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For questions regarding tax receipts please contact us either by email at foundation@ottawaheart.ca or by phone at 613-696-7030.

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Browse the Heart Institute Collection and show your support year-round.
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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

FROM OUR PATIENTS

Dr. Marc Ruel performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery
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 Hammond with Dr. Maharajh
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 Pinell
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
Yiwen playing badminton and hiking
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.
Pam MacCormack over the years
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.
A family shot
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?
Cheryl during her stay at the Heart Institute and Cheryl feeling better today.
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.
Cody at the Institute and then back to cycling after surgery.
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.
Luc & Eric, Colette, Gilles, The Viau's early days, Wedding Photo and Gilles, Colette and sister Jeannine.
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.
Kenton Leier in hospital and on his wedding day with his bride, Tanya
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.

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Please let us know how the Heart Institute impacted your life or the life of someone you love.

Lino built an extraordinary reputation in Ottawa’s construction industry. As the founder of BGC Construction and Restoration, he carried forward his family’s legacy in the trades and transformed BGC into a respected, trusted name. Known for his honesty, work ethic, and integrity, Lino led by example. He took pride in his work, valued relationships over transactions, and treated employees, clients, and colleagues like family. His accomplishments in his career were impressive, but what people remember most is the way he made them feel — appreciated, respected, and supported.

But Lino’s greatest achievement in life was the family he built and loved. He was the best dad — protective, funny, supportive, and endlessly proud of his three daughters: Arianna, Martina, and Mila. Being their father was his greatest honour, and he poured his entire heart into giving them the best life possible. He shared a beautiful, deeply loving partnership with his wife Nadia, his soulmate and closest companion.

Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and unforgettable memories.

Lino’s warmth and generosity extended far beyond his immediate family. He was the beloved son of Mario and Claudia Bassi, the devoted brother of John (Maria) and Deanna (Joe), and the caring brother-in-law of Barbara (Nick) and Tania (Marco). He was a proud and deeply involved uncle who held each of his nieces and nephews close to his heart. Lino had a rare ability to make every person feel included, valued, and supported. His kindness left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

What made Lino truly special was the joy he found in bringing people together.

Hosting wasn’t just something he did — it was something he loved. He brought life into every gathering, whether it was a big celebration or a simple night at home. His home was a place where everyone felt welcomed, accepted, and cherished. His smile, humour, and energy made every moment brighter.

On January 24, 2025, Lino passed away suddenly, leaving a pain that words can’t describe, but his impact continues to live on — through his family, through his work, through the community he helped build, and through every person whose life was made better because of him.

This tribute — and the gathering held in his honour — reflect who Lino was at his core: a man who loved deeply, lived fully, and brought people together with grace and warmth. His legacy is not measured by the years he lived, but by the love he gave, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched.

And that legacy will continue, always.

Our Holiday Office Hours:

Dec 31, 2025: Office closed at noon.

Jan 1, 2026: closed

Jan 2, 2026: Regular hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Please note: Tax receipts for online gifts will be prepared and sent by email within 1 – 2 business days. 

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