Team PIPR: pushing limits to hit $2 million in fundraising
Category: Creating Tomorrow
Published: March 2025
For sixteen years, Team PIPR (Partner’s Investing in Parkinson’s Research) has been committed to advancing Parkinson’s research through participation and fundraising at Ottawa Race Weekend. This dedicated group is focused on providing support to grow Parkinson’s research, the effect of donor contributions, and the meaningful impact their efforts are having on the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.
After years of dedication to helping fund research at The Ottawa Hospital, in 2025, the team is hoping to cross a major milestone in their fundraising efforts — $2 million.
The evolution of Team PIPR
In 2009, a group of investment advisors, led by Andrew Frank, Richard Shantz, and Roberta Driscoll of RBC Dominion Securities, founded Partners Investing in Parkinson Research, and they quickly became known as PIPR. Their mission started with a common goal: to raise funds for Parkinson’s research at The Ottawa Hospital and to increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
“When we started Team PIPR, it was more about research because we were interested in finding out what Parkinson’s was and where it came from,” shares Andrew. “Many of us had been touched by the disease and wanted to understand the disease better.”
Team PIPR
As Team PIPR grew, so did the purpose behind it. There was a pivotal shift when individuals living with Parkinson’s joined the movement and began participating at race weekend.
It was no longer just about understanding research for themselves — it was about using their donor dollars to not only grasp the complexities of the disease, but also to make a real difference in helping others living with it.
“I think that’s when the team’s success started, and that’s what held it together,” says Andrew. “The families that were impacted by Parkinson’s — the caregivers and the patients — were at the table. That became a very important part of the circumstances.”
Dr. Julianna Tomlinson and Dr. Michael Schlossmacher
Physicians and researchers are a part of the team
The medical experts at The Ottawa Hospital have been incredibly supportive and important to Team PIPR’s success.
“All the doctors are so ridiculously talented, smart, caring, and passionate.”
— Andrew Frank
“The doctors showed up and participated,” he says, referring to Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, Director of Neuroscience, and Dr. David Grimes, neurologist and Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic at our hospital. They are just two of many who have joined the team and continue to make groundbreaking advancements in neurological diseases. With the neuroscience research at the new hospital campus, there is the potential to become a global leader in the field.
“Fundraising is emotion.”
— Andrew Frank
“All the doctors are so ridiculously talented, smart, caring, and passionate,” says Andrew. “They’re so collaborative with us and each other. And once you get the doctors, the donors, and the patients together at the table, it brings the emotion level way up. Fundraising is emotion.”
While the member numbers for Team PIPR are consistently changing, they are a mighty group of around 150 individuals, connected by their shared desire to support neuroscience research and medical advancements.
Andrew Frank’s personal connection to PIPR
In 2000, Andrew received devastating news — his mother in Toronto had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Feeling helpless and distant, her diagnosis sparked a profound shift in him, driving his commitment to learn more, get involved, and make a difference. When Team PIPR was founded, his mother’s fight was a constant inspiration.
“It became more than just fundraising — it was about learning, supporting, and making a real impact.”
— Andrew Frank
Reflecting on the experience, Andrew shared, “It was a very supportive group because my mother was in Toronto, and I wasn’t connected to the Toronto community. Helping people here fundraise and connecting with leaders who also had loved ones with Parkinson’s created a deep, personal bond. It became more than just fundraising — it was about learning, supporting, and making a real impact.”
For Andrew, Team PIPR became a pillar of support during a difficult time, reminding him that he could be a changemaker in his mother’s care, and the care for others. Eight years after his mother’s passing, Andrew cherishes the memories of stepping up for her during her toughest years, when she needed her family the most.
Leaders in impact for sixteen years
Sixteen years ago, Team PIPR completed their first race at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Each year, as they prepare to race together, they also rely on each other to strategically drive their fundraising efforts, aiming to raise $100,000 annually.
The core of their team is investing. “We have to invest to grow,” Andrew explains. “Look at cancer research. If you’re investing, you’re going to see returns”
Every year, individuals living with Parkinson’s, caregivers, families, and donors complete the 2K together at race weekend.
Andrew remembers one particular year when he completed the 2K with his mother, taking 50 minutes. He smiles at the memory, knowing it wasn’t about the time — it was about the accomplishment they shared.
On the day following the 2k, Team PIPR doesn’t rest. They operate a water and cheer station on the marathon and half-marathon routes, wearing their deep-red Team PIPR shirts and motivating every runner — cheering for them proudly. It’s a reminder of their mission from 16 years ago and another way to be together.
“If you expect more, you have to deliver more,” Andrew says proudly. “We wanted to learn, we had a lot of ideas, and we put in a lot of hard work.”
Andrew observes the new campus development from his office every day, confident that Team PIPR is helping reshape the future of Parkinson’s research and will continue to drive change for patients. “We found the vehicle, and I wouldn’t turn back for a second,” he says.
Categories: TOH at Race Weekend
There’s a particular image that David Gilbert, President of Ottawa-based Paterson Group, is delighted to share. It’s a map of the Ottawa area and beyond covered with thousands of dots, each one representing a job site where the Paterson Group has worked.
There are 30,000 dots — 30,000 projects since the company first set up shop here in 1956.
The go-to consultant for Ottawa developers
Paterson Group is a consulting engineering firm, with an expertise in many areas from geotechnical and environmental engineering to materials testing and building sciences.
“We’re involved in a lot of land development projects,” David explains, “We’re based here in Ottawa, but we’ve got offices in North Bay and Mississauga, as well.”
For 69 years, Paterson Group has been the “go to” consultant for Ottawa developers and for the construction industry. They provide a wide range of multi-disciplinary consulting services, supporting every stage of development from initial site assessments to final construction.
Transformative support of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow
That’s the history of a company proud to be part of building this community. A company proud to be part of building our healthcare infrastructure, too. Paterson Group recently announced a commitment to contribute $1 million towards The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow that will transform healthcare in our region and help take research to unprecedented heights.
“We think it’s fantastic for our community.”
— David Gilbert
It’s by far the largest philanthropic gift the company, and its 170 employees, have made to date.
“Everyone in our company is very proud to be part of this,” says David. “We think it’s fantastic for our community.”
But he adds it’s also important for businesses in our region, for their employees, and their families.
“We need this city to be prosperous and to be a great place to raise our families and do business. So, if we’re supporting initiatives like the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, which will help build the new hospital campus right here in our own community, we’re also helping ourselves.”
That’s a message he hopes will resonate with other small and medium-sized businesses like Paterson Group.
“We can make a difference with this donation on so many fronts.”
— David Gilbert
“There are so many firms that rely on the growth of this city. So, if you have a world-class facility here, with world-renowned doctors, and cutting-edge research, you’re going to get all this amazing spin-off activity and development. And so many of us are in the development industry. So yes, we can make a difference with this donation on so many fronts.”
Now, there’s one more dot added to the map David Gilbert first shared with us — a dot where The Ottawa Hospital’s new hospital construction is underway. Paterson Group is excited to be working with PCL and EllisDon on the new site.
“We’re proud to say we’ve contributed to something so transformative for our community,” he adds. “Being part of this project is a legacy we’ll carry forward with pride.”
When David McPhedran’s parents emigrated from the United Kingdom in 1968, they didn’t have much, but Canada was known as the land of opportunity, and that’s what they sought for their young and growing family. They first established themselves in the mining town of Kirkland Lake in Northern Ontario, where David was born. This was also where his father, Dr. Edward McPhedran, provided specialty surgical services and medical consultations that made all the difference to health and happiness in that small mining town.
By 1973, Dr. McPhedran and his wife, Margaret, were ready to take their family to a larger city to explore what other opportunities Canada had to offer — they chose Ottawa. “It looked like a natural fit for the family, with good hospitals and growth opportunities, being the capital of Canada,” explains David.
While he never considered following in his father’s medical footsteps, David had great drive, and he seized the opportunities that came. Beginning with a summer job at age 15 at a local drilling firm, it was through persistence and future-thinking that David eventually took over that firm and developed it to be where he is today — the CEO at Marathon Underground Constructors Corporation.
The company started from modest beginnings 45 years ago here in Ottawa and now is one of Canada’s leading specialty underground contractors. Their work below the surface could involve anything from providing crucial energy installations for hydro in the Atlantic Ocean to pipelines in Western Canada.
Humble and kind
Humble, with a strong belief in giving back, David has focused on philanthropy, even when he didn’t have much to give. “If the community is good to you, you have to give back,” he explains.
In his efforts to be a good citizen, David often donates quietly to causes throughout our community. However, the importance of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow has made him step forward to share the news of his generous $1-million gift more publicly.
His deep connection to The Ottawa Hospital stems from personal experience and family ties, and it’s what inspired him to make this donation to help reshape the future of healthcare in the region. His father dedicated most of his career to caring for patients in Ottawa area hospitals, including the Civic Campus, and David and his wife, Natalia McPhedran, welcomed both of their children at the Civic. Natalia also volunteered at The Ottawa Hospital, and it’s where his brother, who passed away in 2021, received cancer care.
“I saw my children’s first breaths at the Civic hospital. And I saw my brother’s last breath at the Civic.”
— David McPhedran
Access to great healthcare
Those experiences motivated him to support the campaign. “I know how important it is to have great hospitals — I’ve seen it myself,” says David. “People take it for granted and they don’t consider the importance of it.”
“A hospital doesn’t become a great institution on its own. It needs a supportive community.”
— David McPhedran
Learning about plans for the new hospital campus and what they included provided even more incentive. David reflected on his brother’s various periods spent in the hospital, sharing a room, and how challenging it was for patients to get healing rest under those circumstances.
“It’s very difficult when you’re sharing a room with someone. This modern hospital design provides the right model, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m a believer and I’m a supporter. Also, to be able to look outside and see all that green space, that really means a lot as well.”
“I think that each Ottawan deserves a place like this new Ottawa Hospital campus — as citizens that is very important.
— David McPhedran
As a business leader, who generally steers clear of the spotlight, he’s stepping forward to share his message — one he hopes will encourage his industry counterparts to consider lending their support as well. “People must get behind this campaign. These important buildings don’t get built on their own. They don’t get funded on their own either.”
This family man, who watched his own father dedicate much of his life to medicine, is stepping forward to share his message with others because he believes that the aims of this campaign are critical for our community.
“I think that each Ottawan deserves a place like this new Ottawa Hospital campus — as citizens that is very important. I think there should be equal opportunity for all people in Ottawa.”
A CANCER JOURNEY
A journey through two cancers and the BRCA gene mutation
Published: February 2025
When Jennifer Hollington was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she didn’t see it coming. This shocking news started her down a path she never imagined, including two more significant medical developments: the discovery she had the BRCA gene mutation, and a skin cancer diagnosis.
While well-versed in the healthcare sphere because of her job with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Jen wasn’t prepared for the health crisis she faced in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. However, she was introduced to a large multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals at The Ottawa Hospital, who helped guide her through this cancer journey.
It was late July 2020 when Jen woke up in the middle of the night with intense pain in her side. After a call to Telehealth Ontario, she went to a local Emergency Department, where blood work and an ultrasound revealed the shocking news — Jen’s tests pointed to a likely diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
“It was a scary and unexpected diagnosis. I came to terms with it only after repeating it many times to family, friends, and co-workers,” she explains.
A stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis
By early August, Jen took a leave from her job as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Communications for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Not long after that, she met Dr. Wylam Faught, head of the division of gynecologic oncology based at the Shirley E. Greenberg Women’s Health Centre at the Riverside Campus.
“He sees you as a person, not simply as a patient who is on a long list of patients.”
— Jen Hollington
Dr. Faught took time to walk Jen through what her journey might look like with what he suspected was stage 3 ovarian cancer. “We’re pretty realistic when meeting with a patient who faces this diagnosis. We try to start into the treatment journey with the patient’s eyes wide open — every patient is different.”
Jen receiving care
For Jen, this approach was exactly what she needed. “Dr. Faught was very empathic, but also realistic about the challenges of ovarian cancer, which I appreciated. He sees you as a person, not simply as a patient who is on a long list of patients. It was comforting to know that we were moving forward, but it was also scary.”
The impact of research on patients facing ovarian cancer
In 2024, an estimated 3,000 Canadian women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The disease impacts women of all ages, but it’s more common in women who have gone through menopause. Sadly, the current five-year survival rate is only 45%, and that’s why research at all levels plays a critical role in advancing new treatment options.
Researchers like Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden and her team at the Vanderhyden laboratory at The Ottawa Hospital are dedicated to studying this disease.
In late August, Jen underwent surgery to remove her uterus, cervix, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. Her gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Tien Le, was able to remove most of the visible cancer. The final pathology report confirmed Jen had stage 3 high-grade serous carcinoma arising from her ovary. Luckily, this meant there were very good initial treatment options to manage her cancer.
“Dr. Le told me they are increasingly looking at ovarian cancer as a chronic disease, to keep people living longer and longer. I found this especially encouraging,” says Jen.
That pathology report also indicated her ovarian tumour cells carried the BRCA2 gene mutation. Genetic testing was suggested to see if she was a carrier of the gene change. This would have further impact on immediate family members and direct further treatment for the patient.
All humans have the BRCA genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2). You inherit one from each of your parents, and if one parent has a mutation, there is a 50% chance you will inherit it. These genetic mutations are known to predispose carriers to develop hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, among other cancers.
“Patients with this mutation tend to have a much better prognosis than someone who is not a carrier of the gene change, because there are more treatment options, and the patient is more responsive to chemotherapy. It was positive news overall.”
— Dr. Wylam Faught
By the spring of 2021, genetic test results showed Jen had a mutation in her BRCA2 gene, which subsequent testing revealed she had inherited from her father. This presented another medical hurdle, namely a significant risk of developing breast and other cancers.
While the news was initially alarming to Jen, Dr. Faught explained it offered hope. “Patients with this mutation tend to have a much better prognosis than someone who is not a carrier of the gene change, because there are more treatment options, and the patient is more responsive to chemotherapy. It was positive news overall.”
Once her chemotherapy was complete, Jen was eligible for an effective new class of oral medication known as PARP inhibitors called Olaparib. “It’s only been in the last handful of years that this group of patients with the BRCA gene mutation have benefitted from this new drug, which in some cases has the potential for putting them into remission. So, within her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, there was this silver lining,” explains Dr. Faught.
Jen with her husband and two children
Optimizing her chances for the future
With the results of the genetic testing placing Jen at a higher risk of breast cancer, Dr. Le referred her to Dr. Erin Cordeiro, a breast surgical oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital.
“Dr. Cordeiro was clear, respectful, and kind as she answered all my questions and provided the detailed information I needed to make my final decision on one of two options,” says Jen.
Those options included continuing with annual mammograms and breast MRIs through Ontario’s high-risk screening program or having a preventive bilateral mastectomy. Armed with plenty of statistics, like how preventive surgery would reduce her risk of developing breast cancer by 95%, Jen considered the options.
“I pretty much knew right then and there, surgery was the best option for me. I was so reassured by the call with Dr. Cordeiro. I came away knowing so much more about my options as well as their advantages and disadvantages.”
Her next step was to meet with a plastic surgeon, because as Dr. Cordeiro explained it, she would remove the breast tissue and the plastic surgeon would reconstruct the breasts during the same surgery.
Then another cancer diagnosis
Shortly before the appointments relating to her mastectomy, Jen inquired with her family doctor about an itchy patch of skin near her anus that had persisted for a few years but seemed harmless enough. In September 2021, she met with a dermatologist, who did a biopsy. “He mentioned the possibility of cancer. I thought ‘Good grief, as if I need more cancer in my life.’”
Within days, the news was confirmed, Jen had a second cancer — anal margin squamous cell carcinoma — perianal skin cancer. This news introduced her to a whole new cancer team at our hospital who rallied around her.
Colorectal surgeon Dr. Robin Boushey removed an almost one-centimeter tumour. When the post-surgery pathology report indicated that pre-cancerous cells remained in the margins, Dr. Boushey referred Jen to radiation oncologist Dr. Jenny Jin.
“The pathology showed there were precancerous tumours along the cut edge of the tumour. We knew that she would have quite a high risk of local recurrence if there was no further treatment,” explains Dr. Jin.
“There’s been no evidence of any recurrence, and soon she’ll be three years out. The highest rates of recurrence are in the first two years, and so her chances are getting better.”
— Dr. Jenny Jin
Another surgery was possible, but that brought some risks and could impact Jen’s quality of life. “If she were to have more resected, it would mean that she’d likely end up with a permanent ostomy pouch for bowel movements, so we went with an organ preservation approach,” explains Dr. Jin.
By February 2022, Jen finished 25 treatments of radiation. “She’s done very well ever since. There’s been no evidence of any recurrence, and soon she’ll be three years out. The highest rates of recurrence are in the first two years, and so her chances are getting better,” says Dr. Jin.
For Jen, it was another big hurdle she’d overcome.
Jen and Nurse Hillary ringing the radiation bell at Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre
Jen ringing the bell at The Ottawa Hospital
The overarching support along the way
One thing that stands out to Jen along this journey has been the many multi-disciplinary teams who cared for her, including many nurses and allied health professionals. One in particular had a huge impact. Jacinthe Lepage has been a nurse at The Ottawa Hospital for over 30 years, and she’s spent most of her career working in gynecology oncology.
More recently, her role has evolved to include a first-of-its-kind nurse-led PARP inhibitor clinic at our hospital’s Cancer Centre.
“The clinic first opened in March 2023 and there’s no other clinic like it – anywhere in Canada,” explains Jacinthe. “There’s a lot of monitoring and calls when somebody is on this drug, so I’m the nurse that’s there for those patients.”
It’s this experience, compassion, and candor that Jacinthe brings to patients that resonated with Jen. “Jacinthe is fabulous, and she’s been with me through this whole experience. A voice of comfort and reason when I have questions. She’s always there.”
Jacinthe Lepage, clinical oncology nurse
“I don’t see the cancer when I talk to them, because I know that they don’t want to be identified as that. To me, it’s very important to treat the person behind all this.”
— Jacinthe Lepage
For Jacinthe, it’s a special role that she takes very seriously, and it’s different for each person. “We treat the cancer, but I see the person behind all this. I don’t see the cancer when I talk to them, because I know that they don’t want to be identified as that. To me, it’s very important to treat the person behind all this.”
As she explains, they need to be able to open up and ask any questions. “I know some are afraid to ask questions about death and dying, about prognosis and all that, but I always tell myself, if they have the guts to ask, I can’t hide anything. When they ask, it’s because they are ready for the answer.”
Hope for patients in the future facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis
Four-and-a-half-years after this cancer journey started, Jen remains cancer-free. There have been some bumps in the road, including with her breast reconstruction surgery — a process that continues. She’s even offered hope and guidance to others through the blog she started, Jenesis, which has also been therapeutic for her.
“At this point, with no evidence of disease, the risk of recurrence is quite low. Dr. Faught estimated my risk of recurrence to be less than 10%. I almost cried when he said that.”
— Jen Hollington
In November 2024, she reached a significant milestone when doctors recommended she come off the PARP inhibitor drug, which suppresses the growth of cancerous ovarian tumours. “There’s no evidence that staying on the drug would have a long-term benefit beyond two years,” explains Dr. Faught.
It was a challenging decision for Jen, as there was comfort in knowing she was taking this drug and doing well. “At this point, with no evidence of disease, the risk of recurrence is quite low. Dr. Faught estimated my risk of recurrence to be less than 10%. I almost cried when he said that, remembering that he had told me in August 2020 that the risk of recurrence in ovarian cancer is about 80%,” shares Jen.
According to Dr. Le, there is new hope on the horizon for patients with ovarian cancers. “We are embarking on a new program at The Ottawa Hospital to advance the care and improve survivals for ovarian cancer patients in the form of HIPEC treatment. This involves administering heated chemotherapy solution right into the abdominal cavity at the time of surgery for their cancers. This strategy has been shown to significantly improve the survival for patients with ovarian cancer in selected cases.”
While more and more centres are adopting this therapy, The Ottawa Hospital would be only the second hospital in Ontario to provide it to patients. It’s new advancements like this one that give patients like Jen hope for more effective treatment options and better survival.
As Jen moves forward, she embraces parts of life that she may not have noticed before. “Special moments that once may have seemed mundane have become clearer and brighter as I live each day, grateful that I am still here.”
Categories: Cancer, Patient Care, World-Leading Research, World-Leading Research
Published: January 2025
Dr. Helen Tang is a dynamic and multifaceted leader whose passion for community and philanthropy is at the heart of everything she does. As a devoted mother of two and the successful leader of her own real estate company and foundation, Helen consistently focuses on the spirit of giving.
“Drops of water make the sea,” she often says, reflecting her belief in the power of collective action. With a deep commitment to supporting the Chinese and other diverse communities in Ottawa, she actively looks for innovative ways to make a lasting impact. Whether through professional accomplishments, leading events, or personal initiatives, her passion for fostering philanthropy and driving positive change is felt across the entire community.
A legacy of giving
When her father, a retired university professor, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a condition that impairs the bone marrow’s ability to produce enough blood cells, he relied on tri-weekly visits to both The Ottawa Hospital’s General and Civic campuses for treatment. The treatment required him and his family members to spend many long hours at our hospital.
“My father taught me from a very young age to care, give, and serveyour community, that’s how he lived his life, and I have always wanted to live my life that way.”
— Dr. Helen Tang
But during that challenging time, Helen’s father received exceptional care through expert treatment and compassionate support, and the team’s unwavering commitment to his well-being left a profound impact on Helen and her family. Inspired by the positive difference it had made in her life, Helen decided it was time to give back. She became a blood donor and decided to get involved with the hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow, eager to help ensure others would benefit from the same exceptional care.
“My father taught me from a very young age to care, give, and serveyour community, that’s how he lived his life, and I have always wanted to live my life that way.”
Dr. Helen Tang and her father
Dr. Helen Tang donating blood
Joining the Campaign to Create Tomorrow
In 2024, Helen embraced the role of Campaign Cabinet member, expanding her influence and passion for community service to a broader, more impactful level. Driven by a deep sense of gratitude, she is more committed than ever to giving back.
“The hospital has done so much for me, and I felt a responsibility to support this campaign,” says Helen. “My hope is to inspire other local business leaders to get involved — together, we are stronger.”
“I believe helping others is the key to true happiness. Joining the campaign as a cabinet member is my commitment to this belief.”
— Dr. Helen Tang
Through her leadership and dedication, she hopes to ignite a collective effort that will create a meaningful, lasting impact on healthcare in Ottawa and make a difference for generations to come.
“I believe helping others is the key to true happiness. Joining the campaign as a cabinet member is my commitment to this belief,” says Helen. “I am very grateful for the help I have received along my journey, and this is my chance to give back, uplift our community, and work together to create a brighter, healthier future for everyone. ”
Forging a path of impact
Helen’s journey is truly one of resilience and transformation. Originally from China, she moved to Canada in 1996. She earned a PhD in electrical engineering from Carleton University and worked nearly two decades as a scientist for the federal government. At 43, she discovered a passion for helping others build wealth through real estate. Taking a bold leap of faith, she founded Helen Tang (HT) Realty.
For the past 11 years, Helen has led her company with remarkable success, ranking in the top 1% in Ottawa and top 5 in KW (Keller Williams) Canada. However, her impact doesn’t end there. She actively volunteers as board member for non-profit organizations such as WeWorkingWomen.com, Elevate International, and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. Her leadership and dedication to service have earned her numerous accolades, including the “Outstanding Community Contribution Award” and the “Immigrant Entrepreneur Award” from the City of Ottawa.
Dr. Helen Tang receiving the Immigrant Entrepreneur Award from the City of Ottawa.
She also founded the HT Foundation — a charitable arm of HTRealty, with a mission to drive change and support Ottawa’s diverse communities. The foundation was created to use the power of philanthropy to foster connections and inspire business leaders to get involved in the community. By championing initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility, she’s not just building a business — she’s shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“Philanthropy comes in many forms. It can be money, time, acts of kindness, or an idea. We all have something in us to give, nothing is ever too small.”
— Dr. Helen Tang
This past November, the HT Foundation organized and hosted the Stronger Together Charity Gala, to raise funds and awareness for the Campaign to Create Tomorrow. The gala was a huge success, bringing together diverse communities to rally behind a shared vision of better healthcare for all and raising more than $15,000 in support of The Ottawa Hospital.
“Philanthropy comes in many forms. It can be money, time, acts of kindness, or an idea. We all have something in us to give, nothing is ever too small.”
Through her unwavering dedication to service, Helen exemplifies how leadership can be a force for good. Her remarkable journey, from scientist to entrepreneur to philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on Ottawa. As a driving force behind the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, she is building a legacy of inclusivity, hope, and transformation.
In 2022, as the city began to recover from the global pandemic, Nick Kerr was managing clinical support at a long-term care home. After two years of navigating uncertainty on the front lines, he felt a powerful urge to set a new, ambitious goal for himself — enter marathon running.
Nick set a bold goal to run the virtual marathon at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (TORW) that year. That one successful race was enough to spark his passion, propelling him to take on more marathons, triathlons, several Ironmans — he even competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championships in 2022. Simply put, Nick is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to crushing goals.
TORW offers an incredible range of six different distances, ensuring that every participant can find a challenge that speaks to their heart. Whether you’re ready to push yourself through a multi-day journey or simply take a meaningful step with a 2KM walk, there’s a place for every fundraiser on teams like Nick’s. These fundraising teams are a powerful force, uniting people who are driven by a deep passion for a cause that means everything to them.
Nick Kerr
For Nick, it’s not just about completing a challenge — it’s about honouring something he holds close and giving everything he has to make a difference. Whether you walk, run, or roll, you’ll be part of an incredible journey, united with others to make a powerful impact in our community!
An athlete in the hallways at The Ottawa Hospital.
While Nick’s fitness journey is truly inspiring, his experience at The Ottawa Hospital has been just as remarkable and fulfilling.
Nick joined the hospital in 2011 as a clerk on an inpatient unit while studying at university. He developed an interest in healthcare administration and decided to pursue his Master of Health Administration (MHA). While completing his master’s, he became the assistant manager on the orthopaedics unit.
During the pandemic, he was fortunate to be part of the TOH leadership team, stepping in to support long-term care as the hospital responded to the urgent needs of some of the most vulnerable areas in our community, including care homes. In the years that followed, Nick gained experience in various areas of the hospital, from Admitting/Patient Flow to the Medical Day Care unit to Cancer and Medicine Programs.
Nick Kerr at The Ottawa Hospital.
And he clearly holds his past 14 years at our hospital very close to his heart.
“The Ottawa Hospital has always been an important part of my personal and professional development. Even when I worked with other healthcare groups, I ended up coming back, and that outside experience has given me a bigger appreciation for TOH and the people who work here.”
In 2025, it’s more than just a race.
Fueled by his excitement for the new hospital campus, Nick is emphasizing the significance of both community support and the active involvement of the staff, who work in the hospital daily. He is determined to build a fundraising team of colleagues to collectively make a meaningful impact on the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.
Nick Kerr
“The new campus gives you a certain sense of excitement. Excitement to see what the different spaces will look like, to understand how this will change healthcare in Ottawa — it’s where many of us will go to work every day. That’s where many of us will spend our time caring for our patients and our loved ones. It’s a generational thing to see a hospital be built.”
Nick recognizes the critical role fundraising events play in supporting projects like the new hospital, which will enhance patient and family care, shorten hospital stays, and improve the overall patient experience — benefits he will see firsthand.
“It’s important for the community that we (TOH) do things right. We want to make sure we can maximize every dollar and make sure we have a place and a building that were proud of.”
Setting goals and embracing challenges
Nick thrives on setting goals and embracing challenges with enthusiasm. He continually pursues new achievements in both his fitness journey and professional career, believing that his ability to adapt to challenges, like the global pandemic, has been key to his success.
Interestingly, what he cherishes most about racing isn’t the exciting energy at the starting line — an experience he values deeply — or the celebrations that follow crossing the finish line. Instead, it’s the joy of training alongside friends and fellow runners, united in pursuit of a common goal.
“It’s the building blocks. It’s knowing that we’re building towards something, and that journey is always super intriguing to me. Obviously throughout that journey you develop friends and relationships, and yes, you do struggle, but I think the struggle is what makes it all the more worthwhile in the end — when you’re able to achieve the goal that you set out,” Nick strongly states.
It’s people like Nick who are integral to ensuring the success of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow and helping reshape the future of healthcare in our region.
Categories: TOH at Race Weekend
Among the hundreds of birth announcements in the Ottawa Citizen over the years mentioning Dr. Manuel “Manny” Gluck as the delivering doctor, two are of particular note and significance, especially today: Justin Trudeau and Alexandre “Sacha” Trudeau, born on Christmas Day in 1971 and 1973 respectively. What are the odds?
Both boys were delivered by Dr. Gluck, a prominent Ottawa obstetrician and gynaecologist, who worked out of the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Dr. Gluck, who was the family doctor for the Trudeau family, passed away in 2023, but after almost two decades at the Civic, his memory and his impact lives on for countless families.
“He was really proud to be a doctor and really proud to bring babies into this world,” says his wife, Cheryle Hothersall-Gluck. “To hold a newborn in his arms, to deliver life, well, that meant everything to him.”
Dr. Gluck was also instrumental in helping shift societal norms surrounding childbirth, championing the idea that fathers should be encouraged to be in the delivery room. This paved the way for many families to embrace this precious moment together.
Known by so many patients for his kindness and remarkable ability to listen with deep compassion, it’s interesting to note that medicine wasn’t Dr. Gluck’s first choice. He started his professional career as a biochemist with the Department of Agriculture before graduating with a medical degree from the University of Ottawa in 1956. He worked at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City and Jewish General Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal before returning to his hometown of Ottawa and becoming an integral part of the very fabric of the Civic.
As for his relationship with the Trudeaus, Mrs. Hothersall-Gluck says her husband was rather nonchalant about that.
Cheryle Hothersall-Gluck and Dr. Manuel (Manny) Gluck
“Well, I heard that Margaret really liked him, and Pierre did too,” she recalls, “and so it just came about that he continued to deliver their babies!”
Dr. Gluck died on August 25, 2023, at the age of 95 within the walls of the same hospital where he brought forth so much life.
Categories: Patient Care, Patient Care, TOH Family
RSVP
Published: November 2024
Sam and Uttra Bhargava know the impact of illness and loss all too well, but instead of letting tragedy define them, every day they choose to turn their painful experiences into action.
Their motivation came after a series of personal heartbreaks. Together, they cared for Sam’s father and mother as they battled Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, then they faced the devastating loss of their daughter, Suruchi, who was paralyzed after a devastating car accident. The Bhargavas were determined to get involved with healthcare, particularly research, and make an impact.
“What we suffered, we didn’t want other community members to suffer,” says Uttra.
Uttra and Sam Bhargava at the unveiling of the Bhargava Neurosciences Clinic.
Uttra and Sam Bhargava with Dr. Michael Schlossmacher.
This resolve led them to become dedicated advocates and supporters of medical research focused on finding cures for neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries.
Over the years, they’ve travelled the world to familiarize themselves with the research in this field. And after everything they’ve seen, they choose to contribute significantly to the research efforts right here at The Ottawa Hospital.
In 2012, they made a $1 million gift to establish the Bhargava Research Chair in Neurodegeneration, which went to Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, an award-winning scientist who has made numerous major discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases. They also established the Suruchi Bhargava Chair in Spinal Cord Research in honour of their daughter. Then in 2021, they committed an initial $500,000 to the Campaign to Create Tomorrow in support of the new hospital campus, which will be the future home to a new neuroscience centre.
“We’ve called philanthropy a down payment on a cure, and that is really true. We’re still paying down, but we’re seeing progress.”
— Sam Bhargava
Today, they’re seeing the real impact philanthropic support can have on patients through research at The Ottawa Hospital.
“We’ve called philanthropy a down payment on a cure, and that is really true. We’re still paying down, but we’re seeing progress,” says Sam. “Diagnosis of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s used to be very challenging. In my mother’s case, it took her eight years to get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Since then, diagnosis has improved for both conditions, and The Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. David Grimes wrote a manual on how to diagnose Parkinson’s that changed everything. This is just one example of the practice-changing research happening right here in Ottawa — there is so much.”
Uttra and Sam Bhargava with Dr. Eve Tsai.
And the Bhargavas aren’t stopping any time soon. To encourage others to join them in their mission, they have furthered their commitment by matching all donations made to the campaign between November 1 and December 31, 2024, up to a maximum of $500,000.
For them, it’s about more than just giving; it’s about investing in the future. They are especially aware of the growing pressure on our healthcare system as we face an aging population. Over the next 20 years, Canada’s population over the age of 65 is expected to grow by more than 40%, going from about 19% of the population to 25% of the population.
“We’ll keep raising money for The Ottawa Hospital until we can’t, and our children have been joining us in our philanthropy.”
— Sam Bhargava
“For us, it’s the rational thing to do — the efficient thing to do. The Ottawa Hospital ranks very highly in Canada for research, and they use the power of many by collaborating with other research institutions here in Canada and worldwide. In fact, The Ottawa Hospital ranks fourth in all of Canada for research funding,” explains Sam. “It’s like venture capital: we bet on something with promise, and it’s just growing and growing.”
The Bhargavas are leveraging philanthropy to reshape healthcare — they want to ensure future generations have access to the best healthcare and the most innovative research. They hope to help shape a future where families won’t face the same struggles they did.
“We’ll keep raising money for The Ottawa Hospital until we can’t, and our children have been joining us in our philanthropy,” says Sam. The Bhargava’s children proudly contributed to the family’s commitment to the campaign last year— a true family legacy.
“What’s happening at The Ottawa Hospital touches our hearts. If we help the people making discoveries there, they are going to help us all one day.”
— Uttra Bhargava
Their personal journey, passion for research, and unfailing generosity have made the Bhargavas champions for change. And now, they are inviting the community to join them in in challenging what is possible tomorrow.
“What’s happening at The Ottawa Hospital touches our hearts,” says Uttra. “If we help the people making discoveries there, they are going to help us all one day.”
Sam and Uttra Bhargava in 2015 with Drs. Tsai, Schlossmacher and Grimes
Categories: Donors
Published: November 2024
The pace at which medical advancements are taking place in the field of immunotherapy is staggering. Immunotherapy harnesses a patient’s own immune system to attack their cancer, and The Ottawa Hospital is at the forefront of research in this area — from the development of new therapies to clinicals trials. In fact, our hospital hosts BioCanRx, a national network for immunotherapy research and has pioneered a number of unique immunotherapies made directly of cells and viruses. These groundbreaking immunotherapies, developed right here, are pushing the boundaries of medicine and transforming patient care.
“The field of oncology is like a hurricane of clinical trials. Every six months now, we are trying to implement practice-changing data or chase promising data.”
Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy can adapt to a patient’s cancer, which can lead to improvements that can last years — even after the patient has stopped treatment.
For Dr. Michael Ong, a medical oncologist and clinical investigator at The Ottawa Hospital, it’s reassuring to see the combination of incredible progress and long-term success for patients during his career. “The field of oncology is like a hurricane of clinical trials. Every six months now, we are trying to implement practice-changing data or chase promising data.”
The survival rates for metastatic melanoma, for example, have gone from only 20% surviving one year to 50% not only surviving 10 years, but also being both cancer-free and treatment-free. This is thanks to immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy shows promise for bladder cancers
Now, experts like Dr. Ong are asking what other cancers can be treated with immunotherapy and how to harness its full potential. “Over the years, we’ve been doing melanoma surgery for those who are high risk, and then treating with immunotherapy after surgery. But it turns out immunotherapy works better before surgery happens, because the immune system can be better trained against the cancer when there’s more cancer present,” explains Dr. Ong.
That means treating with immunotherapy first, and envisioning a future where surgery could one day be unnecessary. This would be a huge improvement for patients’ quality of life.
Recently, the results of a clinical trial led by Dr. Ong at The Ottawa Hospital as part of a multinational effort were presented at a conference in Barcelona, Spain. In this trial, chemotherapy and immunotherapy were prescribed before surgery in patients with bladder cancer. The group that had immunotherapy prior to surgery had a lower rate of cancer recurrence and higher cure rate, and it is now considered standard of care to offer pre-operative immunotherapy.
“It’s so exciting to have recruited patients to this trial and contributed to this global effort that ultimately improved how we treat our patients with bladder cancer,” explains Dr. Ong.
The next generation of trials may look at whether there is a need to remove a patient’s bladder if they are super responders. “Not everyone will get away without surgery, but even if some patients can avoid it, then it’s a huge advancement. We are talking about complete response rates from pre-operative treatment that are now exceeding 50% in bladder cancer,” says Dr. Ong. “So, by the time of surgery, we’re not even seeing any more cancer cells. That begs the question, ‘Do we need to take out the bladder’.”
The fact that each person’s cancer is unique adds to the complexity of the disease and treatment. But the potential impact of immunotherapy is reaching even farther.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in the prostate — a small, walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid.
There have previously been significant efforts to evaluate if immunotherapy works in patients with prostate cancer. Multiple phase-three prostate cancer clinical trials have had largely disappointing results. However, within every one of these trials, there were a small proportion of patients who benefitted, and it shows that 3 out of 100 patients can actually benefit significantly from immunotherapy.
It has taken time and more data to understand who these patients were, but it has come down to something called mismatch repair deficiency, which seems to be the most promising way to identify patients that will respond to immunotherapy. “Normally when cancer cells copy their DNA, mistakes (or mismatches) in copying happen. The mismatch repair system will normally catch and fix those errors. But if this repair system is deficient or faulty, these mistakes are tolerated and DNA mutations accumulate rapidly,” says Dr. Ong.
Cancers generally become more aggressive when more mutations accumulate. “It turns out, however, that these ‘ugly’ mutated cancers are actually very sensitive to immunotherapy,” according to Dr. Ong.
That’s incredible news for a small but specific group of patients with prostate cancer, like Larry Trickey.
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Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis
Larry Trickey, a retired computer specialist, was diagnosed with a highly aggressive prostate cancer in 2022. His scans showed the cancer had spread to the bladder and pelvis. It was the height of the pandemic, adding to the stress, and surgery was not possible. Initially, he began standard hormone treatment, then his oncologist, Dr. Dominick Bossé, suggested he enroll in a study that involved genomic testing of his tumour and access to a new treatment called a PARP inhibitor.
“When Mr. Trickey and his wife walked into my office with determination and hope, they were deeply supportive of one another and committed to finding the best path forward,” explains Dr. Bossé. “As always with research, the addition of a new form of care on top of standard treatment could make it more challenging to tolerate, but may also uncover new ways to treat cancer efficiently. Mr. Trickey was willing to take that risk.”
While initially Larry had benefit from the treatment, the effect was relatively short-lived, with the cancer worsening in 2023. He then received some radiation treatment and in a surprising turn of events, the radiation triggered an abscopal effect — a very rare phenomenon where the immune system kicks in to fight cancer after radiation releases.
Dr. Dominick Bossé
“It was a remarkable moment. Mr. Trickey put his trust in me to hold off on further treatments while he benefited from this abscopal effect and until the cancer showed signs of progression, with the hope of enrolling him in an immunotherapy trial as our next option,” says Dr. Bossé.
“The entire team rallied together — the research team, radiology, oncology — to get him promptly into that trial."
Clinical trial led by Dr. Ong
Within months, Larry’s condition started to deteriorate and that’s when Dr. Bossé said it was time to see if he could enroll in a clinical trial that Dr. Ong was running. “The entire team rallied together — the research team, radiology, oncology — to get him promptly into that trial. Despite the alarming news of progression, Mr. Trickey agreed to multiple tests for the trial eligibility, which he met just in time, hours only before the trial closed.”
Larry Trickey
Larry remembers the call vividly. “It was around suppertime when Dr. Bossé called, and he seemed to be very ecstatic about one of the mutations I had,” remembers Larry. “There was a study looking for patients with that mutation. He was so excited when he saw the results and what it could mean for me.”
Hundreds of patients in Canada have been enrolled in this study over the last five years, but Larry was the last one accepted before the trial completed.
“It was kind of like winning the lottery to have that mutation. I was very lucky that it allowed me to get into this more aggressive study. If it was successful, it would really make a huge difference,” says Larry.
And Larry needed a win because by this time he had multiple metastases, including one in his left shoulder that was progressively weakening his arm. His stomach was bloated, and he was in pain because of the size of the tumour on his prostate and the difficulty of having bowel movements.
“Things were getting desperate for me. My son and his wife were expecting their first child around Christmas, and I didn’t know if I would ever get to meet my first grandchild.”
Astonishing results from immunotherapy clinical trial
By mid-February 2024, Larry started on the PC-BETS study, with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, for which Dr. Ong is a national co-chair. The results were astounding, and his condition improved very quickly after receiving two types of immunotherapies in combination.
"The cancer just melted away."
“The cancer just melted away. His PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in February 2024 before we started the trial was high. By April, his PSA was undetectable, and it’s stayed undetectable. The scans in July 2024 showed only a small residual nodule on the left adrenal gland. All the other sites of cancer have disappeared on his scans, and by the next scan, it’ll hopefully all be gone,” explains Dr. Ong.
To put this in perspective, a few cycles of chemotherapy would have maintained his life, but would not have improved it in the end. This clinical trial truly changed Larry’s life.
"If it wasn't for the trial, for sure, I don't think I'd be here now."
Larry will continue with monthly immunotherapy treatment, but Dr. Ong says for how long is something that is also still being studied. “There’s an open question with immunotherapy right now to understand how long we need to deliver these treatments even when the scans normalize. That doesn’t mean every last cancer cell is gone. There are currently studies trying to address that.”
Today, the 69-year-old is enjoying every moment as a grandfather, and now he’s optimistic he’ll be able to celebrate that special milestone of his grandson’s first birthday. He’s also gaining his strength back, little by little, and he’s got movement back in his left arm. “If it wasn’t for the trial, for sure, I don’t think I’d be here now.”
He and his wife are deeply grateful to the cancer care team who have been with them every step of the way. “The nursing team honestly feels like family, especially Rayelle Richard, she’s really terrific. She gives me my infusions and is my contact to Dr. Bossé and Dr. Ong. It is such a supportive team at the Cancer Centre.”
What’s next in the field of immunotherapy?
For Dr. Ong, the goal is to find the right fit of treatment for each patient — it’s about individual analysis for each prostate cancer patient.
He also points to the importance of having access to things like The Ottawa Hospital’s molecular lab, funded by donors, which allows our scientists to do this kind of specialized testing and to provide much more personalization of care to patients. “We need to be at the forefront and test our patients for those mismatch repair alterations and get them immunotherapy when indicated,” says Dr. Ong. “That will be a significant advancement and will benefit more patients like Larry.”
Admittedly, the field is complex and moving at a rapid pace. Since he entered the medical oncology field 15 years ago, the change has been remarkable.
“I was a little bit concerned at that time that I would only ever be just delivering chemotherapy and never having a big impact. I was clearly wrong. Today, we’re seeing this totally new technology called antibody-drug conjugates that is revolutionizing bladder cancer treatment. They target the cancer specifically and then deliver high potency chemotherapy inside the cancer cells and that’s the huge advance of bladder cancer right now when combined with immunotherapy.”
Next is to bring this success to other patients with different types of cancers. The way to that will be through more cutting-edge research and clinical trials.
Dr. Michael Ong and Larry Trickey
The Ottawa Hospital is also leading the way in research to develop and manufacture new cancer immunotherapies. For example, laboratory scientists like Drs. John Bell and Carolina Ilkow are developing biotherapies that use cells, genes and viruses to unleash an immune attack against cancer cells. They worked with clinician scientist Dr. Natasha Kekre and others to develop the first made-in-Canada CAR-T cell therapy. Other clinician researchers, like Dr. Alissa Visram and Dr. Rebecca Auer, are also developing new cancer immunotherapies and working to bring these to patients. This kind of research is fuelled by core facilities and platforms like The Ottawa Hospital’s Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre as well as networks like BioCanRx.
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