For Mukesh and Suzette Wadhwani, giving back to The Ottawa Hospital is deeply personal.
The couple has experienced the impact of care at our hospital firsthand, from Mukesh’s treatment for a heart condition at the Heart Institute in the 1990s to Suzette’s more recent treatment at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. Their decision to give is also rooted in a family legacy of supporting healthcare, education, and causes that help others.
Together, these experiences have shaped the Wadhwani family’s decision to make a generous gift in support of The Ottawa Hospital. On behalf of the Wadhwani family, Mukesh and Suzette are matching all donations, up to $1 million, made before December 31, 2026.
Suzette’s experience with The Ottawa Hospital began in 2019. While recovering after receiving knee replacement surgery, she noticed blood in her stool. A colonoscopy revealed Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“I was devastated,” said Suzette. “It came as a complete shock because I was always so strong and full of energy.”
“I was so grateful for the care I received, and I wanted to give something back.”
— Suzette Wadhwani
Suzette underwent five weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy, followed by surgery. For the next several years, follow-up appointments were a regular part of life for Suzette and Mukesh. Then, in 2024, five years after her diagnosis, she received the news they had been hoping for. Suzette was officially cancer-free.
“I was so grateful for the care I received, and I wanted to give something back,” she said.
The Wadhwani family has chosen to direct their gift to cancer research. They know that behind every cancer diagnosis is a person and a family facing uncertainty. Through their support, the Wadhwanis hope to help advance discoveries that could lead to new possibilities for patients and families facing cancer in the future. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the care team that took such good care of her,” said Mukesh.
The gift also carries forward the legacy of Mukesh’s late brother, Dr. Gopal Das, a cardiologist who dedicated his career to medical pursuits and caring for patients.
Dr. Das believed deeply in education, healthcare, and helping others. After he passed away in 2024, Mukesh became the steward of his estate. Since then, the family has directed funds toward hospitals, research, and other causes that reflect the values that guided Dr. Das throughout his life.
For the Wadhwani family, supporting cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital brings that legacy together with their own experience. This has strengthened their desire to give back and support the research that can help improve care for future patients.
Through their matching gift, they are inviting the community to join them in supporting our hospital. “It’s a chance to help other patients and families facing a diagnosis and to support the research that could lead to better treatment options in the future,” said Mukesh.
Every gift fuels world-leading research and care at The Ottawa Hospital.
