“Philanthropy is a core value for our family. It serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness. It allows us to engage with the world beyond ourselves, fostering a sense of shared responsibility to uplift others,” Melinda shares. “It’s about recognizing the privileges we have and using them to uplift others.”

“Philanthropy is a core value for our family. It serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness. It allows us to engage with the world beyond ourselves, fostering a sense of shared responsibility to uplift others.” Melinda Rogers-Hixon

From COVID-19 testing programs to the Robotic Surgery Program and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic, Melinda and Eric have supported initiatives that connect with their belief in creating sustainable, long-term and meaningful change.

As parents to four wonderful kids, Melinda and Eric have been particularly passionate about initiatives that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of children and their families.

“Humber’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic stood out as an essential program – offering immediate and compassionate support for children and teens in crisis,” Melinda explains. “Supporting this program aligns with our commitment to nurturing the next generation by prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.”

Their connection to Humber is also deeply personal. When Melinda’s mother, Loretta Anne Rogers, suddenly passed away from cancer, the loss profoundly reshaped the couple’s mindset.

“Her diagnosis was unexpected, and the progression of her illness moved so quickly that it left our family reeling,” Melinda recalls. “It was an incredibly difficult and emotional journey for everyone involved—one that gave us a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by patients and their families navigating cancer care.”

The experience of losing her mother left Melinda and Eric determined to concentrate their philanthropic efforts towards investing in the well-being of others. Now having donated $500,000 to date, the ÍűșìșÚÁÏ is honouring the couple’s generosity with a donor plaque outside the Cancer Care Lounge.

“The Cancer Care Lounge represents comfort and support for patients and families during some of the most challenging times,” says Melinda. “To have our recognition in a place dedicated to providing care, empathy, and hope feels like a fitting tribute to my mother’s legacy.”

“The Cancer Care Lounge represents comfort and support for patients and families during some of the most challenging times,” says Melinda. “To have our recognition in a place dedicated to providing care, empathy, and hope feels like a fitting tribute to my mother’s legacy.”

Melinda and Eric’s story showcases the profound impact donors can have, not just on Humber’s ability to innovate, but on the lives of those navigating critical health challenges. Their continued support ensures that ÍűșìșÚÁÏ can carry on its mission of transforming healthcare through compassion and cutting-edge solutions.

“Healthcare funding in Canada is under strain, and the system cannot meet the high standards Canadians deserve without additional support,” the couple explains. “We feel a strong sense of responsibility to step in where we can help provide the funding and resources that go beyond what government support alone can achieve.”

Thank you, Melinda and Eric Rogers-Hixon, for your continued support! Your generosity exemplifies the power of philanthropy, and the Humber community is profoundly grateful for your lasting legacy and your vision for meaningful change.

The post Transforming Healthcare through the Generosity of the Rogers-Hixon Family appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Every woman deserves the same chance to be treated,” says Kateryna. “Women are persons—individuals who deserve care. I want women to know they are worthy of prioritizing their health.”

When Kateryna immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 1997, she brought with her a deep commitment to empowering others. Since joining COSTI Immigrant Services as a teacher in 1998, she has spent decades guiding newcomers through the challenges of building a life in a new country.Ìę

Last year, Kateryna accompanied a group of women to ÍűșìșÚÁÏ’s at the Wilson Campus for a breast cancer prevention workshop. For many participants, it was their first introduction to the life-saving importance of regular screening.

“These women come from places where their health is often overlooked,” Kateryna shared. “Many don’t realize how much can be prevented with early testing.”Ìę

During the workshop, women were invited to volunteer for a mammogram. When hesitation gripped the group, Kateryna stepped forward. “I said, ‘Okay, I’ll go first.’ And then the others followed.”Ìę

What began as a moment of leadership took an unexpected turn. Kateryna’s results were abnormal and required an urgent follow-up. The thought that it could be cancer was deeply unsettling, as Kateryna shared “I was 26 when I lost my mother to breast cancer. I was really scared.”Ìę

The Humber team responded immediately, scheduling her biopsy before the clinic officially opened. “I believe the whole team came in early just to treat me,” Kateryna recalled. “They were so kind, so gentle. I will carry their kindness with me forever.”Ìę

Despite her anxiety, the team encouraged her to continue with her planned summer trip to Portugal. “They told me, ‘Go, enjoy your time. Even if there’s something, we have the best surgeons in Toronto. Just relax and rely on us.’”Ìę

While exploring the Azores Islands, Kateryna visited the renowned chapel, Our Lady of Hope Convent. As she stepped outside the chapel, her phone buzzed with her results: benign. “Standing on the porch of that church, hearing that news—it felt like a spiritual moment. I was so relieved!”Ìę

Kateryna’s journey reinforced her belief in the power of early detection but also exposed the barriers many women face in accessing care.Ìę

“There are women who are afraid to tell their husbands they need to go. Some are scared to take the bus. Others rely on friends for rides but can’t ask them to cover parking fees. So, they just don’t go,” Kateryna explained. “Isn’t that heartbreaking? To risk your life because of a parking fee?”Ìę

These barriers highlight deep inequities in our healthcare system. “Every woman deserves the same chance to be treated,” she said. “Women are persons—individuals who deserve care. I want women to know they are worthy of prioritizing their health.”Ìę

Equitable access to healthcare isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Kateryna’s story reflects the compassionate, proactive care ÍűșìșÚÁÏ provides every day. But it also shines a light on the gaps that still exist.Ìę

Plans to expand essential services at Humber’s Finch Campus are one way to bridge these gaps—ensuring that financial or cultural barriers don’t stand in the way of life-saving care.Ìę

These initiatives are only possible through the generosity of donors who believe in keeping universal healthcare alive and is a promise worth keeping—and who choose to act on that belief.Ìę

The post Breast Health and Early Detection: Kateryna’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Ashley was such a fun-loving person,” says Rhonda. “I will be forever grateful for the kindness of the doctors and nurses in the Cancer Care Clinic.”

Rhonda felt privileged to be able to be by her niece’s side throughout Ashley’s cancer treatment, but they weren’t alone. Ashley and her whole family were grateful for the compassionate care provided by Humber. After Ashley sadly passed away, Rhonda has honoured her memory by continuing to serve on Humber’s Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council.

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In 2015, Rhonda’s niece, Ashley, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Ashley was only 25 years old, and her family had difficulty believing that someone so young and vibrant could receive such a serious diagnosis.

“Ashley was such a fun-loving person—if a picture was being taken, she was always making a funny face, never simply smiling,” recalls Rhonda, fondly. “She also loved to express herself through her hair—from long styles to pixie cuts. She even dyed it purple at one point. In addition to the playful side of her personality, she was also extremely kind hearted.”

As a nurse practitioner in Barrie with a heavy patient load, Ashley’s mother Cheryl was unable to take Ashley to many of her chemotherapy appointments. Instead, Rhonda was able to be there for her niece. Her husband Bryan also kindly offered to help, making the trip with Rhonda from their home in Whitby to downtown Toronto (where Ashley lived) to Humber River—and back again after the four-hour treatment was over.

“I was always close with Ashley and was grateful I could be with her to help her through her treatment,” says Rhonda.

“I will be forever grateful for the kindness of the doctors and nurses in the Cancer Care Clinic,” says Rhonda. “It is difficult to express the positive energy that we experienced in the chemo bays at the Clinic. There were so many times that I thought to myself, ‘these people are saints.’ I’m also grateful for the excellent care provided by Dr. Martina Puchyr. She is such a nice person who is also great at explaining things in a direct, easy-to-understand way. She really made an extra effort to get to know Ashley and me very well.”

During the course of her treatment, Ashley decided to join Humber’s Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)—and Rhonda joined right along with her.

During the course of her treatment, Ashley decided to join Humber’s Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)—and Rhonda joined right along with her. The group comprises patients with cancer and family members of patients who use their experience to help make the Cancer Care experience at Humber the best it can be

Sadly, Ashley passed away in 2017. To honour her memory, Rhonda continued to serve on the PFAC.

“Ashley felt strongly about wanting to help people the way she was helped at Humber,” remembers Rhonda. “That inspired me to join the PFAC as well. ÌęI’ve been pleased to be involved with bringing about initiatives like the Cancer Care celebratory bell, which patients ring when they meet personal milestones. When we launched it, I was able to ring the bell in memory of Ashley, which was a very emotional experience. The bell will always signify to me just who Ashley was and what she was able to achieve during her journey with cancer.”

One of Rhonda’s proudest moments on Humber’s Cancer Care PFAC was the launch of the Celebratory Bell in 2019. “When we launched it, I was able to ring the bell in memory of Ashley, which was a very emotional experience,” says Rhonda. “The bell will always signify to me just who Ashley was and what she was able to achieve during her journey with cancer.”

The post Honouring Ashley through Humber’s Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

The AccuVein vein finder works on all skin tones and body types, and can be especially helpful when inserting IVs for patients with darker skin.

With donor support, Humber River Hospital has purchased the AccuVein AV 500 Vein Finder, a visualization technology that illuminates the veins beneath the patient’s skin, improving the ability for nurses to access their patient’s veins on the first attempt.

When it comes to inserting IV’s or taking blood samples for patients in our Cancer Care Program, our nurses and technicians are extra careful to prevent damage to their already weakened vascular systems.

“We love having the vein finder in the Clinic,” says Navpreet Heer, a Registered Nurse in Humber’s Cancer Care Clinic. “Some of our patients have harder-to-access veins, and the vein finder improves our ability to insert IVs on the first attempt. We are less likely to need to escalate to a second nurse or other staff members. As you can imagine, that goes a long way in creating a comfortable environment for our patients and helping us build trust.”

The AccuVein AV 500 works on all skin tones and body types, and our teams are now equipped with the device both in the Cancer Care Clinic and on 13 West, our inpatient unit for cancer patients.

“Technologies like AccuVein go a long way in creating a comfortable environment for our patients and helping us build trust,” says Navpreet.

“The vein finder is especially helpful when we are inserting IVs for patients with darker skin, large arms, or those who have gone through chemotherapy which impacts your veins,” says Navpreet. “Some of our patients who have fear around needles even ask for it. It is one of the many things we can do to help put our patients at ease.”

The post AccuVein “Vein Finder” Illuminates Veins, Aiding IV Insertion appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Right away, Sam felt like he was in good hands with Dr. Lazar Klein and his team. Dr. Klein was very precise in his explanations, but also understood that Sam wanted to thoroughly understand every part of his procedure.

“My mother had cancer in her GI tract, so my siblings and I have routine colonoscopies every five years,” says Sam. “During my fourth colonoscopy my doctor found a tumour.”

When Sam was diagnosed with colon cancer, he knew right away that he wanted to be referred to a doctor at Humber River Hospital. His wife had been treated at Humber River Hospital by Dr. Jensen Tan and had had a really good experience.

“I asked the doctor who had performed my colonoscopy, Dr. Springer, if he knew of an experienced surgeon who could treat my colon cancer at Humber and he referred me to Dr. Lazar Klein,” says Sam. “I started doing my research and determined for myself he was the physician I wanted. I even learned he works out of the same office as Dr. Tan, which felt very reassuring.”

Right away, Sam felt like he was in good hands with Dr. Klein and his team. Dr. Klein was very precise and to the point in his explanations, but also understood that Sam wanted to thoroughly understand every part of his procedure. When Sam asked Dr. Klein how much of his colon he would have to remove, Dr. Klein brought out an anatomy book and explained how the large intestine worked in sections. He told Sam that they would need to remove about a foot to make sure they got all of the cancer.

Dr. Klein’s expert receptionist Debbie expedited Sam’s appointments, and his surgery was scheduled for less than a month away.

“Surgery day went really smoothly,” says Sam. “Everything I needed to do pre-op was efficient and I felt pretty good when I woke up. My surgery had been minimally invasive, leaving me with five small incisions. Dr. Klein and the resident Dr. Vivian Ma came to see me and confirmed that my surgery had gone well. That first day I was up and walking laps in the Hospital.”

Sam stayed at Humber on the 10^th floor for three nights recovering from his surgery. While recovery was not easy, he appreciated every time someone on his care team went above and beyond for him. His nurse Brenda was compassionate and professional with her ever-present smile, his nurse Rosemary and her assistant student nurse Elana were extremely helpful, the staff who cleaned his room were friendly and showed great care for their work, and Sam was touched when Drs. Klein, Ma, and Tan all took the time to visit him over the weekend to see how he was doing.

There was a readjustment period as his body adapted after surgery, and Sam started feeling more like himself after a week.

“I feel like I won the lottery,” says Sam. “They got me in right away, they were so compassionate and efficient, and Dr. Lazar Klein removed all the cancer.”

Then, at his follow up appointment with Dr. Klein, Sam received great news.

“I was informed by Dr. Klein that the biopsy showed my tumour was listed as T3 and the cancer was assessed as Stage 2,” says Sam. “The entire tumour had been removed during my surgery. I did not need any further treatment other than to be monitored. My CAT Scan prior to surgery had shown that the tumour had not metastasized, and the biopsy showed my lymphatic system and bloodwork were clear.”

“I feel like I won the lottery,” says Sam. “They got me in right away, they were so compassionate and efficient, and they removed all the cancer. I’m a big believer that when people do their job consistently well, they should be recognized and praised for their dedication to their profession and assigned duties. In conclusion, I am very grateful for my team at Humber River Hospital.”

The post After Colon Cancer Surgery, Sam is Grateful for his Care appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“When I found out that Team Revolution supports Humber River Hospital Foundation I thought it was so cool that I get to cycle with a great team while also supporting a Hospital where I received great care.” says Cecilia, pictured here with Dario in Italy.

“Over the course of three months, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I underwent four rounds of aggressive chemotherapy,” says Cecilia. “I was being treated downtown, but I was told if I ever got a fever after my treatment to go to the ER – and Humber River Hospital was our closest one.”

That was how twice over the course of her treatment Cecilia ended up in Humber River Hospital’s Apotex Emergency Department and was admitted as an inpatient.

“It was my first experience with Humber River Hospital and it was really positive,” says Cecilia. “I loved the people who took care of me, I had my own single patient room, and as someone who works in tech I was really impressed with the technology.”

After her treatment ended and she started to regain her strength, Cecilia quickly got back to one of her favourite pastimes – her Peloton.

“When the weather improved my husband Dario and I started cycling more outdoors,” says Cecilia. “We loved it so much we decided that we should start looking for a cycling club.”

Team Revolution 2021

Cecilia asked her longtime friend Frank Ciccolini Jr. if he knew of any cycling groups they could join, and Frank, who co-founded Team Revolution ten years ago in support of Humber River Hospital Foundation, sent her the link to sign up.

“Dario and I immediately loved being part of Team Revolution. In addition to our three-hour weekly rides, we also travelled with Team Rev to Gatineau and Vineland,” says Cecilia. “When I found out that Team Revolution supports Humber River Hospital Foundation I thought it was so cool that I get to cycle with a great team while also supporting a Hospital where I received great care.”

It was Frank’s brother-in-law Brian Keleman, who has been riding with Team Revolution since 2012, that convinced Cecilia and Dario to join the Team in 2022 in Italy for the Granfondo Del Gallo Nero.

Cecilia and Dario realized that it would be a really meaningful personal goal given what she had gone through. They would raise over $10,000 for Humber River Hospital and complete the grueling Granfondo Del Gallo Nero including a 80 km route with over a 1,300 ft climb.

Italy – The Granfondo Del Gallo Nero

“I experienced so many emotions during the Granfondo,” says Cecilia. “I felt great, I felt thankful, and I felt humbled. During chemotherapy I didn’t cry once, but when I finished the Granfondo it all hit me.”

Cecilia and Dario arrived in Italy early to visit family. They took their bikes to their family’s town south of Rome and found their legs among the mountains.

“The altitude and the climbs were my first success,” says Cecilia. “I honestly didn’t think I could do it, but afterwards I knew I could do the Granfondo. I felt like anything was possible.”

When Team Revolution arrived in Tuscany, Cecilia and Dario joined them for pre-rides and group trips across the area. Then the day they had been training for arrived.

“I experienced so many emotions during the Granfondo,” says Cecilia. “I felt great, I felt thankful, and I felt humbled. I think I was the last one in, and when I finished I cried. During chemotherapy I didn’t cry once, but when I finished the Granfondo it all hit me.”

Cecilia and Dario are already thinking of their next cycling adventure.

“I’d love to do Spain and Portugal – and I would definitely join Team Revolution for another Italy trip!” says Cecilia. “This has been a wonderful experience and I feel really fortunate that we can give back to Humber River Hospital.”

This year, Cecilia and her teammates have raised over $425,000 for Humber River Hospital Foundation, Mackenzie Health, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre!

Team Revolution in their 10 year anniversary kits in Italy, 2022.

The post After Cancer, Cecilia Conquers Granfondo with Team Revolution appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“My new baby was less than 2 months old. I weaned her over a weekend so I could start chemotherapy for my inflammatory breast cancer immediately,” remembers Danielle.

Danielle’s breast had become harder and bigger. And within a few months the skin around her nipple began to change too. Between weaning her daughter Ciara and being pregnant, she knew her body was going through a lot of changes, but this felt different. It troubled her.

She scheduled a breast exam which came up empty – no lumps, no major red flags – and left with a plan to follow-up after the baby was born. But by summer, the skin on her right breast had taken on the texture of an orange peel. She scheduled an ultrasound which also found no signs of breast cancer. None of the midwives, doctors, or nurses she spoke to were concerned.

“Penelope was born in September and I realized pretty quickly that she wasn’t getting any milk from my right side,” says Danielle. “I was referred to a breast surgeon. One look and I saw it in her eyes. She told me she was concerned it could be cancer and I just remember going limp.”

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

A biopsy confirmed Danielle’s fears; she had a rare and aggressive form of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) that lacked the common symptoms. She had no lumps, but she still had cancer. Danielle was referred to Dr. Punam Rana at Humber River Hospital to begin treatment.

“I was 39. My new baby was less than 2 months old. I weaned her over a weekend so I could start chemotherapy immediately,” remembers Danielle. “I remember endlessly researching and asking my husband ‘Can I survive this?’ He looked at me and said ‘Yes you can. You are not a statistic, stop looking at the stats.’”

It all happened very quickly, but with Dr. Rana, Danielle felt like she had all the time in the world to have her questions answered.

“Dr. Rana gave me hope. She told me I was young and healthy and could tolerate aggressive chemo to knock the cancer back. We came up with a treatment plan specialized to me,” says Danielle. “My husband came with me to my first chemotherapy appointment and the nursing staff were also amazing and patient. I was overwhelmed and emotional but they knew my name. I never felt rushed at any of my appointments. My treatments were long and hard but Humber prepared me for everything. My fingernails fell off and my hair fell out and I was prepared for it.”

The COVID-19 pandemic hit towards the end of Danielle’s chemotherapy treatments. It was scary, but she trusted her Cancer Care team. Surgeries across the country were being cancelled but her inflammatory breast cancer meant that her operation was high-priority. When it was her turn, she got the call that morning.

“I want to tell patients like me that I know they’re in a dark place, but to not believe the stats. You are not a statistic. And you can keep moving forward.” says Danielle.

“My surgery found residual cancer and I wanted so badly to blame myself,” says Danielle. “But Dr. Rana looked at me and told me I did nothing wrong. I could see the empathy in her eyes. She told me to focus only on moving forward.”

Moving Forward, One Moment at a Time

Since then, Danielle has continued her treatment. There has been pain, side effects, and setbacks, but through it all she is moving forward one moment at a time. Her husband Aaron and three beautiful kids Cameron, Ciara, and Penelope help her hold on to hope and she has made it an intention to find gratitude in every day. She is grateful for Dr. Rana, Dr. Whiteacre, Sherrill her social worker, Alex the Child Life Specialist, her radiation oncologists, and Nav, Kim, Vondell, Mark, Mary, Carla and the many truly incredible nurses and technicians she has worked with.

Danielle volunteers her time to be involved with Humber’s Cancer Care Patient and Family Advisory Council and was instrumental in starting the Peer Support Group to help other patients like her.

“At the beginning of my treatment I just wanted to talk to someone, anyone, who had survived more than five years,” she says. “I want to tell patients like me that I know they’re in a dark place, but to not believe the stats. You are not a statistic. And you can keep moving forward.”

The post Diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer Weeks After Giving Birth: How Danielle Keeps Moving Forward appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

It’s a tie! Breast Health and the ICU are both winner’s at this year’s WINK Den!

Earlier this week, on the evening of International Women’s Day, 26 women of the Women in Kindness (WINK) virtually gathered onto their Zoom accounts with their cozy at-home experience kit, ready to hear directly from the two deserving Humber program finalists: Breast Health and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Rita DeMontis, Sun Media National Lifestyle Editor, was the special guest host of this year’s WINK Den. She took part in a fireside chat setup on the third floor of the Hospital with the WINK members watching online.

WINK members heard from both of the ICU and Breast Health’s physicians and staff to help them finalize their vote for which program would win this year’s $110,000+ gift.

The Winner Is 


It was a tough decision to make, but ultimately, the final count resulted in a tie! The ICU and Breast Health teams made history at this year’s WINK Den when they were both crowned as the winners!

The ICU team pictured with Rita DeMontis and HRHF President, Sandra Sualim.

Now, the $110,000 gift will be split in half between the two programs.

The ICU is planning to use their prize towards purchasing cardiac monitors and creating 12 new ICU beds as they provide care for the most critically ill patients in our community.

This will increase our total bed count to 60 ICU beds, allowing more critical care beds available for the sickest patients, keeping patients closer to home so families can visit easily and often and making sure Hospital services remain open, even in times of crisis and pandemic.

“Thank you so much! At the end of it all, we’re happy to be standing here with the Breast Health team and splitting your generous gift,” said Ronak Gandhi, ICU Clinical Operations Manager.

Meanwhile, the Breast Health team will use their gift towards improving their breast cancer patient’s experience through seed localization surgery.

The Breast Health team pictured with Rita DeMontis and HRHF President, Sandra Sualim.

Thanks to innovation and new technology, the Breast Health team is able to insert a small, implantable seed directly into the patient’s tumor, making this much more comfortable for them. They will be able to go about their daily lives prior to their surgery.

This one-stop shop of doctors, technologists and nurses helps breast cancer patients monitor, treat and recover from breast health issues.

“This gift means so much for the women who come in to our Breast Health clinic, more than you know. Thank you!” Natasha Batchelor, Breast Health Supervisor and Navigator, said.

Join WINK Today!

This season of WINK may be over, but we already have big sights set for the next group of women in kindness.

To be part of the next round of WINK, click here for more information on how to join today!

Presenting Sponsor

The post It’s A Tie! Breast Health & ICU Win at WINK Den appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

On March 8, 2022, members of the Women in Kindness (WINK) will gather together (virtually) to cast their final vote for which program (ICU or Breast Health) will win the $100,000+ pot.

WINK is a group of powerful women working together to support Humber River Hospital. Together, they decide where their funds will be used, making meaningful change throughout our Hospital community.

We profiled two of our previous WINK winners along with this year’s program finalists for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Breast Health.

Paula Villafana – Mental Health (2019/2020 Winner of WINK)Ìę

Paula Villafana is the Program Director for Mental Health and Addictions at Humber River Hospital. Paula represented the Mental Health and Addictions Program at the first WINK Den Event for the 2019-2020 season.ÌęÌęShe shares her joy and gratitude that the program was voted to win the $32,000 pot in combined donations.

“Winning the first-ever WINK Den Event has impacted the Mental Health and Addictions Program tremendously and we’re incredibly grateful to have been chosen,” Paula said. “Through donor support, we were able to help more patients gain access to tangible purchases likes iPads, digital thermometers, and new tables and chairs to accommodate the growth of group therapy sessions.”

Paula also mentioned how grateful patient, Joanne, who shared her story at the WINK Den event, is one of many success stories in the program. “Because of the community who supports the Hospital with donations, Joanne was able to get the help she needed and that truly means so much to us.”

Dr. Graham Black – NICU (2020/2021 Winner of WINK)Ìę

Dr. Graham Black, a pediatrician at Humber River Hospital. Dr. Black represented the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), who was voted as the winner at last year’s WINK Den Event.

“Knowing these group of women decided to raise and gift the NICU with $50,000 is amazing,” Dr. Black said. “Because of their decision, we are one step closer to purchasing a new ventilator for the NICU, one of four that will allow us to expand care for smaller and sicker babies.”

In addition, he said that this gift will help upgrade the NICU from a Level 2B to a Level 2C, which will provide care for babies that are born up to two and a half months earlier than expected.

“Seeing parents and their babies go home after staying in the NICU, sometimes for weeks and months at a time, always brings a smile to our NICU staff and myself. The kindness from these women has brought so much positive impact to our youngest patients and their families – more than they’ll know.”

Cecille Marville-Williams – ICU (Finalist for 2021/2022)

This year’s WINK Den Event program finalist is Cecile Marville-Williams, who represents the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Cecile is the Program Director of Critical Care, Cardiology, Respiratory and Oncology at Humber River Hospital.

This year’s WINK Den Event pot is over $100,000 thanks to the generosity of WINK members. Cecile says it would be incredibly meaningful if the ICU was chosen as this year’s winner, especially as the ICU continues to fight COVID-19.

“It has been an unprecedented two years because of the pandemic. Our ICU teams are now treating many unvaccinated patients and the immunocompromised, as well as dealing with staffing challenges and exhaustion
so it’s been a difficult time for us all,” Cecile said.

“Winning this year’s funding would allow us to purchase cardiac monitors for 12 new ICU beds, an expansion that would help us to better serve our community by having critical care beds available for the sickest patients, keeping patients closer to home so families can visit easily and often, and making sure Hospital services remain open, even in times of crisis and the ongoing pandemic.”

Natasha Batchelor – Breast Health (Finalist for 2021/2022) Ìę

Lastly, this year’s second WINK Den Event program finalist representative is Natasha Batchelor. Natasha is representing Breast Health as Humber River Hospital’s Breast Health Supervisor and Navigator.

Natasha will pitch Breast Health to the WINK members at this year’s WINK Den Event because the team is hoping to improve the patient experience through seed localization surgery. Traditionally, wire-guided localization has been used to locate and mark tumors inside a breast so they could easily be removed in surgery. Natasha says this is not the most comfortable procedure for the patient as the wire can stick out and shift if the patient moves too much or the wrong way.

“Thanks to innovation and new technology, we can now use a small, implantable seed that is inserted directly into the tumor,” Natasha said. “If Breast Health is given the opportunity to win this year’s WINK Den Event, it would allow much more comfort for the patient(s) when they come to the Hospital to get their seed-localization procedure done.”

Join WINK today! Ìę

There’s still time to join WINK and make your vote count! ClickÌęhereÌęto join today, or contact Lindsay Owen atÌęlowen@hrh.ca to get started!

The post WINK Winners and Finalists: Past and Present appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Every year, the women of WINK decide together where their funds will be used, empowering them to make meaningful change throughout our Hospital community.

“One of our big promises to WINK supporters is that they will always be in control of their collective funds,” says Lindsay Owen, a Senior Development Officer at Humber River Hospital Foundation. “They have the power to direct their money, and they get insider access to the world of Humber to help them make informed decisions. Every year WINK grows bigger and better, and thanks to the generosity of our members, the pot is over $100,000 this year!”

Early this past December, 19 WINK Executive Members gathered together (and some virtually too!) at Have a Seat for the 2021 WINK Executive Pitch Event. Their task was to narrow it down to two deserving Humber programs that will advance to the WINK Den Event in March 2022. This time around, they heard from five Humber programs:

• • Breast Health
  • Humber Meadows Long-Term Care
  • Hysteroscopy Clinic
  • ICU Expansion
  • Long-COVID Research

After hearing all five pitches, the women of WINK ultimately voted on Breast Health (improving the patient experience through seed localization surgery) and the ICU expansion (cardiac monitors for 12 new beds).

Libby Wildman is one of the 19 WINK Executive Members who voted at the event. She says that the WINK members ultimately voted on the ICU expansion because of the information they received on the urgent need for more ICU beds in Ontario and how importantÌę this expansion is especially during a crisis like COVID-19.

Libby Wildman is one of the 19 WINK Executive Members who voted at the event.

In addition, Libby voting for Breast Health was easy, as it hits close to home for her. She shared her breast cancer experience where five years ago, she had the wire inserted (which will no longer be necessary with seed localization) and had fainted because the insertion process was so uncomfortable.

“Breast cancer affects so many women, young and old, and not one person I know, doesn’t have someone in their circle with breast cancer. So, I think we all feel very close to this issue,” Libby says. “Breast cancer to me needs to be something we manage as a population and early detection is key, along with accuracy of removing the cancer and getting clean margins. I believe this procedural improvement will do that.”

On March 8, all WINK Members will vote for the program who will receive over $100,000 in funding.Ìę Members will hear from program directors, physicians, staff and grateful patients to help them finalize who the winning program will be.

Join WINK today!

There’s still time to join WINK and make your vote count! Click here for more information on how to join, or contact Lindsay Owen at lowen@hrh.ca to start the conversation.

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