October Foundation Connection

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Over the 20 years I worked in television, I often received interesting correspondence from viewers. Of course, there were daily requests for media coverage and news profiles, but also product pitches, wardrobe compliments, and sometimes wardrobe complaints. Over time, I learned where to place attention and when to delete quickly.

My inbox these days is very different, but still requires time to weed through the spam, sales pitches and AI generators. I love everyday correspondence; sometimes, I find a diamond in the rough. A few months ago, I received an email from a recent patient with an interesting subject line.

This caring patient witnessed a “not ideal” situation; nurses were stuffing small blankets into pillowcases for patients to hold while recovering from open heart surgery. Before his retirement, Blair had worked in procurement and figured using his skill set would be a way to give back to the Institute.

After we had a wonderful conversation, an email was sent to a company called SmartSilk, which made a small pillow that he had used for his own recovery. By holding the pillow crossed-armed in front, he could sit and stand without aggravating the sutures and with less pain and discomfort. A pillow is also essential for patients while riding in a car to protect against discomfort from a seatbelt.

The family-owned company, based out of Montreal, responded immediately, and a new relationship began. There have been countless emails, virtual calls, design sessions, travel from Montreal, and check-ins.

SmartSilk has been incredible and is looking to build a partnership with the Institute. This unique product is ideal for patients because of its ability to regulate temperature; it’s naturally hypoallergenic, free from harmful chemicals, and protects against dust mites, allergens, and pet dander.

The nurses were so excited when we delivered the first batch of signature pillows. This is a wonderful example of putting patient needs first, meeting the Institute's priorities, and partnering with valuable partners who want to give back. We are very proud of this initiative, and I smile when I see the SmartSilk products at Costco, knowing the benefit we are seeing at the Institute.

Also, I would love to announce that JUMP IN™ For Women's Heart Health raised $311k this year for the Canadian Women's Heart Health Center. Thank you to all of our participants, sponsors, and donors who made this campaign a great success. While we are focused on fundraising, we also actively promote messaging and awareness around amplifying women's heart health. The feedback we have received from our participants who say this event continues to be lifechanging is a sign this movement is working. We’ll be announcing our registration for 2025 soon. Please stay tuned!

Some of you may have received a letter or email from our new board chair, James Annis. If you have not had the opportunity to read his story, I hope you take a few minutes to do so. His passion and advocacy for the Heart Institute is touching and genuine, and I am honoured to work with him and excited about his leadership in the coming years. Read here.

Also included in the letter is an insert from Dr. Paterson and his trailblazing work with rare cardiac conditions.

Dr. Ian Paterson: the trailblazing work of the Canadian Centre for Rare Cardiac Conditions (CCRC)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you were able to take a few moments over the long weekend to reflect on what brings you joy; grateful for family, friends, health, time, sunshine, and anything else that brings love and comfort into your life.

I did have a chance to get away and inhale the fall colors. Here's one of my favorites taken above Lac Superior near Mont Tremblant a week ago.

My apologies for a longer than usual email. If you made it this far—thank you. ��

Much Love, Lianne

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