, Humber’s Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, understands this need on a personal level. As a child, he watched his mother endure a long and difficult recovery following her hysterectomy. “I visited her every day for a week, then helped my dad with her care at home while she recovered. Many of our patients carry similar memories when facing their own surgery,” says Dr. LaRoche.

The urgency to expand gynaecological care has never been greater. The Hologic Global Women’s Health Index—based on responses from 78,000 women worldwide—reveals alarming declines in key health outcomes.

“Over the last four years, women have experienced losses within all five dimensions of health that were assessed, including preventative care, emotional health, individual health, basic needs and opinions on health and safety,” says Dr. LaRoche. “This shows the importance of ongoing advocacy and funding for women’s health at all levels.”

In the face of these challenges, Dr. LaRoche and his team are leading a transformative shift in care by bringing robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery with the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

“We made our case and explained how access to this technology could dramatically improve outcomes for our patients,” shares Dr. LaRoche. After securing approval, Dr. LaRoche trained with Intuitive, the makers of the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

Dr. André LaRoche, Dr. Grace Yeung, and Dr. Lesley Hawkins with the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

Dr. LaRoche’s gynaecological care team has now expanded to include four OBGYNs who are all fully trained on the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot.

“We’re providing University-level care right here in our community,” says Dr. LaRoche, referring to the renowned downtown hospitals on University Avenue. “We are increasing access to quality surgical care for our Northwest Toronto patient population.”

While government funding partially covers the cost of robotic hysterectomies, other critical gynaecological procedures like fibroid removal and endometriosis treatment remain entirely donor dependent. This funding gap disproportionately affects vulnerable patients.

“These are often women who’ve been repeatedly denied care elsewhere due to BMI or complex conditions,” explains Dr. LaRoche. “The robot’s precision allows us to say ‘yes’ when others can’t—it reduces surgical risks and opens doors to treatment.”

The difference comes down to positioning. Traditional surgery requires steep tilting that stresses the lungs, while robotic arms let the surgeons operate with minimal repositioning, which is life-changing for high-risk patients.

The benefits of robotic surgery go beyond individual patients. Shorter recoveries free up beds and OR capacity. “Patients often go home the same day,” says Dr. LaRoche. “That means fewer bottlenecks and more space for patients who need extended acute care.”

At Humber, we believe healthcare should have no boundaries. With donor support, we can continue to expand our robotic surgical program, reduce waitlists for life-changing fibroid and endometriosis care, and have additional surgeons trained in this transformative technology. Help us ensure healthcare lives at Humber—for everybody, every story, every patient who’s ever been told “no.”

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our Robotic Surgery Program can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Daniela Campoli at dcampoli@hrh.ca.

The post Advancing Gynaecological Care with Robotic Innovation with Dr. André LaRoche appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Our orthopedic surgeons have shown how effective this model is—overlapping surgeries where a team is setting up one room while the surgeon is operating in another, minimizing downtime. With similar resources, we could achieve the same efficiency in gynaecological care.” Dr. Lesley Hawkins, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, �������

In the bustling corridors of �������’s , a team of OBGYNs are revolutionizing gynaecological care through robotic surgery. Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to health equity, they are harnessing cutting-edge technology, such as the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, to broaden their range of gynaecological procedures and offer life-changing care to even more patients across the Greater Toronto Area.������

Dr. Lesley Hawkins, one of four gynaecologic surgeons trained in robotic techniques, shared how this innovative technology has been a game-changer for gynaecological procedures. “Robotic surgery allows us to perform complex procedures in a minimally invasive way,” explains Dr. Hawkins. “The da Vinci Xi has a full moveable wrist, and as the surgeon, we sit in a console that gives us a 3D view of the patient with a highly advanced camera system. This allows us to use our own hands on the controls to move the instruments, just as we would if we were in the abdomen with an open incision.” ����

Patients with conditions like uterine pre-cancer and uterine cancer, fibroids, and endometriosis can now undergo surgery with less pain, reduced risk, and a quicker return to their daily lives. “We use the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot to perform minimally invasive procedures to the patient’s abdomen, allowing us to conduct very complex surgeries without having to open up the patient,” explains Dr. Hawkins. “This technology, paired with the skills in our group, can offer our patients better outcomes and faster recovery”. ����

But Dr. Hawkins’ work goes beyond the operating room. She and the team at Humber are tackling systemic inequities in gynaecological care, ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need. One of the many ways we are able to do so is by providing gynaecological robotic procedures to our bariatric patients. ��

“Robotic surgery enabled us to offer gynaecological procedures to patients with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) who might otherwise have limited options—either open surgery or no surgery at all,” says Dr. Hawkins. “This is one of the key patient groups we’re able to serve effectively thanks to robotic surgery.” ��

Despite these advancements, the team faces significant barriers, including limited access to the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot. “We share the da Vinci Xi with several different specialties, so it is only available to our department one day per week,” says Dr. Hawkins. “That does limit the number of cases that we can do.” ��

It’s not just the limited quantity of surgical robots, but there is also a need for specialized staff to properly prepare and operate the robotic system. “We have a subset of our amazing team who are trained specifically for robotic surgery,” says Dr. Hawkins. “After each surgery, the room is thoroughly sanitized by our amazing cleaning team, and then the room is expertly set up for the next procedure by the robotic nursing team. That set up takes quite a lot of time.”��

Donor funding can significantly impact the number of gynaecological procedures completed in one day. “If we had two da Vinci Xi Surgical Robots and extra team members to prep one OR while surgeries are happening in another, we could double the number of procedures we do each day,” says Dr. Hawkins. “Our orthopedic surgeons have shown how effective this model is—overlapping surgeries where a team is setting up one room while the surgeon is operating in another, minimizing downtime. With similar resources, we could achieve the same efficiency in gynaecological care.”

The transformational work put forth by Humber’s gynaecological surgical team showcases the power of innovation and compassion in healthcare. “We’re making incredible strides,” says Dr. Hawkins. “But there’s so much more we can do. With donor support, we can continue to innovate and improve the lives of patients across our region.”��

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our��Robotic Surgery Program��can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Daniela Campoli at��dcampoli@hrh.ca

The post Transforming Gynaecological Healthcare with Dr. Lesley Hawkins appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“We are very grateful for our medical team and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic at Humber—we have our family because of them,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer’s journey to motherhood began in 2019. After trying to conceive for two years, she turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted in the uterus. Her first child, Sophia, was born as a result, with her second child, Max following some years later using the same process.��

Unfortunately, complications arose with her third pregnancy and her OB/GYN, Dr. André LaRoche, referred Jennifer to the (MFM) where she worked with MFM Specialist, Dr. Howard Berger and Medical Director of Nephrology, .��

At 22 weeks, Jennifer was diagnosed with preeclampsia – a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ (often the kidneys). If she did not act quickly, Jennifer would be faced with the devastating choice between terminating the pregnancy of her daughter Alessia or risking losing her own life. Sadly, the final decision was to terminate the pregnancy. “Losing Alessia was the most traumatic experience of my life,” says Jennifer. “The grief was overwhelming, and it left a deep void in my heart.”��

Baby Anthony with a picture of the baby prints of his sister, Alessia. Alessia’s pregnancy was terminated due to severe preeclampsia. But with the support of Humber’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic, Jennifer was able to deliver her fourth child, Anthony.

Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer cannot imagine what would have happened without the support of the MFM Clinic. “The initial meeting to discuss terminating Alessia’s pregnancy was one of the toughest moments I’ve ever faced,” says Jennifer. “However, the approach taken by the hospital staff was exemplary. They made sure we had all the information we needed, answering every question patiently and without any rush.”��

One of the standout aspects of her experience was the accessibility and support from the doctors and staff. “Humber’s commitment to patient care is exceptional,” says Jennifer. “The regular appointments and the ability to quickly address any concerns were vital in easing my worries.”��

Despite her trauma, Jennifer remained resolute in her desire to grow her family. Five months after losing Alessia’s, Jennifer decided to try again. In August 2023, with the approval and support of her team at �������, she embarked on another round of IVF. The process was fraught with anxiety and fear, but the MFM Clinic provided unwavering support.��

“They wanted to make sure I was mentally okay to go ahead and get pregnant again. The check-ins and support from the team were invaluable,” says Jennifer.��

“When I brought Anthony to show the team, it was a proud moment for my husband and me,” says Jennifer. Dr. André LaRoche was one of many who shared in the celebrating of baby Anthony.

Regular appointments and the availability of the doctors eased her anxiety. Even during moments of intense fear, like suspecting preeclampsia, the team responded swiftly and thoroughly, reassuring her that everything was okay.

“I can’t even imagine what would have happened if we didn’t have access to the MFM Clinic, and the support from Dr. Berger, Dr. Berall, Dr. LaRoche and the rest of the team. They made us feel at ease during such an uncertain time,” says Jennifer. “Their proactive approach and continuous support made all the difference.”��

The delivery of her fourth baby, Anthony, was a culmination of careful monitoring and the dedicated support of Jennifer’s medical team. Despite the challenges, and her overwhelming emotions, the preparation and presence of a fully equipped medical team ensured a smooth delivery.��

Jennifer is filled with gratitude for the team at Humber. Their support was not just medical but deeply personal, forming a bond that forged the path to growing her family. “It wasn’t just medical appointments. We talked and laughed, forming a relationship,” says Jennifer. “When I brought Anthony to show the team, it was a proud moment for my husband and me. Dr. Berall even came in on her day off to see Anthony. We are very grateful for our medical team at Humber—we have our family because of them.”��

The support that Jennifer received throughout her journey inspired her to make a donation in honour of the MFM Clinic. She also hopes to contribute to developing support systems within Humber, ensuring that other women have access to the same level of care and compassion that she received.��

If you would like to learn more about our and how you can support our MFM Clinic Expansion, please contact Judene Stewarts at justewart@hrh.ca

A Star is Born

If you’re expecting a little Star this year (or if you’re looking for another way to celebrate your family today) consider making a Star is Born donation and help us light new ways in healthcare for our future generations!

Donate Today

The post From Heartbreak to Hope with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic: Jennifer’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Isabelle and her mom, Carolyn, are grateful for the Child Life Program at �������. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for the whole Child Life Program team!”

When children face medical procedures, the experience can often be overwhelming and frightening for both the young patients and their families. However, for Isabelle and her mother Carolyn, their recent visit to ������� was anything but daunting. Thanks to the exceptional Child Life Program and the compassionate staff, their journey turned into a reassuring and even uplifting experience.��

Isabelle had been experiencing discomfort due to a hernia that surfaced. After consultations and an ultrasound that was unable to source the root cause, their family doctor referred them to SickKids Hospital, a partner of �������. SickKids then referred Isabelle to Humber’s Child Life Program: a start-to-finish program that makes sure parents feel informed and empowered during surgery, while their kids feel comfortable and safe throughout their procedure.��

On the day of her surgery, Isabelle was understandably nervous. When recalling the ride to the hospital, she admitted, “I was a tiny bit scared.” Concerns about waking up during surgery or feeling pain are common fears for children. But that’s where the Child Life Program stepped in.��

Isabelle was warmly greeted by Alex, a Child Life Specialist at �������. She introduced Isabelle to , an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Alex and Pepper demystified the medical process for Isabelle.��

Isabelle was introduced to Pepper, an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Pepper and the Child life Program team demystify the medical process.

Isabelle recalled, “Alex and Pepper showed me what my IV would look like on me.” Alex also helped Isabelle overcome her fear of needles and had Pepper show her how to use the anaesthesia mask. Isabelle was even allowed to choose a flavour for her anaesthesia mask. “It was strawberry!” she said with a smile.��

Carolyn was deeply appreciative of the support received throughout their time in the Child Life Program. “Having someone like Alex made a huge difference,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine going through any other procedure without someone like her.”��

Isabelle had the option to choose how she would enter her surgical room. The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniature Zamboni! Empowered by the support she received, Isabelle confidently chose to walk.��

In the operating room, her mother was allowed to stay with her until she fell asleep, providing additional comfort. Isabelle remembered, “She covered my ears” while Carolyn added, “I think I gave you a big hug and you fell asleep in my arms while I was hugging you.”��

The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniture Zamboni!

For Carolyn, this was a stark contrast to previous medical experiences Isabelle had gone through. “It’s night and day,” she explained. “At other hospitals, we didn’t know what to expect. No one really explained the procedures, and it was rather traumatizing. But at Humber, knowing exactly what’s going to happen to your child is incredibly reassuring.”��

When Isabelle woke up after her surgery, the first person she saw was her mother. The recovery room was a place of comfort rather than fear. Upon being released from the Hospital, Isabelle remembered, “I took a popsicle. I think I even took two popsicles!”��

As they were leaving, Isabelle surprised her mother by expressing a desire to return—not because she needed more medical attention, but because the experience was so positive.��

Both Isabelle and Carolyn are grateful for the Child Life Program at �������. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for Alex and for the whole Child Life Program team.”��

The post A Heartwarming Experience with the Child Life Program: Isabelle’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“If the da Vinci Xi didn’t exist, I would still be suffering. I think every hysterectomy should be performed using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot!,” says Priya.

For years, Priya had been struggling with severe abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain due to adenomyosis and fibroids. The persistence of the bleeding had raised her gynecologist’s concern about uterine cancer. After trying various treatments, including medications and a uterine ablation, she finally decided to pursue a hysterectomy in 2023.

During Priya’s operation, the surgeons discovered extensive pelvic scarring, making it too risky to proceed. The pelvic adhesions had caused major organs to be stuck together. As a result, they had to halt the procedure without completing it. Due to the nature of the procedure, this led to months of painful recovery. Priya had to recover from major abdominal surgery, and the existing uterine abnormalities continued to persist.

Feeling discouraged but determined to find a solution, Priya was referred to Dr. André LaRoche at �������. Dr. LaRoche specializes in complex gynecological surgeries using the robotic system. During their consultation, he took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and address all of Priya’s concerns.

“I absolutely adored him,” Priya recalls. “I felt so reassured and confident in what he was presenting to me. He’s incredibly kind, patient, and attentive. He really listens carefully to people’s questions and takes his time answering so that you’re not left worried about anything.”

In May 2024, Priya underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy surgery at Humber using the da Vinci Xi robot. The procedure took nearly four hours due to the extensive adhesions, but was ultimately successful. Dr. LaRoche was able to safely remove Priya’s uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and one ovary that was severely compromised.

Compared to her previous abdominal surgery, Priya found her recovery from the robotic procedure to be much smoother. While the first few weeks were challenging, she noticed a dramatic improvement in her mobility and energy levels much sooner than expected.

“My recovery last year was so much more difficult. It took me about four months to feel somewhat normal again,” Priya explained. “This time around, although the first few weeks were hard, it’s like someone pressed a button and it switched. Because it’s less invasive, I felt I was able to get back on my feet much quicker.”

Thankfully, Priya’s pathology reports had shown no signs of cancer.

Now only a few months post-surgery, Priya is doing well and grateful for the care she received. “I can’t thank Dr. LaRoche and the team at Humber enough,” she says. “If the da Vinci Xi didn’t exist, I would still be suffering. I think every hysterectomy should be performed using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot!”

Priya’s experience highlights the life-changing impact of advanced surgical technologies like the da Vinci Xi robotic system. For complex cases like hers, robotic surgery can offer improved precision and faster recovery times compared to traditional methods.

“Dr. LaRoche explained to me that because of the robotic arm, it can do what the human eyes and human hands cannot do,” says Priya. “It can turn 360 degrees with such precision. I feel that in terms of people’s recovery time and how soon they’re able to get back up on their feet, it’s remarkable.”

Priya’s story also underscores the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. From her pre-op appointment through to discharge, she felt supported by the attentive and caring staff at Humber. “Thank you to everyone who supported me at Humber, from my pre-op appointment to the day of the surgery to discharge. Everybody was incredibly attentive and really caring,” says Priya. “There was incredible kindness and genuine caring. It put me at ease as a patient.”

Thanks to the skill of her surgical team and the advanced da Vinci Xi robotic technology available at �������, Priya is looking forward to improved quality of life without the constant worry of cancer and her previous uterine abnormalities.

“I feel really great now,” says Priya. “I’m happy that all of this is behind me. It’s been life-changing!”

Priya’s journey is just one example of how innovative medical technologies, combined with exceptional care, can transform patients’ lives.

*Names and photos have been changed for the comfort of patients and their families.

Expanding Robotic Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our��Robotic Surgery Program��can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at��cmagisano@hrh.ca

The post Beyond Human Hands: Priya’s Life-Changing Experience with the da Vinci Xi appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Humber’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic provides accessible and essential care for women experiencing higher-risk pregnancies and for patients with underlying health barriers who wish to become pregnant.

Helina was 31 and pregnant with her first child when she first came to �������’s (MFM) Clinic.

“I was looking for an obstetrician that would listen to me and help me along the journey, since it is my first time,” says Helina. After completing an ultrasound that showed that her baby was measuring smaller than the baby’s gestational age, she was referred to Dr. Howard Berger, an OBGYN and MFM Specialist at �������.

Humber’s MFM Clinic provides accessible and essential care for women experiencing higher-risk pregnancies and for patients with underlying health barriers who wish to become pregnant.

“As an OBGYN and high-risk specialist, I proudly lead the clinic, along with two nurses. The clinic has been a great success!,” says Dr. Berger.

At the time of her referral to the MFM clinic, Helina was 24-25 weeks along her pregnancy and Dr. Berger could not pinpoint why the baby was so small. They decided the best course of action was to monitor the baby very closely. She started getting ultrasounds every 2 weeks as the doctors continued to monitor the baby’s growth.

“At first, I thought it may have been a genetic component as my husband was a fairly tiny baby as well,” says Helina.

It was determined that the baby had a placenta blockage. This blockage resulted in insufficient nutrients being delivered to the baby, hence the small size. Dr. Berger and the team at the MFM Clinic decided to move monitoring to weekly.

“As an OBGYN and high-risk specialist, I proudly lead the clinic, along with two nurses. The clinic has been a great success!,” says Dr. Berger.

“Dr. Berger and the rest of the team continued to monitor my baby very closely to make sure that enough oxygen was being delivered,” says Helina.

Nearly 37 weeks later, Helina started having high blood pressure, a dangerous situation for both mother and baby. She was admitted to Humber where her attending doctor recommended that she be induced immediately.

After being induced and moved into the birthing unit, Helina was put on oxytocin and monitored closely.

“My body was still not going into labour, so they increased my dosage,” says Helina. “At some point, the dosage was so high, my baby’s heartbeat was going into distress.”

The doctors lowered her dosage, but her body was still not going into labour. After repeating the process a couple more times, the doctor recommended a C-Section.

“I knew that this was the most likely scenario, because the team could not keep increasing the dosage and repeating the process,” says Helina. “It would just put my child and I at risk.”

After her son Ezana was born, he was transferred to the NICU. Nurses regularly provided Helina and her husband updates about their son throughout the night. This kindness and support from the nurses, along with the quick and considerate action of her attending physicians during this stressful time was what made their Humber journey special.

“My husband and I are very appreciative of everyone that helped us at Humber,” says Helina. “From the MFM Clinic, to the Labour & Delivery team and the NICU, thank you!”

Helina and her husband are grateful for the support of the MFM Clinic. “It was much better that we knew early on, and were prepared. For every decision, it felt like we were in control,” says Helina.

After 2 weeks of trips back and forth to the hospital, Helina’s son was taken off the ventilator and was able to go home with his parents. After an incredible journey, and thanks to the help of their team at Humber, they could all go home together to start their new life as a family.

“My husband and I are very appreciative of everyone that helped us at Humber,” says Helina. “From the MFM Clinic, to the Labour & Delivery team and the NICU, thank you!”

Please note: Images have been changed for the comfort of Helina and her family

If you would like to learn more about our and how you can support our MFM Clinic Expansion, please contact Shelly Koren at skoren@hrh.ca

A Star is Born

If you’re expecting a little Star this year (or if you’re looking for another way to celebrate your family today) consider making a Star is Born donation and help us light new ways in healthcare for our future generations!

Donate Today

The post Navigating High-Risk Pregnancies with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic: Helina’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

The official unveiling of Smilezone took place this past fall after initial plans were temporarily halted by the unfolding pandemic.

The official unveiling of Smilezone—an uplifting space for paediatric surgical care, brought to life through a special partnership with the and the —took place this past fall after initial plans were temporarily halted by the unfolding pandemic.

Located on the second floor within the Paediatric Day Surgery Clinic, Smilezone has transformed the post-surgery recovery space into a haven of joy, filled with interactive toys, a touch screen table, and even a mini Zamboni for Humber’s Child Life Program for paediatric patients to ride into surgery, creating a comforting environment for paediatric patients and their families.

This new space reflects the dedication of the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association and Smilezone to nurture the well-being of young patients within our community.

“It has made such a positive impact for our paediatric patients & their families with this new child-friendly environment!” says Alexandra Christofides, Child Life Specialist at �������.

Smilezone goes beyond being a physical space; it reflects the dedication of the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association and the Smilezone Foundation to nurture the well-being of young patients within our community.

Adding Smilezone to the Paediatric Day Surgery Clinic helps to reduce the stress of the patients, decreases their anxiety, and increases their comfort, encouraging an overall fun & positive hospital experience for a speedy recovery.

“It has made such a positive impact for our paediatric patients & their families with this new child-friendly environment!” says Alexandra Christofides, Child Life Specialist at �������.

“The area is a source of joy for children and parents alike! Our son, Seth, who has autism, found solace in the surroundings. Profound thanks to Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and Smilezone.” says parents of twelve year-old Seth.

Smilezone’s commitment to Humber extends beyond the second floor, with plans to enhance another area within the Hospital in the coming future. This ongoing support, fueled by the generosity of the Smilezone Foundation, ensures a promise of continuous smiles and healing for the children at �������.

“A million thank you’s to Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni & Smilezone for creating such an incredibly amazing area for our paediatric post-surgery patients!” says Alexandra.

You can watch Humber’s CTV News Smilezone feature !

The post Bringing Smiles to Paediatrics with Smilezone Foundation and Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Last year, Humber’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) achieved a Level 2C designation for our ability to care for smaller and sicker babies.

Because of the contributions of generous donors like Connie, Humber is more ready than ever to welcome new babies and care for the most vulnerable newborns!

In December 2022, baby Aura was born at Humber River with a serious infection that required her to be quarantined and treated in the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She couldn’t have been in more capable hands: last year, Humber’s NICU achieved a Level 2C designation, which means that it is able to care for higher acuity babies who are smaller or sicker.

This designation was achieved due to the generosity of donors whose contributions helped Humber purchase four specialized ventilators, essential equipment for caring for babies born as early as 30 weeks of gestation. These new ventilators can support newborns for a duration of up to seven days; the older models can do so for less than 24 hours.

“I couldn’t be more grateful and more determined to pay it forward,” says Connie.

Further, Humber’s NICU now features an in-house respiratory therapist, access to ophthalmology and staff who are trained on the delicate insertion of the tubes and lines needed to clear tiny lungs and deliver medication and nutrition.

Aura spent her stay in Humber’s NICU, cozy in her Giraffe Omnibed, a combined care stations and incubator that can be positioned in many different ways to increase access to babies for medical care while minimizing disruption to the delicate patients. The Giraffe OmniBeds also minimize each baby’s temperature swings and maintain a neutral thermal environment.

The NICU’s new upgraded Level 2C designation means that babies like Aura are more likely to receive the care they need closer to home at Humber, the hospital trusted and chosen by their parents.

Aura’s grandmother Connie was so grateful for the care that her granddaughter received at Humber that she decided to make an annual Gift of Gratitude donation, every Christmas, directed to the NICU. Aura was Connie’s second grandchild to need Humber’s NICU at the beginning of her life, and Connie donates in honour of both Aura and Adalyn every year.

“Although I’ve never met the team that cared for Aura, I make this donation to thank them for their collective devotion to their profession,” says Connie. “Aura received the best of care in the NICU and is now a thriving chunky little thing, adored by big sister Brea and the rest of our family. I couldn’t be more grateful and more determined to pay it forward.”

The post Every Year, Grateful Grandmother Connie donates to the NICU appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Baby Angela’s birth was honoured by her grandmother Sandra, who had delivered her own children at Humber’s Finch legacy site, births she also commemorated with a star.

When Sandra welcomed her first grandchild she was excited to continue what is becoming a stellar tradition for her family – Making a donation to the Hospital through our Star is Born program in honour of baby Angela.

—

One special wall on the Maternal & Child floor of Humber River Hospital is a popular spot for visitors and patients to star gaze. It’s decorated with a growing number of stars, each one a tribute to a much-loved baby who was born at the Hospital. Every star includes the newborn’s name and birth date and some include a picture of the baby.

One of the most recent stars added to the wall celebrates the birth of baby Angela, whose birth was honoured by her grandmother, Sandra. This donation is close to Sandra’s heart as she delivered her own daughter and son at Humber’s Finch legacy site many years ago, births she also commemorated with a star.

“During the years that followed my children’s births, we found ourselves at the Finch site often, visiting new members of the family who were born there,” recalls Sandra. “Each time we went, my kids were so excited to find their stars on the wall and to point them out to their cousins!”

When baby Angela was born at Humber’s Wilson site, Sandra was pleased to learn the Hospital was continuing the tradition of A Star is Born. She knew that she wanted to make the same tribute to her granddaughter as she had for her own children.

“My daughter, Celina, had a wonderful experience delivering her daughter at Humber—just as I did many years ago.” says Sandra.

“My granddaughter’s name, Angela Maria, was chosen to honour close relatives on both my daughter’s and her husband’s sides of the family. This makes her star even more special to us all,” says Sandra, who chose to donate to Humber’s area of greatest need.

“I am so pleased to have been able to continue an important family tradition with Angela’s star,” says Sandra. “More than that, I am passionate about giving to causes that are important to me. It’s gratifying to know that my donation is going towards helping the Hospital deliver the best care to its patients.”

“My daughter, Celina, had a wonderful experience delivering her daughter at Humber—just as I did many years ago at the Hospital’s legacy site,” continues Sandra. “While the new site’s single rooms and state-of-the-art technology are very impressive—and made for a lovely experience—what stood out to me and my daughter was the exceptional and warm care that Celina experienced. Her nurse Elnaz was her constant support that day, checking stats, making notes, and providing great support with a big and caring heart. It’s the same care that I was lucky enough to receive from Humber many years ago. In fact, I suspect we may have even had some of the same nurses!”

Angela was born just before Christmas and is now well settled into her home and routines. Sandra is, of course, a frequent visitor and coveted babysitter.

“Angela is such an alert baby, holding her head up at one week and recognizing voices at a very early age,” says Sandra with pride. Clearly, Angela is more than living up to her star billing!

The post A Star is Born! Baby Angela’s Time to Shine appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Ruby was worried about her mom, and she couldn’t imagine her not being around for her baby’s first days. So when Ruby felt Dr. Grace Mariampillai going above and beyond for her in her care, she was incredibly grateful.

As the due date for Ruby’s baby Aarian approached, she mourned how things would be different this time; when her first son was born, Ruby’s mother had been a pillar of support. But this time around, her mom was going through intensive cancer treatments including chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

Ruby was worried about her mom, and she couldn’t imagine her not being around for her baby’s first days. So when Ruby felt Dr. Grace Mariampillai going above and beyond for her in her care, she was incredibly grateful.

Dr. Mariampillai had been Ruby’s OBGYN when she was pregnant with her first son who she delivered by emergency C-section, she had also been there for Ruby during her next pregnancy which unfortunately had ended in loss, and she was diligently caring for Ruby during her pregnancy with baby Aarian.

“Dr. Grace is amazing,” says Ruby. “I have no words to describe her. I had a lot going on during my pregnancy. I had gestational diabetes and needed lots of tests. My mom was going through treatment. And my sister was caring for my mother. Dr. Grace did everything she could to take care of me.”

Dr. Mariampillai knew that Ruby worried after every test, so she would call her between cases to reassure her everything was okay. She also knew how important it was to Ruby that her mom could meet the baby before her next stem cell transplant, so she scheduled Ruby’s planned C-section for before her mother’s treatment. At the end of her pregnancy when Ruby’s discomfort grew to be too painful, Dr. Mariampillai moved her C-section forward to be with Dr. Benjamin Tse but made sure to be in the operating room.

“The staff in the Mother Baby Unit were phenomenal,” says Ruby. “I really bonded with my nurses, Akua and Melissa. They made me feel at ease. I’m a nurse too, so they talked me through everything and reassured me. But they also understood when I was in the mood to talk about things other than newborns or jaundice.”

“Dr. Tse was great,” says Ruby. “And it meant so much to me that Dr. Grace was there in the room. When you trust somebody it makes such a big difference. I’m so grateful I found that relationship with her.”

Ruby’s C-section went smoothly and Aarian was born, a beautiful baby weighing 10 pounds, 6 ounces. But Aarian unfortunately had jaundice and needed a few extra days in the hospital receiving phototherapy. Humber arranged to have them all continue to stay in their Mother Baby room until he was ready to be discharged.

“The staff in the Unit were phenomenal,” says Ruby. “I really bonded with two of my nurses, Akua and Melissa. They made me feel at ease. I’m a nurse too, so they talked me through everything and reassured me. But they also understood when I was in the mood to talk about things other than newborns or jaundice.”

Baby Aarian’s jaundice made him sleepy and he could only go 20 minutes at a time outside the phototherapy lights. It made nursing difficult, but Ruby was grateful for the support of her lactation consultant, also named Melissa, who stayed nearby to help the baby latch whenever another feed started.

Dr. Mariampillai also checked on Ruby every day to make sure she was okay.

“I was super taken care of at Humber,” says Ruby. “My recovery was also very smooth. I’m a surgical oncology nurse and this experience affirmed for me that one day it would be nice to work in labour and delivery.”

“My mom was able to be a grandma to my son for two weeks before her treatment,” says Ruby. “It meant a lot to both of us. I’m very thankful.”

Ruby’s mother underwent her stem cell treatment two weeks after Aarian was born.

“My mom was able to be a grandma to my son for two weeks before her treatment,” says Ruby. “Culturally we have dishes we eat after giving birth – 11 days of special meals for wound healing and breast milk production. It meant a lot to both of us that she could do that again for me before her treatment. I’m very thankful.”

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