Late last week we officially dropped Andie off for her third year of university—and this time, it felt more like a gentle wave than a teary goodbye. The car was lighter, the emotions calmer and I could see the comfort in Andie’s body language as we stepped back into her apartment. After I rehung all her hangers, I sat on her bed and watched her unpack the personal belongings that she’d tossed into a basket at home. As she rearranged them, she quickly pointed out that it felt like she was home. It stung a little, my heart longing for her to crave our family home, but I was deeply grateful that she loves her university experience and was excited to be back. So far, soccer training camp is going well and I must boast that her 12 chins ups during physical testing is something I am proud of – I mean, academics don’t start for another few weeks!
Just like Andie settling into her third year, our Foundation team is stepping into September with confidence and clarity—ready to make an impact.
Registration is now open for JUMP IN™ For Women’s Heart Health and we have plenty of new and exciting perks along the way. As a reminder, “JUMP IN™” is a 30-day challenge through the month of September to complete 30 minutes of movement a day.
Your registration includes the limited edition “JUMP IN™” socks, a ticket to the Ottawa Rapid FC game on Sept 7th (with an optional workout to follow on the field), access to a new personalized digital hub with tracking tools and resources as well as new webinars, information sessions, weekly run clubs, complimentary classes, and a wrap up 80’s glow workout party at Altea. The list goes on and we hope you, your family and friends JUMP IN™ with us. Please visit the website. This campaign isn’t just about movement – it’s about raising awareness around women’s heart health – the number one killer of woman worldwide. 1 in 3 women die from heart disease globally. Every 20 minutes a woman in Canada has a heart attack. We are underdiagnosed, under researched and undertreated. Please be part of the movement for change.
Speaking of movement, we’ve been making waves not just in health spaces—but on the racetrack too. Earlier this month I made my way to the Calabogie Motorsports Park for the Nascar Canada Series. Thanks to a generous donor, every car in the Miata race proudly displayed decals featuring the Institute which turned the track into a moving message of cardiovascular awareness.
We’re beyond grateful to the drivers who embraced the cause, (many of whom had family members who were cared for at the Institute) and helped to spread the word — your support drives real impact both on and off the track. Delivering more than sheer adrenaline — it helped spotlight the incredible work of the Ottawa Heart Institute. Together, we’re racing toward healthier hearts.
Whether it’s the roar of engines or the quiet determination of a visionary leader, excellence takes many forms and a different kind of drive.
Dr. Emilio Alarcón, a scientist in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, was recently named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2025 by Canadian Immigrant magazine. Born in Santiago, Chile, Dr. Alarcón overcame early challenges as a neurodiverse learner and the child of a disabled parent. His journey led him to groundbreaking research in biocompatible materials to repair heart tissue, and to national leadership in disability advocacy and inclusive science. Click here to learn more!
Dr. Alarcón is reshaping the future of biomedical research—making it more inclusive, accessible, and representative of Canada’s diversity. His work exemplifies the Institute’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in cardiovascular care. Please read more about his incredible career and impact here at the Institute.
As we hold on to these last few weeks of summer, I truly hope you have managed to inhale the sunshine, smell the flowers, jump in the water, and sit outside on a beautiful night to gaze at the stars. I hope you’ve had someone by your side to share these moments with. I continue to be grateful to our incredible donor base, who follow the work of the Institute and support us in any way they can.
So, here’s to Jumping In—with heart, with purpose, and with the belief that every new chapter holds the promise of something extraordinary. Let’s keep cheering each other on, wherever our paths may lead.
Much Love,
Lianne
We’re so excited to share our new promo with you — check it out!
Late last week we officially dropped Andie off for her third year of university—and this time, it felt more like a gentle wave than a teary goodbye. The car was lighter, the emotions calmer and I could see the comfort in Andie’s body language as we stepped back into her apartment. After I rehung all her hangers, I sat on her bed and watched her unpack the personal belongings that she’d tossed into a basket at home. As she rearranged them, she quickly pointed out that it felt like she was home. It stung a little, my heart longing for her to crave our family home, but I was deeply grateful that she loves her university experience and was excited to be back. So far, soccer training camp is going well and I must boast that her 12 chins ups during physical testing is something I am proud of – I mean, academics don’t start for another few weeks!
Just like Andie settling into her third year, our Foundation team is stepping into September with confidence and clarity—ready to make an impact.
Registration is now open for JUMP IN™ For Women’s Heart Health and we have plenty of new and exciting perks along the way. As a reminder, “JUMP IN™” is a 30-day challenge through the month of September to complete 30 minutes of movement a day.
Your registration includes the limited edition “JUMP IN™” socks, a ticket to the Ottawa Rapid FC game on Sept 7th (with an optional workout to follow on the field), access to a new personalized digital hub with tracking tools and resources as well as new webinars, information sessions, weekly run clubs, complimentary classes, and a wrap up 80’s glow workout party at Altea. The list goes on and we hope you, your family and friends JUMP IN™ with us. Please visit the website. This campaign isn’t just about movement – it’s about raising awareness around women’s heart health – the number one killer of woman worldwide. 1 in 3 women die from heart disease globally. Every 20 minutes a woman in Canada has a heart attack. We are underdiagnosed, under researched and undertreated. Please be part of the movement for change.
We’re so excited to share our new promo with you — check it out!
Speaking of movement, we’ve been making waves not just in health spaces—but on the racetrack too. Earlier this month I made my way to the Calabogie Motorsports Park for the Nascar Canada Series. Thanks to a generous donor, every car in the Miata race proudly displayed decals featuring the Institute which turned the track into a moving message of cardiovascular awareness.
We’re beyond grateful to the drivers who embraced the cause, (many of whom had family members who were cared for at the Institute) and helped to spread the word — your support drives real impact both on and off the track. Delivering more than sheer adrenaline — it helped spotlight the incredible work of the Ottawa Heart Institute. Together, we’re racing toward healthier hearts.
Whether it’s the roar of engines or the quiet determination of a visionary leader, excellence takes many forms and a different kind of drive.
Dr. Emilio Alarcón, a scientist in the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, was recently named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2025 by Canadian Immigrant magazine. Born in Santiago, Chile, Dr. Alarcón overcame early challenges as a neurodiverse learner and the child of a disabled parent. His journey led him to groundbreaking research in biocompatible materials to repair heart tissue, and to national leadership in disability advocacy and inclusive science. Click here to learn more!
Dr. Alarcón is reshaping the future of biomedical research—making it more inclusive, accessible, and representative of Canada’s diversity. His work exemplifies the Institute’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in cardiovascular care. Please read more about his incredible career and impact here at the Institute.
As we hold on to these last few weeks of summer, I truly hope you have managed to inhale the sunshine, smell the flowers, jump in the water, and sit outside on a beautiful night to gaze at the stars. I hope you’ve had someone by your side to share these moments with. I continue to be grateful to our incredible donor base, who follow the work of the Institute and support us in any way they can.
So, here’s to Jumping In—with heart, with purpose, and with the belief that every new chapter holds the promise of something extraordinary. Let’s keep cheering each other on, wherever our paths may lead.
Much Love,
Lianne
