Published: February 2025

Visitors to the seventh floor of The Ottawa Hospital’s General campus may do a double take outside Room 7123. A plaque beside the door references “PapaJo” Johns. Who, you may ask, is PapaJo? And why is he called that? Well, that’s exactly the story PapaJo’s family wants to share — a story about a much-loved man, a terrible disease, and a desire to make a difference.

Room 7123 is where Peter “PapaJo” Johns spent his last days in 2016 after a difficult, two-year struggle with sarcoma. Just 50 years old at the time, Peter died surrounded by 17 family members, as many as they could cram into the small room. His sister, Lynda Clarke, says Peter was a positive, vibrant force right up to the end, even suggesting everyone sing the Scottish “farewell” song, Auld Lang Syne.

“He told us, ‘Now you guys need to take a piece of my light and be a positive force in this world.’”

— Lynda Clarke

“We were all a bit confused and asked him ‘Why do you want to sing that?’” recalls Lynda. That song is typically sung on New Year’s Eve, of course, to bid farewell to the old and welcome in the new — which is how Peter intended his passing to be.

“He knew it was going to be a new beginning for all of us without him there. He told us, ‘I have my light, and now you guys need to take a piece of my light and be a positive force in this world.’ And so, that’s what we’re doing,” says Lynda.

100 days of care at The Ottawa Hospital

Lynda and her husband Greg run Valley Utilities Ltd., a leading utility company in Ottawa, which, since 2007, has contributed more than $160,000 to The Ottawa Hospital — all in support of priority needs. That same year, Greg had a serious work-related accident that sent him to our hospital 80 times in the span of 100 days.

“We just couldn’t believe the exceptional care he got.”

— Lynda Clarke

“His big toe was nearly severed, he was covered in cuts, he had hot asphalt pieces all over his body, and two life-threatening infections,” Lynda explains. “But the hospital took such good care of him. We just couldn’t believe the exceptional care he got.”

Motivated to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow

Not long after, the Clarkes were approached by Paul McCarney, a family friend and long-time supporter of The Ottawa Hospital, who wanted to know if they were interested in supporting the hospital through the Foundation’s President’s Breakfast and, more recently, the Campaign to Create Tomorrow. They readily agreed. Peter’s sarcoma diagnosis motivated Lynda and Greg to act and drove home the importance of a new hospital campus to replace the century-old Civic.

When it opens, the new hospital will be the most technologically advanced research hospital in the country. Lynda and Greg are supporting the build through a recent donation to the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, an ambitious, $500-million campaign that will also focus on taking research to unprecedented heights.

Sharing ‘PapaJo’s ‘light with others

An athlete all his life, Peter was particularly fond of baseball and co-founded the Nepean Knights Baseball Club. Peter and his wife Allison raised three kids, and he coached their children’s teams, as well. Lynda figures his nickname “PapaJo” was somehow tied to “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, a Major League Baseball player in the early 1900s, though no one is entirely sure.

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the bones and soft tissues. Peter had a subtype that had also metastasized. “A fraction of people get diagnosed with sarcoma,” says Lynda, “and we said that just proves how rare Peter was.”

“It is time for this new campus. It’s just long overdue.”

— Lynda Clarke

Unfortunately, cancer is not rare in her family with many close family members battling the disease. Her mother has had four different kinds of cancer, and she’s lost two of her three aunts to cancer. But Lynda says groundbreaking research already underway at The Ottawa Hospital and plans for a new campus are giving her reason to hope.

“It is time for this new campus. It’s just long overdue,” she says. “I hope I never need the services, but I want to know that they’re there for anybody else who does.”

As she thinks about the future, Lynda can’t help but think of the past, and particularly, of her brother, who, right up to the day he died, considered himself the luckiest man in the world.

“So next time you pass by Room 7123, you’ll know PapaJo’s story,” she says, “and perhaps pocket just a little piece of his light to share with others.”

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.

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.”

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.”

In a family with more than 120 descendants, it can be challenging to pull everyone together for the same cause. But, when you’re talking about honouring the very people from whom those descendants came, that’s an easy one.

It’s a story that Ottawa resident Camille Mikhael likes to tell — about the rich roots of his family that originated in Lebanon, spread out around the world, and then settled with much success in Ottawa. They are roots that, to this day, nurture this community in so many ways.

But to understand the story, you need to go back to the beginning, to where the story takes root. It starts with Youssef and Najebeh Mikhael, Camille’s grandparents, who ran a box factory in a small village in Lebanon. The couple had 13 children, many of whom were also involved in the business. Camille says when the civil war broke out in 1975, Youssef and his family, who were members of the religious minority, were targeted. After unsuccessful assassination attempts on both him and his wife, Youssef packed up all the family and fled to Canada where one son was already attending school.

“I think there were 20 people sleeping in one apartment,” says Camille. “My grandparents didn’t speak English, so my aunts and uncles got jobs doing whatever they could.”

Supported by those strong family roots and a bolstered by a good work ethic, they have all managed to create thriving businesses in Ottawa over the years in what Camille calls “a good immigrant success story.” And, like so many others who are thankful to this country and this city for embracing them, they have a strong desire to give back.

“There’s no better or more fitting tribute than this.”

— Camille Mikhael

The Mikhael family has just donated $100,000 from the proceeds of their charity poker tournament to The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow. In honour of this gift, a hospital room at the new campus will be named after their grandparents.

“There’s no better or more fitting tribute than this,” explains Camille. “They are the ones who gave us not only the opportunity to thrive here, but also the opportunity to come together and do something good. And to see their two names together on a wall is such a beautiful thing to us.”

The donation is being made through the Najah Ayoub Foundation, named after Camille’s aunt who died of breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 49. The family made an earlier donation of $100,000 in her memory and, in 2018, her relatives gathered at The Ottawa Hospital’s Rose Ages Breast Health Centre to see the unveiling of the Najah Ayoub Consult Room.

“Our goal is to make sure we are shining as bright a light as possible so that we can spread our generosity as far as it can go.”

— Camille Mikhael

Camille explains that Najah’s nickname was “Sunshine” because her smile and joie de vivre filled the room with sun. After Najah’s death, Camille, a sponsored poker professional for many years, established the city’s largest charity poker tournament appropriately called the “Sunshine Poker Tournament,” with proceeds going to a variety of causes including The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Camille says he is impressed with the Foundation’s status as one of the most efficient healthcare foundations in Canada, with our cost to raise a dollar at $0.18. Additionally, for eleven consecutive years, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has been named a High Performer by the Association of Healthcare Professionals.

So far, the Najah Ayoub Foundation has raised more than half a million dollars.

“You don’t know when you plant those seeds of good exactly what kind of tree or flower will blossom,” says Camille. “But our goal is to make sure we are shining as bright a light as possible so that we can spread our generosity as far as it can go.”

Clifford North’s story is a testament to resilience, self-determination, and gratitude.

Adopted at birth and raised in rural Manitoba, his humble beginnings meant his early years were marked by a lack of resources — including medical care. But Clifford’s spirit was always strong.

At age 21, now making his own way through life, a routine blood test revealed something that had been missed because of years without regular healthcare: Clifford had been born with only one kidney.

“I’m probably in better shape than I have been for many years.”

— Clifford North

Determined to live a long and healthy life, he committed himself to following the guidelines his doctors set out for him. He stuck to a healthy diet and avoided contact sports, but by no means sat back and coasted through life. Early on, he played softball and later took up curling and golf. Now, at age 80, says “I’m probably in better shape than I have been for many years” Clifford says.

Clifford’s career also kept him busy. He has worn many hats, including those of an accountant, computer systems consultant, financial planner, and even a sculptor. He also landscaped, made additions, and remodeled homes over the last 45 years. His motto, “I can do anything I put my mind to,” has guided him through every challenge and triumph.

For 72 years, Clifford’s one kidney held out — in large part because of the care he took to protect it. But eight years ago, life took a significant turn. He needed a transplant, and none of his family members were a viable match. That was when a friend and fellow curler at the North Grenville Curling Club circulated a letter asking people to get tested to see if they were a match.

As it turned out, Wayne Pitt was the match Clifford needed, and he graciously offered to be the donor.

Testing was completed over a seven-month period, and on September 1, 2016, Clifford underwent a successful kidney transplant at the Ottawa General Campus. His creatine level was 500 going in, but 82 coming out of surgery and has remained the same. Today, he and his donor share a special bond, golfing and curling together. “We joke that I look after his left kidney for him,” Clifford says with a laugh.

Reflecting on the surgery, Clifford recalls no fear, despite the seriousness of the procedure. “I just face life as it comes. I had no pain whatsoever from the operation. I had excellent care on the seventh floor for the four or five days I was there, and follow-up has been excellent.”

“I’m going on eight years as a kidney transplant patient at The Ottawa Hospital. I felt I could afford it. It’s my way of giving back.”

— Clifford North

The same lack of hesitation that led him to follow doctors’ orders all those years ago is what led Clifford to support The Ottawa Hospital as a monthly donor. “I’m going on eight years as a kidney transplant patient at The Ottawa Hospital. I felt I could afford it. It’s my way of giving back.”

Now retired, Clifford enjoys a vibrant life in Kanata with his wife, Jocelyne. As they celebrate 36 years of marriage, they cherish the family they have built together: two sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Retirement has given Clifford and Jocelyne the freedom to travel extensively — from visiting museums in Paris, dinning in Italy, exploring the Czech Republic (Czechia) or enjoying a sunset in Hawaii, Australia, and Mexico. Even when at home, Clifford golfs about twice a week, exploring courses all over Eastern Ontario.

“I can’t think of another place that’s as important. Almost every one of us will at some point be touched by The Ottawa Hospital.”

— Clifford North

Clifford’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s an inspiring call to action. “I made it from nothing to end up retiring in style and being able to help out the hospital financially,” he says. “I can’t think of another place that’s as important. Almost every one of us will at some point be touched by The Ottawa Hospital.”

Clifford’s ongoing support is a testament to the lifesaving work of the hospital and the incredible community that surrounds it. He hopes sharing his story will inspire others to consider becoming monthly donors to The Ottawa Hospital — helping ensure patients receive exceptional care when they need it.