Despite some difficult white-knuckle winter driving, I was thrilled to attend the World Cup ski event at Mont Tremblant this weekend. Watching the world’s top female racers compete on a mountain I love was incredible.
The atmosphere was electric as you saw families bundled up along the slopes, flags waving, and cowbells ringing as Canadian racers made their way down. I watched from the cozy comforts of a condo directly above the finish line. Despite being spoiled while watching with food and drink I was also inspired. I am always in awe of those who live life at such an elite level, resilient in a sport which adds elements of weather, a crash and injury every time they approach the starting line, always focused on the pursuit of excellence. Canadian Val Grenier, who grew up skiing at Tremblant finished third in front of her home crowd, her bronze medal worth the weight in gold.
That spirit of resilience and excellence mirrors the values we champion at the Heart Institute Foundation. I should add, there was plenty of celebration that followed the World Cup races, at the Le P’tit Caribou (If you know you know).
In that same spirit of excellence, I’d like to reflect on a very special man who I met early on in my role here at the Foundation. Dr. Earl Wynands was a pioneer in cardiac anesthesiology, working alongside co-founders Dr. Keon and Dr. Beanlands Sr as the Heart Institute took shape in the late 1970’s. Dr Wynands passed away earlier this month just shy of his 96th birthday. His vision and leadership elevated standards of care, shaping practices that continue to save lives today. His superpower was his ability to elevate his senses through touch, and sound since sight was something he lacked. He was legally blind though his medical career. From our earliest conversations, it was clear how special he was — not only in his pioneering contributions to medicine, but in the way he embodied the values that make the Heart Institute so unique. Establishing his Associate Chair in Cardiac Anesthesiology was very special to us, to him, his family and the anesthesiologists here at the Institute. If you never had an opportunity to read his story, I hope you can take the time do to so. Click here.
Left to right: Lianne Liang, Elizabeth Roscoe (former board chair), Dr. Bernard McDonald (chief of cardiac anesthesiology), and Dr. Earl Wynands (at his chair naming celebration)
Switching gears, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to you, our donor community, for the incredible support shown on Giving Tuesday. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into one of the most important days of giving in the philanthropy world, reminding us all of the power of collective generosity. We are also very grateful to Linda and Russell Grass and their group of companies who continue to amplify our impact as a matching donor.
Our Holiday Appeal is out now, featuring cardiac surgeon Dr. Marc Ruel and a deep dive into minimally invasive surgery and the innovations shaping patient care. If it hasn’t hit your mailbox yet, you can check out the online version here.
Dr. Marc Ruel teaching minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques to cardiac surgeons in Tokyo, Japan.
As we look ahead, we’re also excited to share stories that highlight the innovation happening across the Institute. One of those leaders is Dr. Christopher Sun, whose work sits at the intersection of AI and heart care. Click here to read.
We hope we can rely on your support again as the new year and “February Is Heart Month” approaches. “Light The Capital Red” continues to be a wonderful way for people to get involved building awareness around heart health and the Institute. We hope you might consider lighting your home or business with a red glow. We are also excited that CTV Ottawa will be showcasing our participants on the nightly news throughout the month again this year.
And looking ahead: Our Pickleball Classic has quickly become one of the fastest growing events in our city. What started as a small gathering of enthusiasts has now blossomed into a tournament that attracts players from across the nation’s capital and beyond.
Behind the scenes, our newly formed committee has been working tirelessly, quite literally around the clock, to ensure that this tournament stands out especially as we aim to fill the 90 thousand square feet of space thanks to support of the EY Center.
Registration is open and filling up fast for the 4th annual event taking place on April 26th. Please head to ottawapickleballclassic.ca for more details. Also filling up fast is our Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament, learn more here.
By the time you receive my next monthly update, 2026 will be here and the holiday craziness behind us. I hope in the coming weeks you enjoy all your holiday work or social events, and maneuver your way through the holiday shopping with ease and comfort. I’ll be honest, I was incredibly frustrated last week trying to buy items online that were sold out – in every size and color. I have convinced myself I really didn’t need those items anyway. It really is the most stressful time of the year – which is why I am escaping it and heading on a trip with my family. The only matching outfits will be from a beach, with no gifts, just quality time as Andie recovers from her university exams and Jamie sets her sights on her final semester of high school. I cherish this time more than anything else.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, family, laughter and most importantly all in good health.
With gratitude always,
Much love,
Lianne
Lianne
