Your gift will be matched by our generous Heart Month sponsors until February 28th, 2025! Please don’t delay.
Sad, happy and hopeful, this recap covers all the “feels.”
DONATIONS MATCHED
We feel a certain gravitational pull as we move through crowds, people and places. We navigate playgrounds and classrooms, campuses, and workplaces. We settle into our comfort zones and surround ourselves with those who make us feel safe, but also people we hope will help push us towards our hopes and dreams. Sometimes, we see mirror images of ourselves in others. I experienced this last week when I attended a wake for a man, I had only met a few times, but whose family has been incredibly kind and generous with the Heart Institute and who now, I also consider friends.
A sudden heart attack claimed this young, vibrant, 54-year-old, a beloved husband and father of three young women. As these four women stood greeting the hundreds upon hundreds of mourners —I couldn’t help but think, at one point, this had been me, hugging strangers, nodding politely, and surviving the initial shock of it all.
When I speak at events, I often say that one of my missions at the Heart Institute is to ensure that other young women will have their dads to walk them down the aisle, And I couldn’t help but think, my goodness, are we even making a dent—there is still so much work to be done. The life-saving measures, surgeries, and procedures at the Heart Institute are incredible, but you need to make it there. So, I will continue to yell from the rooftops that heart health needs to be taken seriously, risk factors identified, and symptoms monitored.
As part of our ongoing Heart Month efforts, our patient stories continue to keep tissue companies in business. This week, Joel Haslam introduces us to Kevin Ryan, an avid curler who had never expected a health crisis on the ice. His friends and fellow players, including a former nurse, acted quickly using a lifesaving automated external defibrillator (AED) to bring Kevin back to life.
With that said, the Heart Month train has officially left the station. Please consider giving your gift today as it will be matched by our generous sponsors. In the race against time, your support can make a lifesaving difference. Your donation will be matched!
With the months of prep work behind us, we pivot daily as our community continues to jump on board with new initiatives, outreach, and events. I still get giddy driving around the city, spotting buildings lit up red in support of the Heart Institute. CTV Ottawa has been a great partner, bringing us a different building each night through February. Tune in each evening at 6 pm to see our latest #LightTheCapitalRed featured location.
In the spirit of transparency, I admit that I made three illegal turns last Tuesday night, parked in two unrestricted areas, and drove with my windows down despite the frigid temperatures. The traffic was very light, and I realize it was still risky, but well worth driving Caroline Phillips around as we chased runners taking part in the “Red Light Run” in support of the Heart Institute. Despite the cooler temperatures and the wind chill, there was warmth, laughter and camaraderie in the air, keeping all of us warm and toasty.
Participants, some who walked but many who ran the 5 km, sported red headlights and reflective gear, and some wore red glow sticks and Christmas lights. It took our “Light The Capital Red” theme to a new level. Read more.
We look forward to creating a very fun highlight reel. Be sure to send us your pictures.
Pictured: L to R: Bruce MacNaughton, Lianne Laing, Pitt Paquette, Alain Parisien, and Lindsay Firestone
The Vankleek Hill Curling Club and the local community have accomplished something remarkable once again! Lindsay and I were excited to head there this past weekend. Their charity bonspiel has raised an impressive $113,000 over the past ten years.
January leading into February has been the coldest I can remember, and while I know we are supposed to embrace the winter, I am not cut out for it this year. Hot beverages, warm fires and cosy sweats have been my winter. I hope you have found your way to cope or flourish these first six weeks of 2025!
Much Love, Lianne