OUR COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
FROM OUR PATIENTS
Heart to Heart: John Fregeau’s Story
John Fregeau, now 64, credits a recent Globe and Mail story, featuring the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s (UOHI) Dr. Marc Ruel, for starting a conversation with his cardiologist in Winnipeg about pursuing minimally invasive cardiac surgery at the Institute in Ottawa.
Gabriella would be lost without the ACHD clinic.
Asked to recall the year she was first diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), Gabriella Hammond responds with a laugh, “They cut the cord, and I turned blue."
Sue’s Search for Answers
“My chest pain was like someone had their clenched fist, tightening it around my heart causing shortness of breath.”
- Sue Pinell
A Canadian champion needing to advocate for herself off the court
We are honoured to name Yiwen as one of our official 2024 JUMP IN™ For Women's Heart Health ambassadors. She exemplifies the best qualities of our participants, from coast to coast to coast, who show up for each other and their own healthier hearts day in and day out.
When giving back is second nature.
When revising their wills in 2014, Ottawa residents Paul and Marilyn Koch decided to leave a legacy gift to the Heart Institute.
The many lives of Pam MacCormack: From border guard to marathoner to cardiac survivor
We are honoured to name Pam as one of our official 2024 JUMP IN™ For Women's Heart Health ambassadors. She exemplifies the best qualities of our participants, from coast to coast to coast, who show up for each other and their own healthier hearts day in and day out.
The MacDonald Family Motto: “Fall down seven times… and get up eight.”
"If it were not for the staff that got personally involved, I would not be here." - Steve MacDonald
Robin and Heather Clark had a historic love story— lengthened by the life-saving care of the Heart Institute.
In a flash, he experienced a stabbing and excruciating chest pain. "I was so scared; here was my big, strong father doubled over in agony. His friends frantically rushed him to the Renfrew Hospital and, from there, he was transferred to the brand-new Ottawa Heart Institute."
The Taylors— a compassionate legacy for generations to come.
Platform sandals. Clogs. Wedges. Mules. Patent leather Mary Janes. What do all these shoes have in common?
A Grateful Heart: A strep infection leads to life-saving heart surgery. By Joel Haslam
The Ottawa Heart Institute is incredible. My experience is nothing but a miracle.
Riding toward a future, thanks to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute by Joel Haslam
The fact that I just happen to have the Heart Institute as my partner for this journey is one that I’m incredibly thankful for.
A Family’s Gratitude—Multiple Lives Saved by the UOHI by Joel Haslam
Know your family history. Make sure your family physician is aware, so that he or she can take proper steps to prevent some of the things we’ve had to go through ...sometimes you don’t get a second chance.
An executive chef’s brush with death and the wedding that almost did not happen by Joel Haslam.
It was life and death. And when you’re in life and death, life seems so bright. It’s filled with kindness and appreciation and love.
YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE
FUTURE
OF CARDIAC HEALTH.
Ground-breaking research & innovative patient-centred care for you.
When you invest in the world- renowned University of Ottawa Heart Institute, you fuel innovative patient care, education, prevention, and ground-breaking research.
New scientific discoveries backed by community donations help save lives each day.
Your contributions will provide the tools and science needed to treat, and eventually eradicate heart disease. Imagine a future where every cardiac patient has hyper-personalized medicine, surgery, and care, tailored to their own DNA.