Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 49, which means I've got 364 days to go before my 50th. It's a number that has loomed over me recently, not because I fear it or dread it, but rather because it's the visual acceptance that time is no longer on the upswing.
I am striving to be the best version of myself when I turn 50. I hope to be comfortable in my skin, surroundings, decisions, mind and body. I often speak with donors and patients like you who mention shifts in their mindset, goals and, more importantly, their priorities after life-changing events. I am grateful for my health but hope to take this growth mindset with me into the coming year. I'm open to any advice.��
I celebrated my birthday on a golf course. Yesterday was our 3rd Annual Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament. It turned out to be an epic day! Despite the heat, our sponsors, partners and participants had massive smiles and genuine joy throughout the entire day. We also raised a record total of $270, 201.04 for the Ottawa Heart Institute.
Thank you to everyone who came out, supported the day, golfed and donated prizes. We all embraced the sticky and sweaty hugs by days end. A huge contributor to the positive energy was our new title sponsor, Service Master, who not only took home top prize on the course, but who won over the hearts of many with their energy and enthusiasm for being there. I am so grateful to the support of our sponsors and foursomes who jump on board year after year. Thank You! We are also lucky to have a passionate group of committee members and volunteers who help take this event to the next level. You are so generous of your time and expertise, and we can’t thank you enough.
We truly appreciate the Royal Ottawa Golf Club for choosing the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation as their charity of choice these last two years. It was a wonderful opportunity, and we were excited to showcase your beautiful course and clubhouse to our participants. We wish the next lucky charity all the best in the future. We are also excited to announce that we will be moving to the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in the coming years. Both these prestigious and very private courses allow our golfers to experience some of the best golf in the city. Stay tuned for next year's event details.
The Institute is a little quieter than usual, with the warmer weather and summer holidays in full effect. Our team here at the Foundation has come together to ensure that all the work gets done but that everyone has a chance to enjoy some holiday time and regroup before we hit the pavement running again as our campaign, JUMP IN™ for Women's Heart Health, turning five this year, ramps up and launches this September. We are thrilled to have so many returning partners from across the country and look forward to bringing you some new "in-person" events.
Also, if you loved last year's socks, we've got more coming your way. Be sure to register early to take advantage of some early bird prizing and also check out updates to our website.
One of our new partners this year is "The Honest Talk." The Honest Talk is the country's leading and fastestgrowing online community for women and a guiding voice in championing women's issues and empowerment across Canada. We are thrilled to have their team on board and look forward to sharing personal stories, essays and information about women's heart health on their platforms. If you haven't been following The Honest Talk, check them out and be sure to look at their "Women's Summit" happening this September. Learn more here. Our annual Foundation Connection magazine is currently in production, and we can't wait for this year's edition. Next month, I'll post the link for those of you wishing to read our online version.
In the meantime, check out this North American first at the Institute:
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute successfully implanted North America's first 41millimetre Tricvalve® Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System into an Ottawa patient last month. The UOHI is only one of three sites in Canada capable of performing the minimally invasive procedure using this advanced technology. Learn more.
Whether you read this update from your air-conditioned office, home office, or "beachfront office," I do hope you get the chance to post an "out-of-office" email and enjoy the summer festivities. Thank you again for reading these updates and staying connected with your Heart Institute.
Much Love, Lianne