Recognizing the heroic accomplishments of our MSH family

29 MARK YOUR CALENDAR Upcoming events and fundraisers to add to your schedule 30 COMMUNITY EVENTS Your community, your hospital, your support 32 A LEGACY OF GIVING Keeping Art Latcham’s dream alive

FEATURES 18 CARE COMES HOME Innovative seniors’ care at MSH 22 WELL SERVED New patient food service offers tasty, nourishing local fare 24 GENERATIONS OF GENEROSITY A family of donors ensures the community can count on MSH

WINTER 2020

12

MSHF.ON.CA

TM

MARKHAM.STOUFFVILLE.

Faces of our 30th

Donors for decades

FACES OF OUR 30TH

Three generations of generosity pg.24

pg.18

pg.22

Cover photo: Tim Fraser Dr. Stephen McMahon, MSH Chief of Surgery

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

pg.12

Caring for seniors ‘beyond our walls’ Food for thought

MSH turns 30!

Reflections from some of the originals

2

Get to know the people behind the faces

CEO LETTER MSH

MARKHAM.STOUFFVILLE.TM EDITOR Sean Deasy SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kendra Schumacher ART DIRECTOR Angela Iori SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ryan Izokaitis CONTRIBUTORS Vawn Himmelsbach, Dick Snyder PROJECT MANAGERS Cheryl Andrews, Angela Iori, Caitlin Moorcroft PHOTOGRAPHER Tim Fraser MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL, EDITORIAL ADVISORS Madeline Cuadra, Yeena Peng, Suzette Strong VICE PRESIDENT SALES, STAR METROLAND MEDIA Steve Shrout PUBLISHER Star Metroland Media PRINT & INSERTING SALES MANAGER, STAR METROLAND MEDIA Robert Wildbore ADVERTISING SALES Madeline Cuadra, mcuadra@msh.on.ca Star Metroland Media, adinfo@thestar.com Healthy.Together.Markham.Stouffville.™ is published twice a year by Star Metroland Media Content Solutions, in partnership with the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.

Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

The material in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material, it does not constitute advice or carry the specific endorsement of either Star Metroland Media or Markham Stouffville Hospital. Readers are encouraged to consult their doctor to discuss their health concerns.

Dear Friends, Together, we are celebrating 30 years of caring for our community – having first opened our doors in March 1990. And it truly is an inclusive celebration: so many passionate people are at the heart of everything at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) – from talented physicians and staff, to dedicated volunteers, grateful patients and generous donors.

Looking back on the past three decades at MSH, so much has changed. Our hospital is bigger and better than ever – with new technology, programs and staff all coming together to deliver exceptional care close to home, for everyone who needs it. While we have continued to grow over the years, our culture has remained humble, compassionate and caring – with a strong sense of community. It’s our defining trait.

So many of our staff, volunteers and physicians remember being here when the hospital officially opened. Some can even recall standing inside the main doors waiting for the very first patients.

You’ll get to know some of these passionate people in this edition of Healthy.Together.Markham.StouffvilleTM – many who’ve been here since those first days. Whether in their day-to-day work on the front lines of health care, or through their remarkable generosity as family donors, they’ve all helped build on the proud heritage of this hospital – your hospital.

Our hospital also has an extraordinary future. We’re excited to build on our plan to create connected care services that will ensure patients, families and caregivers have a seamless and integrated health care journey. With your support we will aim to fully realize our vision of Care beyond our walls, and keep investing in our people, services and technology so the next 30 years are as successful as our first 30.

Jo-anne Marr, President & CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital

Suzette Strong, CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

3

MSH NEWS

MSH NEWS

WE’RE SOCIAL! Your stories are inspiring.

Tell us about your experience and why you love MSH. @MSHospital

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES EXPAND MSH has expanded its cardiology program to provide more services close to home for patients and families.

The hospital is now offering a Cardiovascular Rehab and Wellness program in partnership with neighbouring Cornell Community Centre for patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease. The 26-week program includes weekly exercise and education sessions, nutrition classes and access to important community resources that allow patients to improve their cardiovascular health and make the best decisions for a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, a new Heart Function Clinic is available for those who were admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. The clinic is staffed by speciality registered nurses, cardiac nurse practitioners and cardiologists who work together to provide education about heart failure, lifestyle modifications and the best available medications so patients can live as symptom-free as possible.

Lili Patel (left) is examined by registered nurse, Lizz Heppner, in the Heart Function Clinic

INSPIRATION, GENEROSITY AND IMPACT

Dr. Sundeep Toor, interventional radiologist

4

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

One of the most significant ways patients and families express their gratitude for the exceptional care they experience at MSH is by giving back.

Recently, the Miller family made a generous gift in memory of John David Miller, inspired by “the excellent care that he received here.”

For the long-time residents and lifetime MSH supporters, it was important to show their gratitude, to make “a donation to this hospital.”

What’s also important to the Miller family is that their gift will support the expansion of the Interventional Radiology (IR) program.

At MSH, the demand for IR continues to grow, with its annual number of procedures having quadrupled in

recent years. An expanded IR program includes the construction of a new dedicated suite that will further empower the IR team in its delivery of the best possible care.

“In a space specifically designed for this advancing medical field of IR, I can see us providing a lot more than what we’re already doing right now,” says Dr. Sundeep Toor, interventional radiologist at MSH. IR procedures offer patients new investigative treatment options that truly make a difference to their lives.

Thank you to the Miller family for ensuring more patients can access the latest and greatest in today’s advanced medicine, right here, close to home.

NEWS MSH

COMMUNITY RAISES $115,000 FOR BEAR NECESSITIES PATIENT PORTAL

One of MSH’s tiniest patients receives a bear hug

Thanks to you, our generous community, including the contributions of proud Bear Necessities ambassadors: Ravenshoe Group, Premier Bulk Systems, Tam-Kal Limited and A Friend of MSH Foundation, a total of $115,000 was raised — enough to deliver 2,300 bear hugs to patients!

Giving a Bear Necessity makes a real impact on patients and the hospital itself. Like a cuddly teddy bear to lift someone’s spirts, a soft sleep sack to hug a newborn or a plush blanket to provide comfort and warmth — all make a patient’s stay a little more

bearable. And funds raised through the Bear Necessities program are used to purchase life-saving equipment not covered by government funding.

These 2,300 bear hugs were made possible by individual gifts, as well as corporate partners: Scotiabank branches in Markham and Stouff ville, AB Dance, AMD, Blair Technology, Datto Canada, McOuat Partnerships, Erin Giannopoulos and MSH/MSH Foundation Board members.

Bear Necessities are needed for all our patients throughout the year. To give a bear hug today visit lifesavinggifts.ca.

The hospital, along with its Shared Health Information Network Exchange (SHINE) partners: Southlake Regional Health Centre and Stevenson Memorial Hospital, officially launched our patient portal: Patient Connect, on September 30, 2019. Patient Connect allows patients at all three sites to access their health information 24/7.

Patients can view upcoming appointments, laboratory and diagnostic results, health care provider notes, visit history information and a summary of medications ordered when they are discharged from the hospital.

To date, MSH has more than 3,500 enrollments to the portal. Patient Connect supports our commitment to patient and family-centred care, improves transparency and access to information and promotes shared decision making between patients and care providers.

DIALYSIS SERVICES FOR CRITICAL CARE INPATIENTS

ICU staff is excited to offer life-saving dialysis services to patients

Thanks to generous community support, patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Markham site who require dialysis services now have access to this life-saving care.

Since being approved by the Ontario Renal Network to establish acute dialysis services in the hospital’s ICU in June 2019, the hospital has conducted

extensive renovations to accommodate the new services and hired a second nephrologist.

The new services will allow for timely access to dialysis care for critically ill patients who will no longer need to be transferred to another hospital for care, as well as enhance the skills of ICU staff.

ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT On December 6, 2019, Paul Calandra, Government House Leader and MPP for Markham-Stouffville, was at the Cornell Community Centre, on behalf of Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, to announce the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team (OHT) as one of the first 24 OHTs.

An OHT is a group of health care providers who work as one coordinated team, even if they are not in the same organization.

Together with our partners, we will use our OHT to organize and deliver care that is more connected for our patients in the community.

In the first year, our OHT will

implement local initiatives to improve the care for patients with mental health and addictions, and those living with dementia and their caregivers. The four major areas of work will include: improving access and navigation, amplifying resources for primary care providers, digital health and community engagement.

Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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A heartfelt THANK YOU to

The Village Grocer

for donating 100% of the day’s sales to benefit our community’s health at the inaugural “The Village Grocer Giving Thanks” on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

A total of $101,000 raised!

A tremendous THANK YOU to the MacDonald family for making this possible.

Takes a Village

Your spirit of generosity is the reason that thousands of patients and families can count on MSH for exceptional care close to home.

Mark your calendar for 2020! See you Saturday, October 17

FEATURED EVENTS MSH

L-R: Brad Morris, Board Director, MSH Foundation, Patrick O’Hanlon, Committee Chair, Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation, Bill Bachra, Board Director, MSH Foundation, Jo-anne Marr, President & CEO, MSH, Quinn McMahon, Peter Zukow, Mary Evelyn, Kathy Crupi, David Hill (Absent: Michelle Cowan, Michael Froggatt)

L-R: Jim Cochrane, David Milovanovic

MSH FEATURED EVENTS 35TH ANNUAL MSH FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT On August 12, 2019, over 150 golfers hit the links at the prestigious York Downs Golf & Country Club, all in support of MSH. The 35th Annual MSH Foundation Golf Tournament, always a testament to the generous spirit of our community, was a full day of activities, complete with live entertainment, a delicious dinner, prizes and auctions.

This tournament marked the 14 th consecutive year for Honeywell as Presenting Sponsor. It was also the 21st year with York Downs Golf & Country Club as

Venue Sponsor, part of their extraordinary ongoing commitment to our community’s health care.

One highlight of the evening was the extremely successful equipment appeal led by a compelling story from Dr. Mitesh Mehta, radiologist, which raised more than $80,000 to purchase two radiology diagnostic monitors as well as other life-saving equipment to ensure patients can continue to rely on MSH for an accurate diagnosis.

Long-time MSH donors David Milovanovic

20TH MARKHAM-UNIONVILLE LADIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

L-R: Sari Brown, Committee Chair, Kimberly Clark, Astrid Schyvenaars, Cathy Nealon, Sheri Kurtz (Absent: Sharon Comeau)

and Jim Cochrane each bought a monitor, while a number of other generous individuals raised additional funds for lifesaving equipment.

Overall, this year’s event raised an incredible $250,000. The hospital is so grateful to all the generous sponsors, auction donors, committee members and volunteers for making the event such a success.

Book ahead to sponsor the 36th annual tournament on August 10. View photos from the event at golf.mshf.on.ca.

The 20th Markham-Unionville Ladies Golf Tournament, held on Monday, September 16, 2019, at Upper Unionville Golf Club was a resounding hole-in-one.

The afternoon event saw more than 70 enthusiastic golfers enjoy a round on the links and a fun-filled “Caddy Auction” featuring Markham Professional Firefighters. All proceeds from the tournament benefit The Shakir Rehmatullah Cancer Clinic at MSH. The success of this event is thanks to the generous spirit of the community, particularly the dedicated volunteer committee, the participants and the Markham Firefighters. It is also only possible with the contributions from generous sponsors, including presenting sponsor Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa. Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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MSH HEROES

You won’t see MSH Heroes in capes or costumes but you will see them walking the halls of the hospital every day. Our heroes save lives, combat illness and go above and beyond to provide compassionate care to our patients. MSH Heroes have been recognized by a grateful patient, family, peer or community supporter and honoured with a donation to support exceptional patient care close to home. Here’s to 30 more years of heroes making a difference!

“THE GIVER”

Avo Oudabachian Board Chair, MSH Foundation

F

or Avo Oudabachian, giving back to one’s community is no mere gesture, it’s a way of life.

Community building was instilled in him as a boy of seven when his family emigrated from Lebanon to Montreal. “My father was 42, and all he brought to Canada was the five of us and a back­ gammon board,” he says. The year was 1976, and his parents set about integrating into the city’s diverse culture. Avo, who spoke only Armenian and Arabic, set out to become a Canadian citizen.

“Both my parents have been recognized by the community for 45 years of benevolence,” he says with pride. Their passion has clearly made a mark on their son, as he continues the family tradition of volunteerism — as Chair of the Board of the MSH Foundation and a Director of the hospital Board.

Avo is the founder and managing partner with Ohan & Co., a boutique executive recruiting firm with offices in Markham, Toronto, New York, Princeton, Chicago and Paris. How can a guy this busy spend so much time as a volunteer on two MSH Boards?

Talk to him for a few minutes and it becomes clear. “In life, I have to be learning, giving back or having fun.” For Avo, being 8

part of MSH ticks all the boxes.

As Chair of the MSH Foundation — during the hospital’s 30th year — Avo intends to build on the proud heritage and tremendous growth of MSH’s first 30 years. In his professional role, Avo has consulted for many Fortune 500 companies and other hospitals. He knows what makes an effective administration — one that works at all times for the wellbeing of the patient.

Avo likes nothing more than to walk the hospital floors and visit with the staff to see what’s happening. Then, he says, when he meets a donor in the community, he can tell them exactly what equipment or staff or ser­ vices their donation is enabling.

And he’s quick to recognize the people who make the real magic happen.

“The doctors, the nurses, the professional staff — they are the chosen ones. They have the capacity to heal. And they really care,” he says.

“I’m humbled to be a representative of MSH and be recognized as an MSH Hero. This hospital has one of the most truly collaborative cultures I have ever seen — and this collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit is all about helping the patient and our community.”

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

HEROES MSH

“THE PROBLEM SOLVER”

Anne-Marie Martin Procurement specialist

A

nne-Marie Martin started at MSH before it even opened.

The year was 1989 and she worked with about 40 staff in an office handling essential medical equipment purchases like x-ray machines.

“I did all the orders on a typewriter with six copies,” she says, with a laugh. Now, as she approaches 31 years here in March, the ordering process is a bit more automated and her role has morphed into something beyond purchasing equipment.

“My job is to make sure everyone has what they need to do their job,” she says. Whether that’s a fridge for the nurses in the operating room (OR) so they don’t have to leave the sterile area at lunch or tweaking the taxi service at the hospital, Anne-Marie makes sure everything is in place for MSH to be the best for the community it serves.

Anne-Marie is the “problem solver.” She knows everyone. She knows how everything works. She knows where everything is. And she’s resourceful. “At times, we’ve had to be creative, like when we repurposed a motor from a parking gate to make the legs of a bucking bronco for the MSH Santa Claus parade float — our facilities guys are very talented.”

On a typical day, Anne-Marie will answer 70 emails. But, she

notes, there really aren’t any typical days. “My main job is buying equipment that is vital to patient care — the life-saving things — and preparing purchase orders for construction projects around the hospital.

But because I’ve been here so long people come to me for help; if a patient needs something special, I’ll either order it or track it down.”

Born in Toronto, Anne-Marie now lives in Whitby, about a 30-minute drive from MSH. In her downtime, she enjoys walks with her 10-year-old “Morkie” — a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie — and spending time with her 10-month old grandson.

The best part of her job, she says, is the feedback – knowing she is making a difference. “I like to help the staff in all they do, and it feels good when they send a message to say they got the item or ‘we were able to help the patient.’”

It means a lot to her that someone made a donation in her honour recognizing her as an MSH Hero. “My role is a background one, so it’s very gratifying to be nominated. I love the people and I love the work.”

When asked what motivates her at work, she instantly says: “The people. We work as a team.

We are ‘honoured to care’ for our community every day.”

Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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MSH HEROES

“THE FAMILY DOC ” Dr. Stephen McLaren Family physician

W

hen asked about delivering the first baby born at MSH, Dr. Stephen McLaren lets out a satisfied sigh: “Ah, Jennifer Bell!”

Dr. McLaren appreciates the joys of life — and the joys of sharing it. He’s been sharing that enthusiasm for 30 years at MSH, and been a fixture in the community even longer than that. He set up his practice along with two other doctors in 1984.

“At that time, there were only six family doctors in Markham, and two of them were about to retire,” he remembers. MSH was still a few years away, and Dr. McLaren began to build his practice.

What keeps him attracted to MSH, to which he was aligned long before its opening in 1990, is the continued emphasis on patient care. “They brought in really good people from the start. And the administrative team jumped on the concept of customer service before anyone in health care used the words ‘customer’ and ‘service.’”

Dr. McLaren is a past chief of family medicine and is currently in practice with Markham Family Physicians aligned with the Markham Family Health Team.

Being nominated as an MSH Hero resonates with him because of what this gesture says about the hospital’s role in the community.

10

“What really thrills me is that someone put together the pieces of the puzzle [and figured out] that their family doctor in this community is part of the bigger picture that is the Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Markham Family Health Team.

I don’t think most people fully understand how important it is to have a really good relationship between the local hospital and primary care providers. I think that’s when the system sings well for everyone in Ontario.”

What Dr. McLaren finds most rewarding is being part of an effective team that provides seam­ less care. “We see a patient with an injured wrist and access an x-ray at MSH. It shows a broken wrist and the patient is directed from x-ray to the Emergency Department for a cast and then the Fracture Clinic for follow -up. Now there’s customer service! And MSH does this over and over again. You are navigated through to the next level of care with ease and efficiency.”

The bonds that form with patients are particularly important to Dr. McLaren. “It’s something you feel deeply with people, especially when you care for generations of families. Though it’s often tragic cases where this rises to the surface and is apparent to all, it doesn’t have to be.

Sometimes it’s just where you share the joy of health.”

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

HEROES MSH

“THE MENTOR ”

Rosemary Cameirao Paediatric nurse

T

alk to Rosemary Cameirao for a couple of minutes and you’ll know soon enough how much she loves her job. In Rosemary’s case, working as a nurse in the Paediatric Ambulatory Clinic, it’s a combination of things: the continual learning, the human interaction, the mentoring and the genuine pride to be representing a revered centre of health care excellence.

In March, Rosemary celebrates 30 years at MSH. She’s one of the originals, and she sure is proud of it.

Rosemary was born and raised in Sudbury, one of seven children. She started nursing in 1976, working in the nursery at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. This is where she discovered her passion for caring for newborns and their families.

She also discovered her passion for knowledge.

“I wanted to help people and I wanted to know more. It’s the science behind it all, and the ability to make a change,” she says.

All of this came together when she joined MSH. The culture of learning and continual improvement is a vital component and one of the main reasons, she says, that so many of the staff stay with the hospital for so long.

“I think it’s a gift, the facilities and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools we have. And management here, all the way up to the President and CEO, is always looking to improve. We also have

a very generous community that supports the purchase of equipment that enables MSH’s lifesaving care.”

Rosemary touches many lives, bestowing her knowledge and enthusiasm. She works with paediatricians, family doctors, nursing students, volunteers, and co-op students from local high schools. Students are often surprised by their first experiences at MSH. They tell her: “I’ve never worked in a place like this before, everyone is so warm and accommodating.”

According to Rosemary, that’s been the culture since day one.

Rosemary also runs a tight ship. When she’s teaching, she looks to inspire those around her to expand their thinking, to develop new approaches that will result in best outcomes for families. One of her greatest joys is empowering families with knowledge.

Looking back on her career of learning, Rosemary notes that she has had many good mentors, and so she wants to pass that same experience along to everyone she interacts with.

“My goal is to make the patient’s experience comfortable, worthwhile and family-centred.

Learning is exciting – seeing results is gratifying.” It’s a strategy that seems to be working — and makes Rosemary a true MSH Hero.

If there is a special staff, volunteer, nurse, doctor or an everyday hero who made a difference in your life, recognize them by giving a gift of gratitude at mshf.on.ca

Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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Faces OF OUR 30

th

munity ed create a com lp he ve ha le p k our Passionate peo Now, as we mar . al it sp o H e ill Stouffv ple called Markham f the great peo o e m so w o kn get to ries.

30th anniversary, ll their own sto te ey th as s ER ce | BY DICK SNYD behind the fa

M tcham

Arthur La

SH opened its doors to the community 30 years ago — on March 5, 1990.

However, the dream began long before that, with a group of determined residents who began advocating for a hospital in the 1950s.

In 1967, Stouffville philanthropist Arthur Latcham decided to purchase a 50-acre parcel of land at Ninth Line and Church Street in what was then known as the Village of Markham. He then donated the land for use as a hospital site. A hospital corporation was founded in 1968 and government approval finally came in 1982. The community quickly rallied and raised $5 million toward the estimated $45 million cost of construction. In the mid 2000s, a major expansion doubled the overall size of the hospital tripling the size of the Emergency Department (ED).

Thirty years on, we pause to celebrate MSH’s incredible accomplishments to date, and we hear from some of the original physicians, staff, volunteers — and even the first baby ever born at the hospital. These people are an integral part of the dynamic community at MSH. And these are their fond reflections — in their own words.

Over the past 29 years, Carol Hirst Wilson has had a variety of roles in the Ultrasound Department and is currently a team leader.

She has seen the department grow from two ultrasound machines to the 12 in use today.

Carol Hirst Wilson 12

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

“When working as a frontline sonographer, I enjoy spending time with our patients, getting to know them and helping them solve their health issues. As a team of sonographers, we really work collaboratively — our images provide a picture for the radiologist to generate a report for our patients. We feel we make a difference. It’s very rewarding.

In 2013, we moved into a new, larger department that we helped to design, with individual scan rooms that provide the patient with a better experience. Health care is constantly changing, and we must adapt to these changes, which requires constant learning. Ultrasound is a field where expanding our services means learning new skills. It is great to be able to offer our patients teaching hospital sonography in a community setting. It really is important to keep up our skill set in order to provide the very best care to our patients.”

FACES OF OUR 30TH MSH

After moving to Markham in the early 1990s, Meher Batliwalla answered an ad in the local newspaper for a position at MSH. And she’s been working here as a physiotherapist ever since.

a

Meher Batliwall

“I came to Canada in 1987. We moved to Markham and I was looking through the paper and saw a job posting.

My husband said: “Why don’t you apply? You could walk to work.”

As a physiotherapist, I see patients who are admitted to the hospital. I’ve had opportunities to work with patients in various areas of the hospital, as well as participate on committees and in educational initiatives.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to provide input on the development of various new initiatives across the organization. One that was particularly rewarding for me was being part of an interdisciplinary team that implemented a cardiovascular education and exercise program for patients.

MSH is committed to education and lifelong learning, which is important in the health care industry and I have seen it positively impact the quality of care provided to patients and their families.

When people come to the hospital, they are at their most vulnerable and I recognize it can be a stressful experience for them and their loved ones. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is to help patients ‘get back on their feet’ while supporting them both physically and emotionally.”

In the Laboratory Services Department, Brent Burgess is manager of anatomic pathology and cytology. In his 30 years at MSH, he’s been part of two lab openings, the first in 1990 and the second in 2014, when the entire lab was renovated and relocated during the hospital’s redevelopment.

“My main duties as manager of anatomic pathology and cytology involve overseeing daily operations while ensuring all laboratory requirements are being met.

And having optimal physical space along with state-ofthe-art equipment makes coming to work a pleasure.

The hospital today is much like the hospital when I first started, yet at the same time it’s much different. It began as a small hospital in the middle of a cornfield - and I do remember the corn. It has grown into a much larger facility offering many more services to our community. However, the values of patient-centred care and continual improvement have been here right from the very beginning.

There is a great sense of pride here at MSH. Everyone always wants to put their best foot forward. I have the best job that I have ever had in my entire life and I have an incredible amount of respect for my team and am so proud of their achievements. This is what has made me want to come to work every day for the last 30 years.”

Brent Burgess

Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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MSH FACES OF OUR 30TH

Cece Pastor is a critical care nurse who has been with MSH since just after it opened. Among her greatest joys throughout her years here are the long-term patients who ‘beat the odds’ and return to say thank you. That’s always a wonderful surprise that she says brings so much value to their often difficult work.

“I am a charge nurse in the ICU. This involves a multitude of tasks — too many to identify — but includes working at the bedside directly with patients, as well as supporting all the primary care registered nurses (RNs) with all the patients in the unit. It is the constant collaboration among the whole team that makes the patient care we provide so specialized.

At MSH, we model ourselves around patient and family-focused care. In the ICU we work with some of the sickest patients in the hospital, managing life support, administering life-saving medications and addressing all the needs of our diverse patient population. Our highly functioning, specialized and multidisciplinary ICU team is an amazing group.

The most satisfying part of my job is successfully meeting the new challenges that every day brings and carefully, thoughtfully and empathetically reaching out to those who need us, be it the patient or the family at their side. These relationships bring immeasurable value to my job, a job that I love! And when I think about the next 30 years at MSH, with how our community is exploding, I think about how we will evolve to provide even more specialized care for our community.”

Cece (Cecile) Pastor

Andrew Johnstone has been a volunteer since day one. He’s shared his time as a patient assistant in the therapeutic unit, assisted in the kitchen, and he can often be found running mail and making deliveries for the laboratories — among many other tasks.

Andrew Johnsto

ne

14

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

“I always wanted to volunteer in the hospital and was inspired by former MSH staff member and mentor, Teresa Shearer, who was very accommodating. I watched Teresa hug patients when they were sad and really listen to them. I was touched by how much she really cared for her patients. We’d take them out to local community events such as the Markham Fair and Cullen Barns. We took them for walks around the hospital. We played bingo and bowling in the hallway. I enjoyed making patients laugh and seeing the joy on their faces. It means the world to me to volunteer at the hospital and help make their experience better in any way that I can. It feels good to give my time and make a difference in their lives. The most satisfying part of my job is saying good morning to the patients.

And I hope to keep doing it for 30 more years.”

FACES OF OUR 30TH MSH

One of the hospital’s earliest volunteers, Marjorie Kember joined the team in November 1989.

You can call her Marj — and she can be found at the information desk every Wednesday.

“I really love what I do. Every Wednesday afternoon I’m at the desk. You never know who you are going to be talking to — it could be somebody who just lost somebody, and they may give you a big hug. Or it’s somebody who’s just welcomed a new little person into the world. Or somebody who’s in a lot of pain. One highlight of my 30 years that I will never forget was a person who came up to me and with great conviction told me what she thought about somebody who would volunteer and give their time like I was doing.

This hospital has been here for four generations of our family. My father was a founding donor, and my daughter and granddaughter have both worked here. I signed up to do volunteer work before the hospital even opened. I’d tour the hospital on my own, so I’d know where to send people. This really was the country. We used to own horses and I remember them getting loose one time and running down Kennedy Road — can you imagine that? Today, MSH truly is a cornerstone of this community and will be for generations to come.”

Marjorie Kember

MSH’s first orthopaedic surgeon and recently appointed Chief of Surgery, Dr. McMahon joined the hospital’s staff even before the hospital opened, when the team worked from a nearby office building.

Dr. Stephen McMahon

“For those of us who’ve been here since the beginning, it was somewhat of a pioneering experience to open a hospital in a place that never had one. We started with one operating room. I performed the first surgery at the hospital, a knee procedure. There was one other orthopaedic surgeon. Now there are seven. Each of us has a sub-speciality so we’re able to offer the top standard of care in a range of areas. That’s also due to the support of the MSH Foundation, which provides the funding for the latest equipment and technology.

I remember one day when we’d only been open a month or so and I was on call. I was driving up from Ninth Line and Steeles Avenue — it was a country road back then — and I saw flashing lights ahead. There had been a head-on collision. I remember nurses going to the scene to help. Some people had to be airlifted out, and some didn’t make it. It was our first time dealing with something like that and it felt like that was the day we turned into a real hospital. That’s when we realized we were a good team — and this is the real thing.”

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MSH FACES OF OUR 30TH

A frequent lecturer and widely published in medical journals, Dr. Berber is one of three original members of MSH’s psychiatric team.

“Thirty years ago, I was offered two staff psychiatrist positions — one at an established Toronto teaching hospital and the other at MSH. I chose the new community hospital. MSH offered me the unique opportunity to help start and shape a brand-new Mental Health Department. The hospital opened with just three psychiatrists; today there are 13 psychiatrists and a much larger multidisciplinary team than before. Today, as a leading treatment centre in York Region, MSH specializes in community integrated mental health with a focus on reducing stigma.

My decision to work at MSH was mostly influenced

by Dr. Ralph Pohlman, the hospital’s first chief of psychiatry. It was Dr. Pohlman’s vision for a department that valued collegiality, sincerity, respect and compassion that attracted me. Under his leadership, the new team developed a department that offered excellent care for patients and their families, as well as a work environment that nurtured every staff member. Every Friday all the psychiatrists still get together for lunch, a tradition that began 30 years ago.”

Dr. Mark Berber

The hospital’s first chief of emergency medicine, Dr. Austin was also chief of staff from 2006 to 2018.

“I worked the very first shift in the ED, and nobody really knew what to expect or how many patients might show up. Many of the physicians were in their early years of practice, and very enthusiastic.

There was a tremendous sense of camaraderie.

Back then our patient volumes in the ED were quite low. It would not be uncommon to see only one or two patients on the night shift and rarely any after midnight. We started out with one doctor covering the ED, and needing only two doctors each day. Today, we need 13 doctors working staggered shifts to manage the volumes.

We see 95,000 ED patient visits each year compared to about 20,000 in 1990.

While we didn’t start out as a teaching hospital, we’ve since become one. It’s very rewarding to guide bright young people in their career goals.

And it’s very satisfying to see the immediate results of helping patients through their injuries or illness, especially when we see the impact we have on them and ultimately, their recovery.”

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Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

Dr. David Austin

FACES OF OUR 30TH MSH

The following physicians came on staff 30 years ago and remain affiliated with MSH. Dr. Isabel Alvarez Dr. Neil Applebaum Dr. David Austin Dr. Mark Berber Dr. James Carson Dr. Kelly Chapman Dr. Heather Currie

Jennifer Bell

Dr. John DiCostanzo Dr. Ronald Esterbauer Dr. Hyder Fazal Dr. Monique Forse

Jennifer Bell is the first baby to be born at MSH. She now lives in Vancouver, working in the hospitality industry.

“Of course, I don’t remember the day itself. My mom says it was one of the coldest days of the year. Dr. McLaren was the doctor who delivered me and then continued to be our family doctor.

My first birthday was celebrated by the hospital with a big birthday cake with my face on it. Five years later, I was back at MSH for a ceremony to open the new mother/baby unit.

Our family took a hard hit in 1991 when my dad was diagnosed with ALS. It was Dr. McLaren who provided comfort and support to my parents during this time. Being so young when my dad passed away was confusing. I’ve learned to live with my grief since then. This is something that will resonate with me and my family throughout our lives. Although, over time, we have gained lots of perspective, courage and strength.

It’s been a very grounding experience to think back on the past 30 years and all that I have learned over this time. I wish everyone at the hospital a very happy 30th anniversary. Huge thanks to Dr. McLaren, who has been there for my family through the exciting and trying times. My family and I are forever grateful.”

Dr. Calvin (Rusty) Goodman Dr. Mark Guttman Dr. Jerry Halik Dr. Naushad Hussein Dr. Alan Ing Dr. Harold Kay Dr. Leo Levin Dr. Janice Li Dr. Paul Lokoff Dr. Charles Lynde Dr. Stephen McLaren Dr. Stephen McMahon Dr. Corrado Morana Dr. Gail Morris Dr. William Newton Dr. Larry Pancer Dr. Andrew Patterson Dr. Christyne Peters Dr. Colette Pyselman

It’s been a remarkable journey so far, and today MSH is revered as one of Canada’s leading community hospitals. It’s thanks to our team of talented health care professionals, dedicated volunteers and generous donors that we are able to celebrate three decades of providing exceptional care and look forward to an even brighter future.

In many ways, we’ve grown up alongside our people, patients and families and we’re honoured to care for the dynamic communities of Markham, Stouffville and beyond. Here’s to another 30 years!

Dr. Gwen Sampson (recently retired) Dr. Michal Selucky Dr. Henry Solow Dr. Joseph Telch Dr. Michael Virro Dr. Zulfikarali Wallani Dr. Patrick Whelan Dr. Richard Wong

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ALC coordinator Maria Easow with grateful patient Brenda Okapiec

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Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

SENIORS CARE MSH

CARE COMES HOME fter spending eight months in hospital, Brenda Okapiec was ready to go home.

She had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and after her first chemotherapy treatment, acquired a blood infection that landed her in the ICU. Brenda spent a month on life support and was eventually moved to complex continuing care where she had to learn to walk again. “I still have a long way to go,” she says. “But nobody thought I’d be here today.”

‘Here’ happens to be her home in Markham, where she lives with her husband and son. While Brenda gains back her strength before another surgery this spring, she receives daily medical care in the comfort of her own home, thanks to a brand­new program offered by MSH. Brenda is one of the first patients to take part in the MSH @ Home program, which started last November. Staff from MSH and Bayshore Healthcare (Bayshore)—a provider of home and community health care services— identify the specific services an individual may need, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or personal support, and create a customized

| BY VAWN HIMMELSBACH

care plan for up to four months post-discharge. Patients know the name of their care provider, when they’re scheduled to arrive and what they’re scheduled to do.

The program helps to facilitate an early discharge from hospital by providing enhanced care services in the home.

It’s designed to support seniors at risk of becoming Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients — those occupying an acute care hospital bed while not acutely ill — but still requiring additional support.

At first, Brenda was “a little leery” about strangers coming into her home, but she’s pleased with the high level of care she’s receiving. A nurse comes each day around the same time to take her vitals, and a physiotherapist visits three times a week.

“Eight months is a long time to be in the hospital,” she says. While she’s happy to be back at home, the peace of mind the program provides is also a huge benefit. “My husband helps a great deal, but it’s nice there’s a nurse there to help me for an hour or two every day.” And it gives her husband a break from round-the-clock care. t

A

How two innovative programs are transforming seniors’ health care at MSH

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SENIORS CARE MSH

Brenda (seated on left) with members of her MSH care team (L-R): Wendy Punchard, Maria Dimacuha, Bonnie Jean-Baptiste, Maria Easow, Lynn De Matteo and Liz Lalingo

“MSH @ Home focuses on seniors who may have had long hospital stays,” says Maria Easow, ALC coordinator at MSH, who works with patient flow coordinators to identify and refer patients to the program. “It’s a seamless transition — there is one contact person for these patients and their families, providing more consistency of care.”

Bonnie Jean­Baptiste, MSH’s ALC patient care manager, adds that there’s also a 24/7 telephone line should someone need to call after hours. “We’re tailoring the services specific to the patients’ needs, and these services can adapt as their individual needs change,” she says.

In addition to MSH @ Home, the hospital has also introduced the Integrated Care Transition program. This program, which kicked off at the start of December 2019, is designed specifically for patients awaiting placement in a long-term care home. MSH works collaboratively with Bayshore to identify up to 15 patients at a time who will have the option to move into Sunrise Unionville, a Markham-based retirement home, while waiting for a long-term care bed to become available. While Sunrise Unionville is not equipped to support seniors with active medical conditions, it does have a physician on staff who services the entire facility.

“Markham has the lowest number of long-term care beds and a fast-growing population of people over the age of 65, so we find our hospital is under pressure to provide service for this vulnerable population that doesn’t need to be in hospital,” says Bonnie.

While there are several well-respected long-term care homes in Markham and Stouffville, they tend to have long waiting lists. Many patients want to remain in their own community, close to family members, so they’re reluctant to choose a long-

term care home outside the area — particularly if it means an elderly spouse will face a long drive for visits. Some are also on waiting lists for culturally specific homes.

“We choose individuals who are on a short waiting list for a home,” says Bonnie. “Ideally, we want patients to be able to move from the integrated care unit directly to their long-term care home.”

At any given time, about 20 per cent of inpatient beds at MSH are occupied by ALC patients who no longer need to be in hospital. These patients are at higher risk for hospital-borne infections, and for many, such as those suffering from dementia, a busy medical unit with bright lights and overhead announcements is not an optimal healing environment.

Building on its ‘care beyond our walls’ vision, MSH is the first hospital in the province to offer both the MSH @ Home and the Integrated Care Transition programs.

And programs like these are becoming increasingly important. Today, seniors account for more than half of all admissions to MSH and York Region’s senior population is projected to grow by 150 per cent over the next 15 years.

“Our partnership with Bayshore will help to improve patient outcomes and patient satisfaction, while reducing hospital re-admissions,” says Liz Lalingo, director of medicine, care transitions, access and flow with MSH. “Patients always do better when they’re in their own home environment.”

Liz also anticipates both initiatives will improve bed capacity, helping to manage gridlock in the ED while reducing the number of ALC patients in acute care beds.

“We’re excited to have these two programs up and running,” she shares. “MSH is committed to helping seniors remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.”

Many patients want to remain in their own community, close to family members

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Nisha Bedhi enjoys one of MSH’s new meals with her newborn son, Tristan

WELL SERVED New food services delivery model brings tasty, nourishing local fare to patients

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| BY DICK SNYDER

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Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

hen word gets out about how good the inpatient food is at MSH, it may become the hottest dinner reservation in town.

Last November, the hospital rolled out a new patient food service delivery model, which includes a new menu — and it’s getting rave reviews for the quality, variety and just plain deliciousness of the dishes.

Imagine ordering homemade rice congee, or a spring mix salad with locally sourced vegetables and poached salmon, or roast beef with gravy and Yorkshire pudding – tasty meals that are far more

reminiscent of family dinners than typical hospital fare.

This is a bold step for MSH, one that required rethinking the entire process of sourcing, preparing and delivering food to patients. The impetus for the change, says Maria Pavone, director of facilities and corporate services, came with the hospital’s new strategic plan to deliver an extraordinary patient experience.

“The leadership team is always looking for opportunities to ensure we are providing a good experience for patients,” Maria says. “The contract with our food service provider was ending, therefore the timing was appropriate to explore new delivery models that better meet

FOOD SERVICES MSH

“I’m getting discharged, and I was looking at the clock hoping that I would be here for one more meal because I really wanted to try the chicken!”

— MSH patient

the needs of our patients.”

As such, “a decision was made to bring services in house.”

This had implications for ingredient sourcing, menu design, staff training, delivery to patients, and more. The entire process required an overhaul. As well, the kitchen would need new equipment and staff would need to be trained on the new procedures, which would now involve sourcing fresh, local and sustainable menu items rather than reheating pre-made meals, as all inpatient meals are now prepared and plated on site daily.

The food services team consulted widely with patient groups and professional staff, listening to their concerns and ideas. With the ever-growing Markham population and its diverse cultural and religious groups, the team aimed to offer more choices. Current options include halal, kosher, gluten-free and vegetarian. Flexibility is key, too, and the menus are updated regularly to reflect seasonality.

The benefits are far reaching: research

shows that patient recovery can be accelerated — and therefore the length of stay reduced — when patients enjoy food that nourishes their bodies, as well as their overall well-being.

An important consideration is the comfort factor. Foods that are familiar — and well prepared — bring joy and happiness to patients. “You can really see it in the faces of people. They become more relaxed,” says Mark Sukovski, project manager for food services.

He emphasizes the many reasons why this change made sense. There is much less ingredient waste and packaging versus the previous model.

And printed menus, though still used in some cases, are being replaced by iPads, where possible.

“We’ve done away with the plastic and are now using china and cutlery, so that also reduces our carbon footprint. We’ve received compliments because when you present food this way, it’s a lot more appealing,” says Maria.

With the new delivery system, foods can be separated on the patient’s tray, meaning warm food stays warm and cold food stays cold. The foods will stay that way for an extended period, so a patient who might be away for a procedure or test when the meal is delivered will enjoy it just the same when they return.

Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. After enjoying several meals, one patient decided not to consult the menu anymore because it

was all so good. Another patient wrote: “The presentation is so much nicer: no more peel­off plastic with condensation.

It looks fresh!”

Nisha Bedhi, who gave birth to her son Tristan in December 2019, said she didn’t have high expectations for the food and was pleasantly surprised.

“It turned out to be really good,” she says. “There’s a good variety, the food is very satisfying, and it smells great coming down the hall.”

MSH dietitian Tracy Ng is thrilled with the new food program, citing studies that indicate how good nutrition contributes to patient health and recovery.

One study, she said, indicates that 45 per cent of patients are malnourished when they arrive at a hospital.

“One of the biggest problems is patients not eating enough,” she says.

She looked at ways of increasing the nutrition density of meals, by adding ground turkey to congee for example, and introducing a protein-packed tofu and vegetable stir-fry. “That is certainly a first for us,” she says.

The amazing thing about this whole initiative — food costs and staffing remain the same. The benefits to patients have increased while waste and the hospital’s carbon footprint have decreased, and local businesses benefit. Everybody wins.

There’s only one concern, jokes Maria, “We’re worried that patients’ lengths of stay may actually increase because people are enjoying their meals so much!”

Turkey dinner with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans is one of the new menu items

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GENERATIONS OF GENEROSITY Family of donors makes sure the community can count on MSH today— and for generations to come

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Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

Salmaan Alvi and family (top row L-R) Shabana Alvi, Serena Alvi (bottom row L-R) Salmaan, Henna and Siyana Alvi, Mohammad and Samina Ashraf, Aydin Alvi

DONOR STORY MSH

| BY VAWN HIMMELSBACH

W

hen Salmaan Alvi brought his three young children to MSH last year, it fortunately wasn’t for a medical emergency. The children were there to hand out teddy bears to patients as part of MSH’s Bear Necessities program, to spread a bit of comfort while raising funds for the hospital.

For Salmaan, it was about giving his children an opportunity to experience the rewards of volunteering, and to know that “every donation in support of a bear hug can make a big difference.”

His children are the third generation in his family to give back to the hospital— continuing a tradition started by his father-in-law and a legacy inspired by his mother.

Volunteers and donors are the reason patients and their families can count on MSH today—and for generations to come.

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MSH Legacy donor Shabana Alvi

Within Salmaan’s family there are three generations of volunteers and donors.

Salmaan is a director on the MSH Foundation Board; he’s also a long-time volunteer and founding member of MSH Leaders — a young philanthropists’ initiative. His wife, Henna, supports MSH Foundation signature events through donations and gifts-in-kind, and together they’re teaching their three children about the importance of giving back.

Salmaan’s mother, Shabana Alvi, is a community volunteer and MSH legacy donor, and his father-in-law, Mohammad Ashraf, is a long-time MSH supporter and former volunteer leader who also served on the MSH Foundation Board.

“It’s important for the sustainability and longevity of the hospital itself and the services the hospital provides,” says Salmaan. “I’m looking at the long-term horizon, not just three to five years out.

I plan to be here for the next 50 years, so I want to make sure MSH is there for everybody to access and use, including my kids and grandkids.”

That was also a factor for his mother when deciding on where a legacy donation—as part of her will and estate— would make the most difference.

“When my son, Salmaan, and my grandchildren moved to Markham, this community became a very important piece of our family’s lives. After my granddaughter was born at MSH in 2012, this piece grew even larger, and in my heart I knew that this is where part of my family’s future legacy would be carried on,” says Shabana.

“MSH has proven to be a quality care provider for the community, where accountability, inclusion and diversity play a big role,” she says. Salmaan’s appointment to the MSH Foundation Board also helped to align her legacy giving with MSH. “This would allow my grandchildren and future generations to feel the impact of our family’s giving and inspire them to follow these values I believe so strongly in.”

Shabana was inspired by her own parents, and her childhood in Pakistan.

As a young girl, she saw her parents Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

35th Annual

G LF Tournament

Thank You to our Supporters 21 YEARS VENUE SPONSOR

14 YEARS PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

DINNER SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

Ben’s Pharmacy CART SPONSOR

COCKTAIL SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR

The O’Hanlon Family CLOSEST-TO-THE-PIN SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSOR

The O’Hanlon Group – Private Wealth Management

CROSSOVER SPONSOR

DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR

PHOTO SPONSOR

REFRESHMENT CART SPONSOR

Bachra Insurance Agency Ltd.

Corporate Sponsors AGFA HealthCare Inc. Cisco Systems Canada Co. & Telus Communications Inc. Cushman & Wakefield Ltd. Grote Industries Co. Ledgemark Homes Lifetime Developments Mattamy Homes OHE Consultants Optimum Talent Paladin Security RBC Private Banking, Wealth Management Royal Bank of Canada Scotiabank – Main St Markham TD Commercial Banking The Milestone Group Wilson Vukelich LLP

Volunteer Sponsor Tim Hortons, Markham and Stouffville Restaurant Owners Event Sponsors Meridian Credit Union Practical Electric Contracting Inc. Roman Building Materials Ltd. Tim Hortons – MSH Car Hole-in-One Sponsors Don Valley North Lexus Town+Country Volkswagen $10,000 Hole-in-One Sponsors Bachra Insurance Agency Ltd./ The Co-operators Golf Ball Sponsor The Octagon Steakhouse

Tee & Green Sponsors Access Rehab Injury Clinic Balmar Petroleum Brad & Lara Morris Elements Physical Therapy Maximum Seafood MPS Property Services Ltd. Norman Hill Realty Ohan & Co. Rick Allington Insurance Agency Ltd. – Desjardins Agent Schaeffer & Associates Ltd. The Lievonen Family Uniform Custom Countertops Inc. Tournament Supporters Denise Joubert Frank & Freda Spain

Frank & Freda Spain Beverage Sponsors Coca-Cola Labatt Breweries of Canada Lifford Wine & Spirits Molson Coors Moosehead Profile Wine Group Media Partners Markham Economist & Sun and Stouffville Sun-Tribune

...and a special thank you to all who contributed towards our prizes, gifts and silent auction.

Mark Your Calendar for 2020 • Monday, August 10

For photos visit golf.mshf.on.ca

DONOR STORY MSH

giving more than receiving, and she was taught to donate a significant por­ tion of any money she earned to those in need.

“These values have stuck with me throughout my life, and I’ve done the best I can to continue this family tradition, both back home in Pakistan and here in Canada. I feel it’s of utmost importance to continue instilling these values in future generations,” she says.

“Local giving bonds communities like nothing else can.”

Many people don’t realize that government funding doesn’t cover everything a hospital needs to grow and innovate. Rather, it’s generous community support that helps purchase life-saving equipment and ensures exceptional patient care close to home.

Salmaan’s father-in-law, Mohammad Ashraf, instilled that message in him as a long-time volunteer at MSH, having served on the MSH Foundation Board from 2004-2011, during the time when MSH kicked off its first ever capital expansion campaign. He also championed MSH Foundation’s signature events both personally and through BDO Canada LLP during his tenure.

Upon retirement, Mohammad’s dedication and service to the Foundation was lauded as second to none.

These influences have helped shape Salmaan’s desire to help MSH in various ways. Not only does he bring his family to volunteer at MSH, he’s also inspired “250 of my work friends” to get involved. As an audit partner with BDO, Salmaan has encouraged his firm to sponsor and co-host fundraising events, including a 5K race.

It was his career at BDO that first brought Salmaan to Markham, and he was looking for ways to connect with the community, both personally and professionally. “MSH was very important to the community, and luckily at that time they were just kicking off MSH Leaders, so that’s where I started my volunteer involvement with MSH,” he says.

“Volunteers at MSH, both on the hospital side and with the Foundation, are critical to our continued success,” says

Former MSH Foundation Board Member Mohammad Ashraf and his wife Samina

Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation. “Our Board members help us to enable the growth of our hospital by raising sustainable funds and awareness for its priorities and ongoing needs. They are great ambassadors, and love to share with the community how their donations make a difference to MSH and its patients.”

MSH was built on decades of philanthropy—starting long before its doors opened in 1990. “We are extremely proud of our heritage, and we are very excited about our future,” says Suzette.

“The families who have supported us from the beginning are still with us today, so we see the next generations giving, like Salmaan’s family. We’re celebrating 30 years and it is truly inspiring to see our founding members, together with their children and their children’s children, giving back to their hospital.”

As MSH looks ahead, in 2020 and beyond, the Foundation will continue

to rely on community support to drive innovation in the ever-evolving field of health care and to support its rapidly growing and aging population.

And ‘giving’ doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary. “I believe that one should give whatever they can, whether that be their money or their time,” says Shabana.

“Fifteen years ago, I made a decision to set an example for my kids, and carved out time from my busy schedule to make volunteering an important part of our lives. As a family, we made time to give back to the community and found it to be quite rewarding.”

Shabana’s passion and dedication to MSH continues ceaselessly. She sees the time she and others give as loyal volunteers as invaluable to the long-term success and well-being of her family and her community. “I can see the effect this has had on my children,” she says, “and I hope that this passion continues on through future generations.”

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REMEMBER THIS MOMENT

FOR E V E R UR BABY WALL ON OUR Celebrate milestones with a generous gift in your baby’s honour: mshf.on.ca • 905-472-7059

@MSHospital

Saying “I do” to making a difference When Adam and Daniella said “I do”, they chose to support patient care at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

In lieu of traditional wedding favours, the childhood sweethearts gave a gift to MSH in their guests’ honour.

Celebrate love by contacting: mshf.on.ca • 905-472-7059

CALENDAR MSH

2020

CALENDAR

These fundraising events, organized and supported by our friends in the community, demonstrate a strong belief in our hospital’s programs and services. Visit mshf.on.ca for full details.

Saturday, Feb. 29

Thursday, July 16

Terrace Banquet Centre Benefiting cancer care, guests enjoy an antipasto bar, dinner, open bar, auction, gifts and entertainment. For details visit amicispa.ca or call 905-307-4141

Angus Glen Golf Club Summer golf with Alex Chiu.

Contact Alicia at chiu.alicia@gmail.com or 905-475-2531

Amici Spa Gala

21st Annual Alex Chiu Golf Tournament

Thursday, March 5

Monday, August 10

Share your wishes with MSH by mailing in the enclosed card

York Downs Golf & Country Club Enjoy a day of golf, auctions and great food at the prestigious York Downs Golf & Country Club.

Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Allan at 905-472-7395 or abell@msh.on.ca or visit golf.mshf.on.ca

MSH Markham Site Turns 30!

36th Annual MSH Foundation Golf Tournament

Sunday, April 26 Run for Women

Unionville Benefiting women’s mental health, participate as a team or individual in this 5K or 10K walk/run or the Little Steps 1K. Register now at runforwomen.ca

Thursday, May 21 Friday, March 27

Canadians of Pakistani Origin (COPO) Gala Crystal Fountain COPO is back to support MSH! For information visit khalidusman.com

Stouffville Starlight Gala Spring Lakes Golf Course Save the date! For sponsorship or ticket information call Catherine at 905-472-7373 ext. 6606

Saturday, April 18 Festival of Colours

Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa Join us for an evening of scintillating entertainment and opulent charm as we celebrate South Asian culture. Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Allan at 905-472-7395 or abell@msh.on.ca

HOST A FUNDRAISING EVENT! No event is too big or too small.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS! Find out more at mshf.on.ca or contact Joyce at joso@msh.on.ca or 905-472-7373 ext. 6229

Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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MSH COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation

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COMMUNITY EVENTS MSH

SUMMER/FALL

COMMUNITY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS It takes our entire community to support MSH. We gratefully acknowledge the fundraising efforts of our many generous supporters. Every dollar raised offers life-changing and life-saving potential for a family member, friend or neighbour.

Thank you!

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1. Sikh Community Gala in Celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Birthday Committee presents cheque for $30,750 to Allan Bell, VP, MSH Foundation.

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2. Ramadan Bowlathon Participants raised over $18,000 to benefit cardiac care.

3. Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Markham and Stouffville Tim Hortons owners present a cheque for $54,572.30 to Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation.

4. Dance with the Pooh

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Winnie Yu accepts gift of appreciation from Allan for raising $11,000 at her line dancing event.

5. Markham Sunrise Rotary Ribfest Sunrise Rotary Club of Markham members present cheque for $10,000.

6. 20th Annual Alex Chiu Golf Tournament

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Alex and Cherrie-Marie Chiu are proud to support MSH, raising $25,000 at their annual tournament.

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Howcroft Charity Golf Tournament Dave Howcroft and his foursome celebrate a successful day raising over $8,000 at their DC/Marvel Comics themed event.

8. Hope with Art Don Ross, Manor Hill Fine Art raises $6,160.50.

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9. Plaza Palooza Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti congratulates the Box Grove Connected Committee for raising over $5,200.

10. Markham Men’s Slo-Pitch Charity Tournament Joyce So, MSH Foundation presents a recognition gift to the Markham Men’s Slo-Pitch League for raising $1,000 in support of mental health care.

11. Whitchurch-Stouffville Firefighters Care Enough to Wear Pink The Shakir Rehmatullah Cancer Clinic team thanks WhitchurchStouffville Firefighters for selling exclusive pink t-shirts to benefit cancer care.

12. Shell Charity BBQ Godfrey Yap, owner of Shell gas station at Kennedy and 407 raises $1,330.

13. Surees Family Garage Sale Ahastan and Athisha present the proceeds of their garage sale to benefit child and adolescent mental health care.

14. Markham Aquatic Club (MAC) Swim Challenge Allan thanks members of MAC Erin Walker, Wingcy Wong, Michael Chester and president, Kevin Walker for raising $1,000 to support The Stollery Family Centre for Childbirth & Children.

15. Kathleen Dilkas Kanetos Memorial Golf Tournament Funds raised will advance medicine, drive innovation and support continuing education at MSH.

#MSHCOMMUNITY Healthy.Together. Winter 2020

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LEGACY OF GIVING

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As MSH celebrates 30 years of caring for our community, there’s no better time to reflect on the legacy of giving that our hospital was built on – thanks to Mr. Art Latcham.

Thirty years on, donors like Louise Ferri and Brian Monti, Yash and Prem Kapur, Bev and Barry McIntosh, and Joan Whittaker are keeping Art Latcham’s dream alive with their own commitments for the future of MSH. They see the value in long-term planning and believe that legacy giving is paying it forward; an investment in both health care and community.

Leaving a gift in your will to MSH is a powerful act of generosity. You can realize the dream of ensuring quality health care close to home for the next 30 years, and for many generations after that.

Become an MSH Legacy Donor.

Plan today to make a difference tomorrow.

mshf.on.ca/legacy • 905-472-7373 ext. 6619

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