I wish I could say that this winter has flown by, but honestly, it feels like it’s been an endless marathon. We have seen record snowfalls, with brutal cold snaps and just when it gets milder, we are treated to flash freezes. (Skiers and winter enthusiasts, I am happy for you). What I love about winter is that my girls each celebrate a birthday. Over the years, I have shared our family tradition of balloons on birthdays. What originally started when the kids were toddlers, and waking up to their bedrooms filled with balloons has morphed into a new décor trend in our home. Each year, the colors and ribbon combinations change, but the dedication to the craft is unwavering. Headaches from blowing them up, vertigo from standing on a ladder, and the unexpected pops continue to haunt us and yet we persevere. Last year, when Andie was away for her first year at university, we figured the tradition would slowly wind down, but as it turned out, it brought us closer to her. Last year we surprised her and decorated her dorm room. It was brilliant. So, this year, with Andie turning 20, we made the drive down to Bishop’s University, with a balloon machine, tape, and scissors in hand and maintained the tradition. Andie was truly touched. Jamie, my youngest, turned 17 earlier this winter, and because I like people seeing the sweat equity we put into it, I am sharing it here.
I wish a million balloons could be released all over the city to celebrate the success of “February Is Heart Month”. I have run out of words to express how proud I am of our team and the extreme gratitude I feel for our community who made the last 6 weeks so incredible. “February is Heart Month” was once again a huge success, helping build brand awareness for the Heart Institute, education and support for heart disease, and much-needed funds for the Institute. Together, our community fundraised over $1.4 Million for the Heart Institute. Anyone who has planned an event, conference, or wedding knows that by the time the day arrives, the hard work is done. The execution becomes the critical component while putting out little fires and embracing the quick pivots. Our “Light The Capital Red” initiative continued to grow over the month and we thank CTV Ottawa for sharing the incredible images each night through February on the 6 pm news. Thank you to all of our 3rd party fundraisers, anyone who hosted or attended an event, purchased a paper heart, or donated. Our success is because of you.
Thank you to our Heart Month Ambassador Dr. Michel Le May whose life-saving STEMI program celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. We loved being able to share your story and the impact of the program. And finally, we are so grateful to our patients and their families who allowed us into their homes to share their emotional journeys with the award-winning storyteller, Joel Haslam. All these pieces truly brought Heart Month to life!
(Note: All stories are available on the February is Heart Month website homepage. Click here to view.)
Now, we are so excited to shift our “special event” focus to the 3rd Annual Ottawa Pickleball Classic presented by CHG Meridian and being hosted by the EY Centre. We are super excited to have out title sponsor CHG back for another year. Their energy both on and off the court last year helped bring this event to the next level. This year’s Pickleball tournament transforms the EY Centre into a vibrant, park-inspired setting, and we look forward to creating a fun and playful atmosphere. Whether you are just picking up the game or are now a seasoned pro we have introduced both a competitive and a recreational category, as well as the ability to join in “free play”.
We launched registration late last week and it’s filling up quickly. Join more than 200 players and guests for ‘pickleball in the park’ with the Heart Institute Foundation!
For those fasting during Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak! I hope it’s going well. And as we welcome the arrival of spring, to those celebrating the Persian New Year, a timeless celebration of renewal and new beginnings, Nowruzetan Pirooz!
Many of you are enjoying March Break this week and I hope there are wonderful family memories being created, and for those of you who aren’t, at least the traffic is a bit lighter for our commutes! As always, thank you for reading my updates. I am honoured to be able to do so.
With love,
Lianne
