Published: December 2023

The way Katie Skidmore sees it, she was living a normal life for a 36-year-old. She had a full-time job in Information Management/Information Technology, and for four years, she worked for a mining company in Vancouver before moving back home to Ottawa last year to work from home. In April 2023, Katie ran a half-marathon, then only a couple of weeks later was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. The diagnosis would change the course of her life and push her to advocate for advancements in kidney research. 

Shortly after her race, while in Calgary on a work trip, Katie started feeling a bit off. “I was feverish and feeling rundown. It was a crazy busy time at work and so that’s what I attributed it to, but then I noticed my urine looked pink,” she recalls. “I didn’t think it was a urinary tract infection (UTI) and my friend suggested I might have a kidney infection.”  

She went to a Calgary hospital where some initial tests were done, and they suspected a UTI and prescribed Katie some antibiotics. If symptoms changed, she was to consult her doctor when she returned home. “By the time I got back to my hotel room, I felt even worse and so I booked an earlier flight to Ottawa. Once I was home, I had kidney pain and my urine changed to dark red, so when I landed, I went straight to the hospital. 

Katie Skidmore

Tests revealed a slight decrease in kidney function, so she was monitored overnight. In the morning, her stats improved, and she went home with medication. But when she woke up from a nap, her symptoms had progressed. “I got up to go to the washroom and I couldn’t walk. I also started vomiting. 

Katie in Calgary (late April 2023) at the acute care clinic before coming home to learn she was critically ill.

Alarm bells would soon sound

The next day Katie made another trip to her local hospital. Doctors advised her to continue her antibiotics. Five days later she returned to the hospital because she had stopped urinating altogether. At this point, she wasn’t alarmed — she believed she was healthy and there would be a solution soon. 

But alarm bells would soon ring. Her creatinine levels — which monitor kidney function — had gone from 125 to 1,750 in the span of one week. “I didn’t know what that meant, but I thought, ‘This can’t be good.’ The next thing I knew, I had a catheter inserted and then I was put in an ambulance to be transported to the General Campus of The Ottawa Hospital,” says Katie.  

What she didn’t know at the time — but her healthcare team suspected — was that her kidneys were failing because of an autoimmune disease.  

“It was a Saturday night. I had many injections, there was a line put in my chest, and they did a biopsy of my kidneys,” remembers Katie. “I wouldn’t be able to start dialysis until Monday, but I was like ‘Rock on – get me better and out of here. I have a trip to France planned that I’ve got to get to.’ I was clueless of the severity of what I faced.” 

Faced with a rare autoimmune disease

Within a couple of days, Katie was diagnosed with anti-glomerular basement membrane (antiGBM) disease. She had never heard of it and admits she had a very delayed reaction to the news and what it meant for her future.  

“It hit especially hard when I realized my kidney function likely wouldn’t come back. It was horrific news to try and digest. My life is changed forever. I see it as the girl who flew to Calgary and never came back.”

– Katie Skidmore

What is anti-GBM disease?

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder in which antibodies from the immune system attack and destroy healthy lung and/or kidney tissue.

Previously called Goodpasture disease, anti-GBM disease occurs in fewer than one in a million people. The exact cause of anti-GBM disease is unknown, but it can be triggered by viral respiratory infections or exposure to chemicals, such as through breathing in hydrocarbon solvents or smoking cigarettes.

Symptoms usually, but don’t always, develop quickly. Treatment involves stopping the production of antibodies, removing the antibodies from the blood, and reducing inflammation. The fast development of the disease means it can cause severe kidney damage before it’s diagnosed. In these cases, dialysis is often required.

The following months were beyond difficult for Katie. Mentally and physically, she felt like a completely different person. “I didn’t recognize the person I saw in the mirror.”

According to Katie, doctors call anti-GBM the worst of the worst for kidney disease. “It comes in out of nowhere and it kills your kidneys in days or weeks,” she explains. “It will leave your body in a few weeks or up to two years and never come back but does its damage. It leaves when there’s nothing else to kill.”

Katie’s been told the disease will likely be gone from her body in six to 12 months — it’s trending down but still active now.

After a week in the hospital, Katie went home with her parents and started to put the pieces together about what her new life would look like — dialysis three days a week and no cure for the kidney disease. That’s what led her to want to create more awareness for this illness and kidney research.

“I depend on medical intervention to stay alive, so I need to get the word out that kidney disease is prevalent,” says Katie. “Once you’re on dialysis, it’s for life. I want the world to know, I’m never cured. I’m not in remission. I’m a kidney disease patient for life.”

What kind of kidney research is happening at The Ottawa Hospital?

It’s for that reason, Katie hopes to see research advancements in kidney disease. While there is no cure, there is significant research happening at our hospital to better understand it and hopefully find a cure.

Dr. Manish Sood is a senior scientist, nephrologist, and former Jindal Research Chair for Prevention of Kidney Disease at The Ottawa Hospital. He recently published a study of more than eight million adults in Ontario that suggested even a modest loss of kidney function is associated with increased health risks. This could result in better ways to prevent chronic kidney disease and related conditions, especially for younger adults. 

“The dogma is that healthy, young adults don’t need to worry about kidney function unless it drops to around 50% of the normal level,” explains Dr. Sood. “But our research suggests that even a more modest 20-30% drop may have consequences, and we may want to have earlier conversations about prevention and monitoring.”

When it comes to prevention, researchers are attempting to engage the community. Dr. Sood and his colleagues have developed an online calculator that can estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Early-stage chronic kidney disease has no symptoms, and its onset can often be reduced with lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and quitting smoking. This calculator may improve awareness and help people reduce their risk.

“Our goal is to improve awareness of chronic kidney disease and to empower and personalize care for patients. Our calculator is a simple tool that can be completed by anyone without prior medical knowledge or blood work.”

–Dr. Manish Sood

Care for dialysis patients across eastern Ontario and beyond

Katie began her in-centre hemodialysis treatments at the General Campus and then in June, moved over to the Riverside Campus. She quickly learned what a drastic change this was going to be for someone who was always on the move — now she would be a frequent flier at the hospital. 

The nephrology program at our hospital provides care to residents of Ottawa and most of eastern Ontario who suffer from kidney disease. It also serves as a referral centre for the Renfrew and Sudbury area. The Ottawa Hospital’s nephrology program is one of the largest in Canada and offers a broad range of services to those affected by this illness. 

Katie Skidmore with her home hemodialysis equipment.

With the expertise of her care team, Katie felt she was in good hands. “There are really supportive people at dialysis — the care team is amazing.” But she admits, as a young patient, she didn’t see many people her age. “For example, I sat next to a 75-year-old gentleman who was great, but he said ‘I’ve lived my life. I can accept this, but I wouldn’t if I were you.’” 

It’s conversations like that one, the support of the dialysis team, and Katie’s desire to be more independent, that led her to explore home hemodialysis. She started with a chest catheter implanted to start, and then training began. Her weeks were busy in preparation. “It’s 12 hours of therapy and then 12 to 13 hours of training for home hemodialysis — that started in mid-September. You learn everything from how to set up your machine, connect yourself, troubleshoot if there are issues, do your blood work, change your dressing, and disconnect,” explains Katie. 

It takes a lot for a patient to prepare for, but the hospital provides all the support required so that patients can live more independently, which is exactly what Katie has hoped for. 

“I feel mentally prepared for it now. I feel physically capable. My blood pressure is under control. I can look at the line in my chest without crying.”

– Katie Skidmore

With everything set up in her home, Katie completed her first home hemodialysis in mid-October. She continues to be cared for by Dr. Deborah Zimmerman and Dr. David Massicotte-Azarniouch — one focused on her kidneys and the other focused on the antiGBM 

Katie baking at home

Awaiting a kidney transplant

It’s expected she will be ready for a kidney transplant this summer she just needs a kidney first. Katie is on a kidney transplant list, and she has people stepping forward to see if they could be a living donor 

As she adjusts to her new life, she is determined to plan for her future. “I have more life to live. I want to travel more, especially internationally. I’ve investigated Dialysis at Sea — cruise ships that offer nephrology care. I want to live my life as much as I can.” 

But Katie is also here to remind people that she is still not better — her life is completely different today compared to six months ago.  

“When people saw me acutely sick, and they see me now going to the gym and travelling across the country, they say it’s so amazing to see you healthy. But I’m not healthy. I’m on dialysis three days a week,” she says.

"I want to project that I’m healthy, I don’t want anyone to forget that I’m part human, part machine. For 15 hours a week I require a machine to keep me alive.”

– Katie Skidmore

And so, she moves forward, as an advocate for kidney disease and a desire to push the boundaries of kidney research for her and others like her.

Published: December 2023

You would be hard-pressed to find someone living in Ottawa who hasn’t had a slice of Gabriel Pizza. 

Served up in 42 restaurants in Ontario and Quebec, at events including Hope Beach Volleyball, RBC Bluesfest, City Folk, and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival, or enjoyed while you cheer on the Ottawa Senators, RedBlacks, and 67’s, Gabriel Pizza has been an integral part of the local community’s food scene since 1977. 

When Michael Hanna opened his first location on St. Joseph Boulevard, he not only started something that would make its way to our tables, but he also started something that would make its way into the heart of our city. 

“My dad always had that philosophy of giving back to the community, whether it was a free pizza or giving out a cheque for a baseball team or a hockey team,” says George Hanna, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gabriel Pizza.  

“Whatever we can do to help — to grow our city and to make it that much better for our kids and for generations to come — that’s what we’ll do.”

— George Hanna
Michael Hanna in the early days of Gabriel Pizza.

George’s father, Michael, brought that philosophy with him when he moved his family to Canada from Lebanon in 1968. He built upon the Gabriel name, and by 1985, opened a second location. That expansion — both in business and in giving back — has continued ever since. 

In fact, the franchise has now reached 23 locations in the National Capital Region. And in the summer of 2023, they opened their first location in Atlantic Canada, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. 

Michael Hanna (right) with his brother, Joe, in 1977
Gabriel Pizza’s George Hanna (middle, left) with President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, Cameron Love (middle, right) and former Ottawa Senators Chris Neil (far left) and Laurie Boschman (far right).

Even as they expand, George emphasizes the significance of their home base. “Ottawa and Gatineau are where we had all our great success, and this is why we always like to give back to our community, to be thankful for the opportunity that we were given. That’s been our philosophy from the beginning.” 

Gabriel Pizza’s commitment to community is evident each year during Staff Appreciation Week at The Ottawa Hospital, where more than 14,000 slices of pizza are served to staff. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, the business continued to give back. As George puts it, “I’m in the pizza business. If I can give out some free pizza and it makes everybody happy and it helps the hospital save some money to put it towards something else, why not?” 

Their commitment to The Ottawa Hospital and the community goes beyond pizza slices. In 2014, Gabriel Pizza made a significant contribution of $250,000 in support of women’s health, which resulted in the naming of the Hanna Family & Gabriel Pizza Waiting Area at the Rose Ages Breast Health Centre located at the General Campus. Now, Gabriel Pizza has made another significant donation, this time for $500,000 —their largest philanthropic gift to date — to The Campaign to Create Tomorrow

“We need it. Being able to build a state-of-the-art hospital in our community is going to help save people's lives.”

— George Hanna

This ambitious campaign is the largest in Ottawa’s history and sets in motion a vision to completely reshape healthcare by taking groundbreaking research and innovation to unprecedented heights and through building the most technologically advanced hospital in Canada. 

George recognizes the critical need, stating, “We need it. Being able to build a new, state-of-the-art hospital in our community is going to help save people’s lives.” 

For Gabriel Pizza and the Hanna family, George says giving back is more than a one-time event; it’s a way of life. “There’s a sense of pride when you see your company at the forefront of many community initiatives. We were brought up this way.” 

The Hanna family and Gabriel Pizza have long-supported various initiatives at The Ottawa Hospital. Recognition for their generosity can be seen at the hospital’s Cancer Centre.

He also emphasizes that any contribution to the campaign, whether a million or a thousand dollars, whether from a local business or local resident, will go a long way in realizing the vision of a new hospital. For him, it’s about leadership and making a difference.

“I think we need to be responsible as a business and as citizens of the city. I think we need to give back.”

— George Hanna

Looking ahead, George is eager to continue supporting the hospital and the community. He looks forward to next year’s Staff Appreciation Week, already planning to distribute pizzas to express gratitude to the hardworking hospital staff. 

For George and his family, the true reward lies in making a positive impact. “Just knowing that I was able to make a difference, I think that that’s my reward.”

Yves Tremblay and Sylvie Villeneuve “take action” with a $5-million donation in support of the new hospital

Yves Tremblay and Sylvie Villeneuve have an extensive history of philanthropy and community involvement in Ottawa. It’s clear that being generous and making an impact have long been important to them — and they show no signs of slowing down.  

In fact, they have just made their largest donation to date to any charity with a $5-million gift to The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow. This gift is a huge boost to a historic campaign that will help set in motion a vision to completely reshape healthcare by building the most technologically advanced hospital in Canada and taking groundbreaking research and innovation to unprecedented heights.

“We’ve been so fortunate throughout our life together, and it’s important to us to find ways to give back to the community. When something matters to me, I don’t wait; I act.”

— Yves Tremblay
Sylvie Villeneuve and Yves Tremblay

“We’ve been so fortunate throughout our life together, and it’s important to us to find ways to give back to the community,” says Yves. “When something matters to me, I don’t wait; I act.”  

And supporting this campaign and the development of a new hospital campus on Carling Avenue was critically important — an investment in the future health of the city he loves. “With a project of this magnitude, that has the potential to have a transformative impact on our city, I felt there was a leadership component here. That’s why I stepped up,” he says.  

In addition to stepping up with the transformational gift, Yves also saw an opportunity to lend his leadership experience and signed on to join the hospital’s Campaign Cabinet, dedicating his time and talents to helping the Campaign to Create Tomorrow reach its ambitious goal.  

“Families like mine, who have the means to help this vision become reality, have a chance to be part of something special,” says Yves. “And I think it’s critical to seize those opportunities.”  

Taking action on community projects and making a sizable difference through philanthropy is something Yves and Sylvie don’t shy away from. In fact, their many contributions were recognized at this year’s AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards as the winners of the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist category.  

This award is well-deserved recognition for their intentional decision to generously pay forward the success Yves had during his long career in high-tech. After several years at Bell Northern Research, he branched out with a company of his own that was acquired by JDS Fitel (later JDS Uniphase). As his successes grew, so too did his focus on community leadership and philanthropy.  

Yves played a pivotal role in a historic $15-million donation from a group of current and former JDS employees that led to the 2007 opening of the JDS Uniphase Employee Legacy Critical Care Wing at The Ottawa Hospital. A few years later, he co-chaired the 20-20 Campaign, which raised more than $24 million for an expansion at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. He also served on The Ottawa Hospital Board of Governors, including three years as chair during the time the hospital decided to move forward with building a new hospital campus to replace the aging Civic Campus.  

"This new hospital is needed, but it’s not about a building — it’s about the incredible difference it will have on our community."

— Yves Tremblay

Three years ago, Yves also chaired a campaign at the Montfort Hospital that led to the creation of the hospital’s new Orléans Health Hub. He and Sylvie donated $1.5 million to the project, which was the single largest gift in the hospital’s history.  

Despite a long list of community projects and philanthropic undertakings, Yves is quick to point out it’s not about what he and Sylvie have accomplished together in the past, but rather it’s about looking ahead.  

“I want our gift to motivate other business leaders to step forward for the greater good,” he says. “My message is that this new hospital is needed, but it’s not about a building — it’s about the incredible difference it will have on our community. We will all need care at some point, so join me in giving. Do it for your family and your neighbours. If you can afford to help, then I challenge you to help.” 

Please join Yves and Sylvie in helping create a better tomorrow through a donation today.

About the Campaign to Create Tomorrow

The Campaign to Create Tomorrow is the largest fundraising campaign in our region’s history. It will help fulfil the most ambitious vision ever for the future of The Ottawa Hospital, focused on four critical pillars.  

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

See how we’ll become the most technologically advanced hospital in the country, using the latest tools to provide the right care in the right space with the right provider.
Learn More

WORLD LEADING RESEARCH

Through our unique collaborative model of clinicians and researchers working side-by-side, we will bring groundbreaking discoveries to patients in Ottawa — and around the world.
Learn More

STRENGTHENING CRITICAL SERVICES

From trauma care to cancer advancements to neuroscience, we will strengthen our critical services for patients across the region.
Learn More

November 15, 2023, OTTAWA, ON – RBC unveiled a $2.25-million donation to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation today — its largest ever donation in the Ottawa region — to support education and skills development for healthcare professionals. The donation marks the largest gift by a financial institution to The Ottawa Hospital.

Dave McKay, RBC President & CEO; Tim Kluke, President & CEO, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation; Cameron Love, President & CEO, The Ottawa Hospital; Roger Greenberg, Chair, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow; Janet McKeage, Chair, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Board of Directors; Marjolaine Hudon, RBC Regional President for Ontario North and East.

“Giving back to community is part of our DNA,” said Marjolaine Hudon RBC Regional President for Ontario North and East. “This investment builds on RBC’s national focus on upskilling and supporting the wellness of health care professionals – especially those early in their careers. This will ultimately improve patient care for all of us and for our loved ones.”

Corporate support like that of RBC has helped The Ottawa Hospital become one of Canada’s largest teaching and research healthcare institutions. “We’re truly grateful for RBC’s generosity and leadership. This gift will help guarantee that Ottawa becomes a global centre of excellence for all specialty care. This funding will help train and educate the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.

The $2.25 million will support the RBC Simulation Training and Resource Supports (STARS) program for young healthcare professionals. The program has two main purposes:

  • Expansion of The Ottawa Hospital’s world leading simulation-based education.
  • Improving career fulfillment through wellness to provide staff with easy access to a collection of important but often hard-to-secure resources, including health practitioners. This will also include innovative Wellness Centres at different campuses, to help foster fulfillment, general wellness, and a successful work-life balance.

Inspired by the historic Campaign to Create Tomorrow in support of the new hospital development on Carling Avenue and leading-edge research, funding through the RBC STARS program will help bridge the gap for The Ottawa Hospital’s young healthcare professionals. Together, this will help build the future of healthcare — solidifying the hospital’s reputation as a world-leading training hub, that will attract the best and brightest minds in the world.

About The Ottawa Hospital:

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care, we would all want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally.

Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused on reshaping the future of healthcare to improve the health of our diverse population of patients from eastern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.

For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit OHFoundation.ca.

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Media contacts:

Shelley McLean, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation; shmclean@toh.ca; 613-324-4466

Lucie Caron, RBC; lucie.caron@rbc.com; 613-291-3520

Published: November 2023

Tanya Di Raddo was 15 years old when she started having severe headaches — she was diagnosed with migraines. As time progressed, the headaches continued. Decades later, she turned to The Ottawa Hospital and was diagnosed with not one, but two illnesses — a brain tumour and multiple sclerosis (MS). 

By her late 20s and early 30s Tanya was married and had two children, and the headaches remained a constant part of her life. As her kids grew, she faced a difficult time when her son began suffering from mental health challenges. He was later diagnosed with first-episode psychosis, so she pushed her health issues to the side and persevered.  

As time progressed, the headaches worsened — there were times when Tanya couldn’t lift her head off the pillow because the pain was so debilitating. It was still considered a migraine, but she also started to notice something wrong with her right hand. “I don’t know if I’d describe it as tremors, but my right hand would form a claw,” remembers Tanya.  

Shocking discovery of a brain tumour plus an MS diagnosis

By the spring of 2021, Tanya started to experience pain in her left eye — soon her vision deteriorated significantly. You know when you see dark clouds in the sky? It was like that in front of my eye. I could kind of see peripherally, but at night, I couldn’t see car lights out of that eye at all, not even colour,” explains Tanya. 

Tanya and her cat, Zeus.

“I knew something big was wrong for a long time, so in some ways, the MS diagnosis made sense, but the discovery of a tumour as well was a shock.”

— Tanya Di Raddo

After an extensive examination by her eye doctor, she was referred to the University of Ottawa Eye Institute of The Ottawa Hospital. She met with a neuro-ophthalmologist and was diagnosed with optic neuritis, an inflammation that damages the optic nerve. However, Tanya also needed further testing to better understand the root of her headaches and vision loss. She never imagined what that test would reveal. 

Read our Q&A with Dr. Fahad Alkherayf

MRI results showed both MS lesions and a brain tumour. “I knew something big was wrong for a long time, so in some ways, the MS diagnosis made sense, but the discovery of a tumour as well was a shock,” explains Tanya. 

She was immediately referred to Dr. Fahad Alkherayf, a leading skull base neurosurgeon at our hospital. The MRI from mid-summer 2021 showed a large tumour at the back of her brain. “It was a three-and-a-half by five-centimeter mass — the size of a small orange. It was a meningioma, which is a benign tumour that is slow growing, but it was putting pressure on her brainstem and affecting her neurological function,” explains Dr. Alkherayf. 

Due to the size of the tumour and the impact it was having on Tanya’s life, Dr. Alkherayf believed surgery was needed within a few months.  

In the meantime, she turned to The Ottawa Hospital’s MS Clinic where she met Dr. Mark Freedman, a world leader in MS treatment and research. “She was referred to us after having her vision affected back in mid-2021. We proceeded to confirm a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and then got her onto effective therapy as soon as possible,” explains Dr. Freedman. 

A plan for specialized brain surgery

As her MS treatment got underway, surgery to remove the tumour was scheduled for early November. According to Dr. Alkherayf, the surgery carried significant risk.  

The tumor was pressing at the back of the brain — which we call the cerebellum — as well as on the brainstem.” he says. “The brainstem is the main structure which controls a person’s ability to breathe, walk, and state of consciousness.” 

“It’s thanks to having a specialized team who work closely with our neuro-anesthesiologists to operate this equipment that we’re able to provide this technique.”

— Dr. Fahad Alkherayf

Neural monitoring, with what’s known as interoperative neuromonitoring, is an important part of this type of specialized surgery. It allows neurosurgeons to watch the patient’s brain and brainstem functions while attempting to remove the tumour. This is where The Ottawa Hospital excels.  

“We’re lucky in that we have good support from the hospital where we can do two or three surgeries at the same time with the ability to monitor the patient,” says Dr. Alkherayf. “It’s thanks to having a specialized team who work closely with our neuro-anesthesiologists to operate this equipment that we’re able to provide this technique.”

The Ottawa Hospital has invested to support this expertise, as it can be challenging to have the right people to operate specialized equipment and interpret the information. 

During Tanya’s operation, the surgical team sent a signal through the brain to stimulate her muscles to ensure they were responding during the operation. “Even though she was asleep, we’re still able to look at the function of the brain and brainstem, as if she’s awake,” says Dr. Alkherayf. 

Additionally, the system also helps the surgical team monitor the cranial nerve, which controls swallowing, for example. This prevents any possibility of damage during the surgery. If the nerves become irritated during the operation, the surgical team gets a signal.  

“When that happens, we stop immediately and change our course of action during the surgery,” says Dr. Alkherayf.

“If you don’t have that technology, then there is the risk of causing damage and you wouldn’t notice it until the patient wakes up.”

— Dr. Fahad Alkherayf
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During an almost eight-hour surgery, the large tumour pressing on Tanya’s brainstem was completely removed.
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Not just saving a life, but also maintaining quality of life

For Dr. Alkherayf, it’s not only about saving a life, but also about maintaining quality of life. He acknowledges it puts more stress on the team knowing they are caring for a young person, who has many years ahead of them.  

“A good analogy is a bomb squad. They want to disable and remove the danger without causing any problems or damage,” he says. “That’s what we’re doing when we remove a tumour like this. We want to remove it without causing any other damage that could impact the patient’s life.” 

The good news for Tanya is the whole tumour was removed during the almost eight-hour surgery. This provided her relief from the excruciating headaches she suffered, and her vision has improved, but colour is not crisp yet. “It’s like an older TV. It’s not 20/20, but it’s better than it was,” explains Tanya. 

Looking forward

It’s been two years since that complex surgery with no signs of recurrence to date, and she’ll be closely monitored by Dr. Alkherayf for up to 10 years. 

Tanya also continues to be in the care of Dr. Freedman for her MS. She has some challenges with her mobility and regularly uses support to get around, and MS flare-ups continue to impact her day-to-day living.  

“I’m doing better today, but cognitively it impacts my life,” she says. “It’s the little things we take for granted that I notice, like leaning forward to make a meal or cutting something. The numbness in my fingers makes it difficult, and sometimes my leg will give out.” 

The reality of facing two serious illnesses at the same time is not a uniqueness Tanya was aspiring for or ever thought she’d face, but she’s grateful to have access to the best treatment options available, from complex surgery to ongoing, compassionate care.

Tanya Di Raddo with her husband and daughter.

David and Elizabeth Mann have a unique eye toward spotting something that works.

David’s career in telecommunications led the couple to six different countries before coming to Canada almost 30 years ago. Through his work as a business solutions expert, David found ways to fix significant telecommunications network issues and explored new technologies to help countries meet their specific needs. Whether it was travelling to Zambia to diagnose and resolve a total telephone network failure in 1972 or working in Sweden in the late 70s to build, install, and bring to life enhancements to the emerging Swedish mobile network, David and Elizabeth have long been part of seeing what has gone wrong, and finding a way to put it right.

Their problem-solving eye also gives them the ability to recognize success — to see something and know that it is resilient, that it is progressive, and that it is making a meaningful impact.

“In our early visits to The Ottawa Hospital, we quite soon realised that there was a powerful parallel in its mix of healing, research, academic, and clinical activities,” says David. “What seemed unique to us was that whilst there is a good set of all these activities, there were also many physicians who were able to embrace a combination of clinical, research, and academic skills.”

Claude Des Rosiers, Elizabeth Mann, Debra Lynkowski and David Mann
Dr. Michael Rudnicki, Elizabeth Mann and David Mann

It is this recognition of The Ottawa Hospital’s abilities — and their desire to see those abilities reach even further — that have made David and Elizabeth some of our strongest supporters. Their generous support since 1995 includes three endowment funds: the Fibromyalgia-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Canada Research and Education Legacy Fund, the Fraser Mann Legacy Endowment Fund for Vision Care, and the David and Elizabeth Mann Legacy Endowment Fund for Colorectal Care. On top of that, they have contributed significantly to The University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre located at our Civic Campus and in support of stem cell and gene therapy.

David and Elizabeth are also avid ballroom dancers, and when they are not competing on the dance floor, they dedicate much of their time to advocacy around fibromyalgia and pain management. They bring that same joie de vivre and talent they are widely known for throughout the dance community to their advocacy and their unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of others. They have been invited to speak on multiple occasions about the importance of having a healthy mindset, a positive attitude, and controlling those parts of life that you can control.

With their latest donation, they are hoping to awaken that same mindset — and desire to help the community — to inspire others to give.

And they are also honouring their beautiful daughter, Caroline.

Caroline, an oncologist working in England, passed away in January 2022 at age 51 from cancer. “She is fondly remembered by the many patients she looked after and also by the medical team, nurses, and radiographers in the hospitals that she worked in,” says Elizabeth.

David and Elizabeth are avid ballroom dancers.

“She would have loved the working environment that is being created here in Ottawa.”

— Elizabeth Mann

As an oncologist, Caroline treated patients with lung cancer, urological cancers, and lymphomas, and was leading many areas of clinical modernisation and treatment. “We would like to think that she would have loved the working environment that is being created here in Ottawa, with patient care and accommodation at new levels and the ability to refer locally to researchers and trials that might advance the science she was so very proud of,” says Elizabeth.

To commemorate Caroline — and to foster a culture of generosity and community support — David and Elizabeth have announced that from November 1st until December 31st, they will match all donations up to a total of $100,000.

“We sincerely hope that our gift will help to bring the world-class capability of The Ottawa Hospital into our new hospital facility,” David tells us. “We hope its impact will not only to give some financial help, but also to encourage others who can, to help in a similar way so their families and their family’s families can have their lives enriched through the work done in this star of our community.”

“We have a world-class facility here in this city of Ottawa. And it deserves all the support it can get.”

— David Mann

Much like a well-practiced ballroom dance, this gift from David and Elizabeth will help lead others with a graceful promenade toward future support for the health and well-being of our community.

“We have a world-class facility here in this city of Ottawa,” says David. “And it deserves all the support it can get.”

Ryma Nasrallah

Ryma Nasrallah has built her career around philanthropy. A Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ryma specializes in advising registered charities and non-profit organizations, and she’s often helped charitable organizations and foundations get off the ground. She recently took it one step further and made it personal, making her largest ever donation to our Campaign to Create Tomorrow. With an ambitious $500-million fundraising goal, it is the largest campaign in our city’s history.

Now, on top of her roles as the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Charities and Not-for-Profit Section and serving on the executive of the Ontario Bar Association’s Charities and Not-for-Profit Section, Ryma has joined The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Learn more about what motivated Ryma to give and get involved — and what you can gain by giving gifts of securities

Q: You recently made your largest gift ever when you gave to the Campaign to Create Tomorrow — what motivated this?

A: After joining the Board of Directors of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, I was inspired by all the donors who had generously contributed to the Campaign to Create Tomorrow. I wanted to push myself to make my most significant donation in hopes I would inspire others around me to do the same and help reshape the future of healthcare in Ottawa.

Q: What impact do you hope your gift will have and why should others give?   

A: I hope my gift will bring The Ottawa Hospital one step closer to delivering a new, state-of-the-art hospital. Building a new hospital is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I believe we all have a duty to do what we can to help. Every dollar counts. 

Q: Why did you decide to join the Foundation’s Board of Directors?

A: I joined to give back and strengthen my ties to The Ottawa Hospital, because healthcare is so important to me and my family. I am excited to support the largest fundraising campaign in Ottawa’s history and to help The Ottawa Hospital transform and revolutionize healthcare.

Q: Based on your experience with your own clients, what are the benefits of giving gifts of securities?

A: The benefits of gifting publicly listed securities are threefold. 

First, gifting publicly listed securities entitles the donor to an official donation receipt equal to the fair market value of the securities on the date they are donated to a registered charity. An official donation receipt will result in a charitable deduction for corporate donors or a non-refundable charitable tax credit for individual donors that will reduce income taxes. 

Second, the donor may be exempt from paying any capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the publicly listed securities. In order to receive this favourable tax treatment, the donor must gift the publicly listed securities directly to the registered charity. If the donor sells the securities in the open market and donates the cash proceeds, they will be subject to income tax on any resulting capital gain. By donating the publicly listed securities directly to a registered charity, the donor benefits by paying no capital gains tax on the disposition, and the charity benefits by receiving the full value of the securities.

Third, if the publicly listed securities are held by a corporation — including an individual’s holding company or business — the full amount of the capital gain is added to the corporation’s capital dividend account (CDA). Amounts in the CDA allow the corporation to pay tax-free dividends to its shareholders. Usually, only half of a capital gain is added to the capital dividend account. This extra amount in the CDA can be distributed to the shareholders of the corporation on a tax-free basis, which results in additional tax savings.

Q: What would you tell a donor who is nervous to try giving a gift of securities?

A: There is no reason to be nervous about gifting publicly listed securities. Although it may sound daunting, it is frequently done. Foundation staff are familiar with the process and are ready to help. They will work closely with the donor’s financial advisor to complete the donation. The benefits of gifting publicly listed securities significantly outweigh any additional steps.

Q: With proposed tax changes on the horizon next year, when is the best time for donors to give gifts of securities and what should donors know about these changes?

A: The 2023 Federal Budget introduced new rules for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) regime that will increase the tax cost for high-income individuals donating publicly listed securities to registered charities. The AMT is a parallel tax calculation that allows fewer deductions, exemptions, and tax credits than under the ordinary income tax rules, and that currently applies a flat 15% tax rate with a $40,000 basic exemption. The taxpayer pays the AMT or regular tax, whichever is the highest.

Budget 2023 proposed changes to the AMT calculation include increasing the AMT rate to 20.5% and the basic exemption to $173,000, which raises the amount of income an individual would need to trigger the AMT. Notable changes for high-income individuals donating publicly listed securities include adjusting the inclusion rate for capital gains resulting from the donation of publicly listed securities from 0% to 30% and limiting the charitable donation tax credit by half. These changes will reduce the financial incentive for these individuals to donate publicly listed securities.

The proposed changes will come into force for taxation years that begin after 2023. So, to take full advantage of the current tax benefits, the best time for individual donors to gift publicly listed securities is before December 31, 2023.

Published: October 2023

These days, when Amy Volume swings her leg over her motorcycle, it’s still a bit of a surprise. After a lifetime of pain, the announcer best known for entertaining listeners on CHEZ 106 radio had hip replacement surgery in May 2023 by the skilled orthopaedic team at The Ottawa Hospital.

Discomfort and pain plagued Amy her entire life. As a baby, she was always crying, well beyond just a colicky infant, so her parents sought out answers. “I was officially diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis — an autoimmune disease — at the age of 18 months. My entire life I have grown differently,” explains Amy.

As a result, she spent much of her life in and out of the hospital. Her care started at SickKids in Toronto, but when CHEO opened its rheumatology clinic, Amy was able to be cared for in her hometown. By 16, she became a patient of The Ottawa Hospital and she’s been cared for here ever since.

“I have surgeons working at both the General and Civic Campuses. I have seen from an early age that the orthopaedic team is very invested in their patients' care.”

– Amy Volume

“I have surgeons working at both the General and Civic Campuses,” she says. “I have seen from an early age that the orthopaedic team is very invested in their patients’ care.”

Amy Volume in the CHEZ 106 studio.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to attack healthy cells in your body and results in painful swelling, usually in joints. Long-term, this can damage the joint tissue causing chronic pain, lack of balance, and deformity. While it can develop at any age, it’s most common in adults in their sixties. “People do think that what I have happens to older people. This has been my life story,” explains Amy.

It’s certainly taken a toll on Amy’s body. As a result of the medications Amy takes, her body can’t fight infection. When she was a little girl, Amy got chickenpox and was hospitalized for three weeks. It also affected how her bones grew when she was young.

“It doesn’t just destroy your joints, which then leads to you having bone on bone contact, which creates terrible problems. It also attacks soft tissues, your organs, and your blood,” explains Amy. “You can tell when I’m having a rough day because I sound extra rough on the radio, but that’s my paycheck.”

Much of the pain Amy has experienced is because of her hips. They never formed properly when she was young, and she has hip dysplasia on both sides — a known risk factor for early hip arthritis.

“It’s all just bone on bone. And when that happens, as you can imagine, it’s just extreme pain, which interferes with your daily life. It makes normal activities near impossible, which also has an impact on your mental health.”

Radio host Amy Volume has been an orthopedics patient at The Ottawa Hospital since she was a teenager.

Hip replacement surgery by a specialized team

Amy was only 17 when she had her first bone surgery at the Civic Campus. She had her left toe joint removed because it didn’t grow properly, and it was replaced with a steel bar.  

“The prospect of not getting relief from this pain or losing my ability to walk — of having the hope of meaningful medical intervention and recovery slip away really spooked me.”

– Amy Volume

While the orthopaedic team at The Ottawa Hospital has been caring for her for twenty years now, most recently, her hips started to give her a great deal of pain — impacting her life, including keeping up with her two children, riding her motorcycle, and her overall mobility.

By 2022, the pain became unbearable. “The prospect of not getting relief from this pain or losing my ability to walk — of having the hope of meaningful medical intervention and recovery slip away really spooked me,” she recalls. ‘I can’t give up hope,’” Amy wrote in her blog.

The chronic pain that Amy has lived with is where Dr. Paul Beaulé, Professor of Surgery and an orthopaedic surgeon at The Ottawa Hospital, comes into the picture.

“Amy suffered from hip pain and a lack of function for over a decade. She had an underlying malformation of a joint that was probably present when she finished growing,” explains Dr. Beaulé. “At some point, the hip starts manifesting itself to the point where it’s not functioning properly because of the malformation.”

Amy’s right hip joint was too damaged to save, but because of research and technology advancements, there was a good plan to get her quality of life back, thanks to a specialized surgery,” explains Dr. Beaulé. “Using a total hip arthroplasty anterior approach, she could go home the same day. Because of this approach, her muscles aren’t damaged. That means when she’s done healing from the surgery, she can resume her activity more rapidly and have a good quality of life.”

Thanks to these advancements, Dr. Beaulé says Amy can expect a good 20 years of function with no major issues. “Amy truly is a poster child for the best possible outcome.”

An x-ray showing Amy’s new hip joint.

Research aims to improve hip surgery

Dr. Beaulé knows the impact that preserving and replacing hips can have on patients — especially young patients like Amy.

“Research helps us better understand what we’re doing in the operating room and asks the question, ‘Is this the best we can do?’”

– Dr. Paul Beaulé

One area of research that is of particular interest is surgery that can improve pain, stop damage, and prevent a hip replacement in people with pre-arthritic hip disease — that includes preventing and treating hip problems in young athletes.

Another key focus for Dr. Beaulé is studying the results of The Ottawa Hospital’s same-day joint replacement program, which focuses on getting patients home as safely and early as possible. “Research helps us better understand what we’re doing in the operating room and asks the question, ‘Is this the best we can do?’” says Dr. Beaulé.

Amy is a big proponent of research and the possibilities it could create for her and other patients — especially knowing she will face more orthopaedic surgeries in the future. That’s why she’s also open to participating in research studies so more can be learned about her illness.

“We’re always learning, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. I’m always raising my hand and saying yes to the next thing, because we are blazing a trail, and I might make it easier for the next kid that comes along with this weird disease because something worked for me — it might give hope to others.” 

She’s grateful for the work of the orthopaedic team at The Ottawa Hospital, including the Research Chair in Regenerative Orthopaedic Surgery, and what their research could mean for patients in the future as well.  

Read our Q&A with Dr. Beaulé

"You're a part of the scientific frontier that is going to improve the quality of life for all Ontarians, Canadians, and perhaps even globally. It’s the big picture.”

– Amy Volume

“I think that the more people that you can encourage to get on the research train the better. You’re a part of the scientific frontier that is going to improve the quality of life for all Ontarians, Canadians, and perhaps even globally. It’s the big picture.” 

Getting her life back

Following her surgery, Amy was amazed to be up and walking in no time with the assistance of crutches. While there was some initial post-op pain, she was back on the air within 11 days.

Now, several months later, she’s started to see the impact this specialized surgery will have on her long term. “I’m getting into the zone where I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. It’s because The Ottawa Hospital and the surgical teams put their best foot forward in making sure that I have a fulfilling life — that I can keep up with my kids. They’re very fast,” Amy laughs.

Amy Volume enjoying one of her passions, riding her motorcycle.

“I say thank you profusely to the surgeons, but I know to them it’s their 9 to 5 job, that’s what they’re doing constantly, day-in and day-out. They are rock stars – they are who I idolize.”

– Amy Volume

She’s also truly grateful and in awe of the work of her surgical team. “I say thank you profusely to the surgeons, but I know to them it’s their 9 to 5 job, that’s what they’re doing constantly, day in and day out. They are rock stars – they are who I idolize.”

For now, Amy enjoys being able to ride again and is grateful for the quality of life she’s been given. While she knows there will be more surgeries down the road on her other hip and right toe, she has complete confidence in what her care team has planned for her.

“I saw my surgeons in my follow-up care, and I know they’re invested in my continued success, which is really nice. And it makes me feel good about the future, because I know I will be seeing them again. It’s nice to know you have that team of experts on your side.”

Honouring strong ties to the community that embraced his family

Ten thousand dollars can buy you a decent used car. Maybe a trip to Europe and certainly a few months’ worth of groceries. However, for Kareem and Souhaila Saickley, $10,000 in 1954 provided them an opportunity to leave Lebanon for the opportunity to build a future for their family in Canada. 

Years later, the residents of Ottawa would reap the benefits of that decision, in terms of the Saikaley family’s deep commitment to community development and philanthropy here.

“I was born and raised in Ottawa,” says Charles Saikaley, Kareem and Souhaila’s son. “All my children and grandchildren were born in Ottawa, and we are very happy and proud of that.”

It is that love for family and that pride for community that resulted in a recent decision by Charles and his wife Majida to contribute $1 million to The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow.  

Majida and Charles Saikaley

“It is important that all residents of Ottawa and eastern Ontario be able to benefit from a new state-of-the-art hospital.”

— Charles Saikaley

Charles was a real estate lawyer and partner with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall. He retired from law and now runs Saickley Enterprises Ltd., the family company that owns and manages several apartment buildings in the city. With four daughters and now three granddaughters, Charles says he recognizes the importance of building one of the most modern, patient-centred, and technologically advanced hospital in the country — right here in Ottawa.

“We have all been part of the Ottawa healthcare system,” he says. “It is important that all residents of Ottawa and eastern Ontario be able to benefit from a new state-of-the-art hospital, and I hope it will benefit my children and grandchildren long after I’m gone. I hope this gift will be a teaching moment for my children and others about the need to give back to the community.”

The family also hopes their gift will inspire others, especially those in the Lebanese community, to contribute to the campaign. It is the largest in Ottawa’s history and sets in motion a vision to completely reshape healthcare by building the most technologically advanced hospital in Canada and by taking groundbreaking research and innovation to unprecedented heights.

“I think it is important for the Lebanese community that major gifts like these are recognized and are symbolic of the philanthropy of those people of Lebanese origin living in Ottawa.”   

“I felt it was important if we are able to, we should give back to the city in some form or another.”

— Charles Saikaley

But most importantly, Charles says he wants this gift to be a legacy for their family, a way to honour the Saikaleys’ strong ties to the very community that embraced a young Kareem and Souhaila so many years ago.

Sadly, Souhaila passed away ten years ago, but to the end, she remained proud of the life she gave her children and proud of the community her family helped build.

Charles and Majida’s gift is the latest example of the impact their extended family has had on our community over the years and their dedication in continuing to see it thrive. “I felt it was important, if we are able to, that we should give back to the city in some form or another.”

Join the Saikaley family in helping create a better tomorrow through a donation today.

About the Campaign to Create Tomorrow

The Campaign to Create Tomorrow is the largest fundraising campaign in our region’s history. It will help fulfil the most ambitious vision ever for the future of The Ottawa Hospital, focused on four critical pillars.  

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

See how we’ll become the most technologically advanced hospital in the country, using the latest tools to provide the right care in the right space with the right provider.
Learn More

WORLD LEADING RESEARCH

Through our unique collaborative model of clinicians and researchers working side-by-side, we will bring groundbreaking discoveries to patients in Ottawa — and around the world.
Learn More

STRENGTHENING CRITICAL SERVICES

From trauma care to cancer advancements to neuroscience, we will strengthen our critical services for patients across the region.
Learn More

September 22, 2023, OTTAWA, ON – Jennifer Van Noort, Vice-President of Philanthropy at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation was recognized for her leadership in our community at the annual gala hosted by Women’s Business Network. Van Noort won in the Accomplished Category for Enterprise Leaders. This recognizes women who work for for-profit, not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, a charity, or a foundation.

Jennifer Van Noort, Vice-President of Philanthropy, was recognized for her leadership in our community at the annual gala hosted by Women’s Business Network.

In a true testament to Van Noort’s leadership, she was deeply moved by the recognition. “Receiving this award is both an honour and a reminder — that it takes passion, purpose, and a united community to drive real change. Every day, I have the privilege to work with donors who are passionate about supporting The Ottawa Hospital’s mission to provide world-class care, and I couldn’t do what I do without the entire team at the Foundation who works tirelessly to help make that mission a reality.”

Over the last two decades, Van Noort’s leadership has been an invaluable asset to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation where she is an integral part of the $500-million Campaign to Create Tomorrow. Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, celebrated this incredible honour. “Jennifer is standing alongside an elite group of changemakers — and our team couldn’t be prouder. Her impact not only on our Foundation, but also in the community is immeasurable, and her passion and positivity continue to inspire us all.”

For Van Noort, the success she’s experienced is thanks to the generosity of donors and the relationships she’s built over her lengthy career in philanthropy. “I believe at the heart of fundraising is relationship building. Making connections, earning trust, and having the most genuine dialogue possible. It is what informs every aspect of what I do. I also believe that’s why we’ve seen the success we have to date with our historic campaign.”

Van Noort takes the recognition to heart as she and the Foundation team move forward with the campaign that currently stands at $294 million raised.

To join the Campaign to Create Tomorrow in support of The Ottawa Hospital, visit CreatingTomorrow.ca.

About The Ottawa Hospital: 

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care, we would all want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally.

Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused on reshaping the future of healthcare to improve the health of our diverse population of patients from eastern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.

For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit OHFoundation.ca.   

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