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the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation board. In 2008, for the 40th anniversary of E.E.S, the Gibsons wanted to do something special for the community that had been such an important part of their success and happiness. The Campaign for Expansion was just gearing up and so the couple decided to make a splash. They personally donated $1 million dollars. They were the first non-corporate donor to give such an amount. “That allowed the hospital to go to other people and say the Gibsons did this – and it really sparked some energy in the contributions and they ended up exceeding their target,” says Diane. Th e G i b s o n s h a v e m a d e s o l i d u s e o f t h e hospital’s services for issues g r e a t a n d s m a l l , i n c l u d i n g Diane’s appendectomy and a m i n o r h e a r t a t t a c k , a n d John’s stroke. (He calls it minor, though
admits the doctors might say otherwise.) And there have been a few other episodes along the way that have brought them to the emergency department. “The care has always been excellent – and I need to point out that we had used the hospital many times before we’d ever made a donation,” says Diane. “That is not the reason we get such great care. Everyone gets that level of care.” Diane’s heart attack brought her into contact with the hospital’s Dr. Ajai Pasricha for ongoing care. “We were chatting and the doctor mentioned how he wanted to expand the cardiac department. And one piece of equipment in particular – an echocardiography machine – was a key element.” With its sophisticated non-invasive imaging capabilities, the machine saves lives in a very real way. “What can happen,” says Diane, “is that someone comes out of a
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successful cancer treatment but the treatment can be very hard on the person’s heart. So they leave the hospital and then have a heart attack. This machine can help detect if this will be a problem so the doctors can treat it.” Diane told John about the hospital’s need for the machine and they decided – on the spot – to cover the $150,000 price tag. “It’s not just about being altruistic,” says Diane. “Because, the fact of the matter is, we have our families in Markham and our staff live here, and they’ve had babies born here, and our grandson has had broken limbs. And we think of ourselves as a healthy family – but still, Markham Stouffville Hospital is right there to help us.” An optimist by nature, John is eager to point out all of the good things the hospital has to offer – which naturally steers the conversation to babies. “Babies are born, friendships are formed,” John says. “We are now good friends with many of the staff and doctors. There are lots of happy events that arise out of a hospital stay.” Diane points out that MSH’s Centre for Childbirth and Children’s Services is so well regarded that people come from neighbouring towns. “They will do whatever they can t o h a v e t h e i r babies at Markham Stouffville Hospital!” John hopes that in leading by example others in the community will come forward and help the hospital as continual support is essential. “It is a very worth while cause and it may be one of the most significant investments anyone can make,” he says. “The hospital really is the cornerstone of our w e l l - b e ing .” Healthy.Together.Markham.Stouffville.
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