This email is coming to you fresh off the Mother’s Day weekend, so, I figured that was the perfect place to start. Because my family knows me well, I had an easy pass to get in my morning workout before my family arrived for brunch. The table and prep were done the night before, and Tony was left with the bacon and eggs, which let's face it, is the toughest job anyway. I am fortunate and grateful to still have my mom and mother-in-law healthy and, in the city, to celebrate (it’s a very different situation for us on Father’s Day). With the sun blaring and the UV index at 7, Andie, Jamie and I had our quality time baking in the sun and catching up on "tea". Errands, a game of tennis and a drink at one of our favorite spots wrapped up the day. With a 20- and 17-yearold, gone are the days of homemade crafts from school and mandatory outings. In fact, I know getting tagged in their Instagram story is their way of showing love.
Every year, Tony gets creative with his handmade cards, but this year's picture made me nostalgic, envious of my younger skin and youth. Andie was a toddler, Jamie just a baby, and it hit me hard just how fast time flies
The years and memories flashed so quickly, that it was hard to remember who that younger version of me was. I wish I could tell her just how incredible the rollercoaster will be and to enjoy the ride even with all its ups and downs and loop de loops. I hope many of you had an opportunity to enjoy the day with loved ones.
An estimated 1.5 million Canadians have picked up the sport of pickleball marking a 60 per cent increase in participation over the past three years. Ironically enough, here at the Foundation, we are feeling the excitement and popularity of this new favorite pastime as our 3rd Annual Ottawa Pickleball Classic presented by CHG Meridian sold out in record time. On May 4th we hosted over 100 teams at the EY Center, and it was simply spectacular. We are so grateful to have been gifted this space at EY Centre and we all can't wait to make it bigger and better. With a “Day in the Park” theme, the EY Centre was transformed into a pickleball mecca. We doubled last year’s fundraising efforts, bringing in just over $100,000. Thank you to our participants, sponsors and volunteers who helped make this such a success. You might get a little jealous watching the highlight reel if you are on the waiting list, but it will be top of mind to get in next year earlier.
Don’t forget to check out the event coverage by Caroline Phillips in Caroline in the Capital; linked here.
Chris Phillips and Erin Phillips pose with Altea pickleball instructors Sean James, far left, and Samir Bhatnagar at the “Day in the Park” Ottawa Pickleball Classic. Photo by Caroline Phillips
We are now heading into the thick of Nursing Week and looking forward to sharing stories with you about many of our unseen heroes. We have often profiled the nurses who work at your bedside, delivering care and support while at the institute. This year we wanted to share stories of nurses who you may have never seen, but who are critical in the operational and surgical work being done in the operation rooms and catheter labs. We hope you take pride and interest in their work and follow our Nursing Week profiles. Again, a big thank you to Russell and Linda Grass and the entire Grass family for their incredible support. The Grass family generously matches donations during the Nursing Week, Waterdon Construction sponsors Father’s Day, and their group of companies supports Giving Tuesday.
Also, I was super stoked when the OBJ released this year’s Forty under 40 recipients. This was a record year with over 200 submissions, so we are thrilled that one of our esteemed cardiac surgeons, Talal Al-Tassi was named to the list. He is the Director of the Surgical Residency program, and is also listed as the Assistant Dean of Post Graduate Education at the University of Ottawa.
We have one final push for our Team Heart participants running/walking in this year's Ottawa Race Weekend. Each participant has a story, whether as a patient, a family member or even members of our staff. We celebrate you and your journeys. Wishing you a meaningful and inspirational race day.
One of our participants, Olga Pekalska, has been an ambassador for us for JUMP IN™ For Women’s Heart Health. She was asked to share her story for this Race Weekend. It's surprising to think that six years ago, Olga, overweight and with several health conditions, could not walk around the block and will now be running her second full marathon. Her story is worth reading. We shared Olga’s feature as part of our new Why We Run for Heart spotlight on social media. You can read the full article from Ottawa Race Weekend here. It’s a powerful reminder of how far heart and determination can take you.
I look forward to updating you on some exciting projects at the Foundation in my next mailing. Thank you again for taking the time to read these letters and staying connected with us at the Heart Institute. We are grateful for the relationships and the touch points.
Wishing you continued health, love and happiness and the chance to get outside and soak in the vitamin D.
Much Love, Lianne
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