Category: Creating Tomorrow
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.”
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.
How some prostate cancer patients may benefit
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.
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.
“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 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.
Read our Q&A with
Dr. Michael Ong
"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.
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.
September 10, 2024 – Approximately 550 guests attended the President’s Breakfast fundraiser at the Shaw Centre today to hear inspiring stories of care at The Ottawa Hospital and plans to reshape the future of healthcare across the region and take research to new heights globally. It was also an opportunity to recognize the community’s generous support of the $500-million Campaign to Create Tomorrow, and the morning was capped off with the special announcement of four new co-chairs to support the region’s largest fundraising campaign.
These four community leaders embraced the opportunity to be a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help create a better tomorrow. The Ottawa Hospital Foundation welcomes the leadership of:
- Ginger Bertrand, Founder and President, GAB Group Inc.
- Jeff W. Clarke, CEO & Chairman, Inflector Environmental Services
- Kevin Ford, President and CEO, Calian Group Ltd.
- Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Head of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital
The volunteer efforts from business and community leaders in Ottawa will continue to play a vital role in this unprecedented campaign. “We’re tremendously grateful to the leadership of our new co-chairs. They each bring unique perspectives to the campaign and together, we are creating tomorrow,” said Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Ms. Bertrand is a passionate advocate for the region’s young leaders and a strong champion for women’s health and empowerment. “I’m here to engage the next generation to get involved — it’s vitally important. Together, we will not only help our parents navigate the healthcare system as they age, but also drive advancements in women’s health and research, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.”
This was echoed by Mr. Clarke, who’s seen firsthand the exceptional, specialized care The Ottawa Hospital provides in the region. “I watched both my parent’s experience cancer care at the hospital. I know how crucial it is to continue building for the future, so when any one of us need care, we will have access to the very best — right here at home.”
As a member of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s board of directors for the past seven years and a tech leader, Mr. Ford is encouraging Ottawa’s high-tech sector to continue their invaluable support and to rally behind this historic campaign. “Attracting and retaining top talent to Ottawa requires state-of-the-art services. Having specialized healthcare in a world-class facility when you need it is an important factor when recruiting and this campaign will play a key role to make that happen.”
As Head of Critical Care and a palliative care physician, for Dr. Kyeremanteng, it’s about the patients he sees every day and their families. “This new hospital campus will bring a state-of-the-art facility to our patients, and it will drastically improve how we care for them and their loved ones. I want to help make that happen.”
With the announcement of the four new co-chairs, also came news that after five years as Chair of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, Roger Greenberg will take on the new role of Chair Emeritus. “We’ve seen great success to date, but we still have a long way to go to achieve our goal — a goal that will reshape healthcare for future generations, right here at home. I’m proud to continue to play a role in the largest and most important fundraising campaign in our city’s history and welcome our new co-chairs who represent all aspects of our community.”
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation also introduced the founding patrons of the campaign including: The Right Honourable David Johnston, former Ottawa mayors Jim Durrell and Jackie Holzman, the first PWHL Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner, and former President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Dr. Jack Kitts.
The new co-chairs and patrons join an esteemed roster of volunteers including the executive and cabinet — each dedicated community leader helping to build a better tomorrow. To date, the historic Campaign to Create Tomorrow has raised $336 million.
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 CreatingTomorrow.ca.
-30-
Media contact:
Shelley McLean, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation; shmclean@toh.ca; 613-324-4466
Published: September 2024
As the 100th anniversary of the Civic Campus inches closer — marking a century of care and medical breakthroughs — plans continue for the next 100 years of healthcare in our region. The final designs of the new hospital campus will come together in the next year. During this design phase, patients, leaders and staff at The Ottawa Hospital, Indigenous partners, and members of the community are all helping to refine the details of this new state-of-the-art health and research facility.
And while designs are finalized for the new hospital, construction of the parking garage to support the new campus is well underway.
Building a new hospital is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s an opportunity that has business leaders, families, foundations, and many other community members stepping forward to support the $500-million Campaign to Create Tomorrow, which has raised an incredible $336-million to date in the region’s largest fundraising initiative.
Designing state-of-the-art operating rooms
The new campus will increase The Ottawa Hospital’s number of operating rooms (ORs) to help meet projected volume increases for surgeries in the future. These state-of-the-art ORs will be where some of the most life-changing care is delivered.
“It will enhance the patient experience and work efficiencies."
According to Lisa Young, Senior Planning Project Manager at The Ottawa Hospital, the functionality of that space will be key to accommodating not only more procedures, but also new equipment and technology. “It will enhance the patient experience and work efficiencies. We’re also focusing on the function of what the teams providing care do within these spaces, rather than the physical form of the building.”
Optimizing workflow in and around the ORs
Enhancements will include a bay of ‘block rooms’ where pre-surgery preparation can take place outside the main OR itself. These rooms can be used for patients receiving regional anesthesia before entering for surgery, helping reduce potential delays, and making the best use of time in the OR for both patients and care teams.
Dr. Sundaresan, Head of the Department of Surgery, and a clinical thoracic surgeon, explains that location of the ORs is vital for optimizing workflow, especially during critical moments. “The ORs at the new campus will be located next to the interventional radiology suites, which is exciting,” he says.
“When the new campus opens, we’ll have one of the most state-of-the-art surgical facilities in Canada, if not North America.”
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that performs minimally invasive treatments using x-ray imaging to guide small instruments, like catheters, through blood vessels and organs to treat a variety of diseases. “In the event there’s a complication during that procedure, sometimes the patient must go urgently into an OR. Now, the patient won’t have to be moved to another location to access the OR — it will be right there.”
New and emerging technologies will also enhance patient care. “When the new campus opens, we’ll have one of the most state-of-the-art surgical facilities in Canada, if not North America,” says Dr. Sundaresan. “Taking advantage of technology that will help us take surgery to the next level is one of the most exciting areas for development in the future.”
New neurosurgery rooms will come with innovative technology
Teams are also exploring innovative technologies such as an intraoperative MRI machine that captures real-time images of the brain during surgery.
Built on a rail system in the ceiling and considered a gold standard for procedures like brain tumor surgery, this MRI machine would be housed within the operating theatre, but just outside the operating room itself. If a patient needs imaging during a procedure, a door is opened, and the MRI can slide in on rails without having to relocate the patient with minimal disruption.
One of the goals in current design plans is for all ORs to have full audio video (AV) integration to help accommodate minimally invasive surgeries and for teaching purposes.
“Having AV integration in each suite provides more flexibility for patients,” Lisa explains. “We currently have specific rooms at each campus that can accommodate this, but having monitors and the ability to connect cameras in all of the ORs will be a new baseline of care that we could provide at the new campus.”
Digital solutions for a proactive approach to care
There are plenty of opportunities for technology to make a positive impact on patient care and experience.
“We’re striving to build on the digital experiences that people have in other areas of their lives to enhance the healthcare services we provide.”
“We’re striving to build on the digital experiences that people have in other areas of their lives to enhance the healthcare services we provide,” says Glen Kearns, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at The Ottawa Hospital. “Whether it’s inpatient care, preparing a patient before they even visit the hospital or following up with them at home, technology can offer solutions and more seamless care.”
Our hospital is also exploring the possibility of remote or virtual admissions to better support seamless inpatient and at-home care. The goal is to launch at the current campuses in advance, so it’s operationally ready on day one at the new campus.
“We want to leverage technology to reduce in-hospital admissions, wait times, and improve how patients interact with our teams.”
“We want to leverage technology to reduce in-hospital admissions, wait times, and improve how patients interact with our teams,” says Mathieu LeBreton, Senior Project Manager and Digital Experience Lead. “Ideally, we’ll have technology that enables and enhances workflow and reduces workflow burden on staff to improve their day-to-day experience.”
Mathieu adds that technology will be integrated to improve the experience of patients who are admitted. All rooms will be single patient and will have digital access so patients can stay connected with care providers and loved ones and access their health information, appointments, and entertainment. Throughout the new campus, technology can also help patients and visitors navigate the hospital.
The role of AI
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made great strides in becoming a useful and adaptable tool in the workplace. Our Digital Solutions team is already looking at innovative ways to harness the power of AI.
The Ottawa Hospital recently announced a trial of Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) Copilot which uses ambient, conversational, and generative AI to create draft clinical notes during patient appointments. With patient consent, it securely records and creates medical notes for the physician to review and approve. The Ottawa Hospital is the first in Canada to trial this innovative solution aimed at reducing physician burnout and time spent on administrative tasks and allowing physicians to spend more time interacting with patients providing care.
A hub for biotherapeutics research
The Ottawa Hospital is already a global research powerhouse, and the new campus will help take our research to unprecedented heights.
The expansion of the Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre (BMC) at the new campus will boost our capacity to develop and manufacture lifesaving biotherapeutics, including vaccines, gene therapies, and cell therapies right here in Ottawa.
Over the last 15 years, researchers at our hospital have led more than 20 world-first clinical trials using biotherapeutics such as stem cells, cancer-fighting viruses, and cellular immunotherapy. These trials are possible because the BMC is a specialized clean-room facility that develops and manufactures novel therapeutic products incorporating cells, genes, viruses, and other biological materials.
The BMC is the most experienced and successful facility of its kind in Canada, with more than 40 full-time staff currently based at the General Campus. It consistently operates at full capacity and is booked far in advance with both academic and industry clients — making this expansion vitally needed to further push the boundaries of research and bring more treatment options to patients.
Looking ahead to the next century of healthcare in Ottawa
When the Civic Campus first opened 100 years ago, the world had just emerged from a pandemic and the new hospital was considered the most modern in North America. Now, we find history repeating itself. We are witnessing the community rally together behind a historic campaign that will take research to the next level and help support the most modern and cutting-edge hospital campus in the country. This will transform the patient experience for generations to come, and we invite you to join us.
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.
Published: August 2024
When Dr. Francois Auclair and Jennifer Toby met six years ago, they developed an immediate bond over their shared connection to The Ottawa Hospital. Despite their different approaches to helping the hospital’s community, both had a strong passion for giving back.
“It was essentially common values,” says Dr. Auclair of what connected them.
The two have worked hard for The Ottawa Hospital and given back in many ways, including through their work, time, donations, volunteering, and, most recently, they decided to leave a gift in their will to our hospital. Jennifer sees it as an important investment in the future of healthcare.
“Any financial contribution is an investment in making this a better hospital,” says Jennifer.
While they only became a couple a few years ago, their respective contributions began long before they knew one another and have made a significant impact.
“Any financial contribution is an investment in making this a better hospital."
A leading infectious disease expert drawn to The Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Auclair is an infectious disease expert who has dedicated more than 38 years to The Ottawa Hospital. After growing up in Trois-Rivieres and training in the United States, he was drawn to our hospital because of the complexity of the work that comes with a large healthcare centre.
As a clinician, he’s always prioritized what he describes as, “The bedside practice and the humanity aspect of medicine.” This aligns exactly with the vision of this hospital — to provide each patient with the world-class care, exceptional service, and compassion we would want for our loved ones.
One of his main interests is how to best explain to a patient what their health issue is. “Patients sometimes don’t receive clear explanations about the state of their health, and I understand how distressing this can be. I’ve always been a bedside type of physician, and I never liked the cold approach that I sometimes observed,” he says. “I think it makes a big difference in the wellbeing of the patient.”
His belief that the emotional journey of the patient is critically important is one of the core values he and Jennifer shared when they first met and something that continues to connect them to this day.
The “art” of philanthropy
Since 2000, Jennifer has been supporting our hospital. It began when she participated in the campaign to support a new Critical Care Wing at the General Campus. Her passion for the hospital, she says, comes in part from the fact that so many important social issues are dealt with here.
“It addresses all types of issues, from homelessness to aging well to having babies,” says Jennifer. “I think that a good hospital experience stays with you, and I appreciate the fact that we have an excellent hospital here.”
The couple has also found a meaningful way to join their focus on healthcare with their love of art. Since its inception, they have been integral to Creative Wellbeing, a community building initiative connecting local artists with our hospital researchers and clinicians to create original art to enhance hospital spaces and the patient experience.
The Trias Art Prize, which is part of Creative Wellbeing, is a juried competition that intersects art, science, medicine, and community. It is a unique partnership between the community, Ottawa Art Gallery, and The Ottawa Hospital. Local artists submitted work which was reviewed by a jury and five pieces were selected and are now on display at the entrance of the General Campus.
“The Trias prize reflects the commitment to excellence, creativity, and inclusiveness inherent in the Ottawa artistic community, OAG, and The Ottawa Hospital. The prize uses art as a way to knit together the hospital and the community it serves, while creating a more interesting and attractive hospital for patients, staff, and visitors,” says Jennifer.
Beyond just demonstrating the hospital’s world-leading research, Jennifer sees art as a method to provide relief and calm in some of life’s most difficult moments, and her art initiative does just that for many patients.
One patient who was at the hospital for a nerve-racking test shared a note with the hospital team about how she experienced a moment of reprieve while looking at the Trias exhibit on the wall. She expressed appreciation that the hospital looked after not only her physical body, but also her mental and emotional body.
“It means something to the people who come,” says Jennifer. “To me, it’s about the humanity that is at the core of a hospital, but can get lost in the need for efficiency and the hectic pace of a hospital.”
A shared passion for giving
While Dr. Auclair has always had an innate appreciation for art, he says meeting Jennifer brought it out of him. “I’ve come to realize that the entire sensory experience of the patient matters greatly,” he says. “From how they are touched in the hospital to what they see around them.”
Together, they’ve visited multiple healthcare facilities in Europe, taking inspiration from the art-filled walls they’ve seen and the ways in which they portray care. Art has been incorporated into hospitals for centuries to bring care and comfort to patients. The couple has toured hospitals and hospital museums across Canada, as well as in England, Italy, and Belgium. The Creative Arts program at Chelsea Westminster Hospital in London, UK has been a valuable advisor to Creative Wellbeing.
“There are different ways to help, but that's the idea — we need to help, big or small.”
While art has become a mutual passion for them, what they’ve always shared is a common desire to help in whatever way they can. ‘How can I help?’ is Dr. Auclair’s way of thinking. “There are different ways to help, but that’s the idea — we need to help, big or small.”
And help they have. In a true act of generosity, the couple forewent gifts at their wedding and asked guests to donate to The Ottawa Hospital instead.
A legacy for the future of healthcare
The latest contribution will perhaps be the longest lasting. The couple has chosen to leave a gift in their will to the hospital. It’s this type of forward-thinking that helps the hospital plan — whether it’s donation from the estate, a gift of life insurance, or gifts of securities — large or small it helps future generations access the care they need. For Jennifer, it comes down to one question, “Is there anything I can contribute?”
That’s something we want to continue to build on, to strengthen, however we can do it. The hospital needs investment from the community.”
And her answer is yes. According to Jennifer, the reason is simple. “We are very fortunate in this community to have The Ottawa Hospital that will provide the specialized care when you need it, so you don’t have go somewhere else. That’s something we want to continue to build on, to strengthen, however we can do it. The hospital needs investment from the community.”
A hospital is a place that all of us will need at one point or another, she adds, and knowing there’s somewhere you or a loved one can go to receive supportive care — a place full of people who have devoted their lives to caring for people who need it — is essential.
Published: July 2024
Imagine a constant whooshing sound, like a washing machine, in your ear day in and day out — 24 hours a day; never a peaceful moment — even when you’re trying to sleep. For millions of people worldwide, the cause is something known as pulsatile tinnitus. Now, in a world first, The Ottawa Hospital has discovered a potential cure for the majority who live with this debilitating condition.
Chris Scharff-Cole had lived with pulsatile tinnitus for years, but like many, she didn’t know what was wrong and was constantly searching for help. The now-retired psychotherapist from Deep River, two hours west of Ottawa, spent 30 years helping others using her horses as a part of her therapy practice. As a long-time horse person, Chris has seen her share of injuries over the years — including multiple joint replacements. While she’s learned to live with chronic pain, it was that constant sound coming from her right ear that left her wondering how she would ever find peace again.
It wasn’t until she met Dr. Robert Fahed, Interventional Neuroradiologist and Stroke Neurologist at The Ottawa Hospital, that she finally found relief.
Brain aneurysm brings patient to the Civic’s Emergency Department
In 2021, Chris was suffering significant pain, so her doctor sent her to Pembroke for an MRI. That scan showed a brain aneurysm, and she was transported by ambulance to the Civic Campus’s Emergency Department. “I had extreme head pain. When I was asked to describe it between 1-10, I said it was 13,” explains Chris.
While waiting with paramedics in the Emergency Department, a top surgeon came down to see her. That was her first introduction to Dr. Fahed. “He listened to the side of my head, and he knew what to do. He said, ‘It’s ok, we’re getting things ready for you.’ It was so busy, but he was truly compassionate.”
“There was a throbbing in my head 24 hours a day that sounded like a washing machine. The pumping in my right ear was constant. It distorted my ability to hear, but mostly, I couldn’t sleep."
Dr. Fahed and his team performed surgery on the aneurysm, and it was a success, but during regular follow-up, Dr. Fahed uncovered an underlying problem impacting Chris’ quality of life.
Chris had pulsatile tinnitus. “There was a throbbing in my head 24 hours a day that sounded like a washing machine. The pumping in my right ear was constant. It distorted my ability to hear, but mostly, I couldn’t sleep. Even when I fell into a sleep from exhaustion it would wake me up.”
“She had been suffering for years, but when Christine complained to her doctors, she had been told there’s nothing wrong with her ears — multiple scans said everything is normal,” says Dr. Fahed.
He adds it was actually an underlying vessel condition that was the real culprit, one that not many ENT specialists or radiologists know to look for on scans. “This vessel is close to your ear. It’s disrupting blood flow and that’s generating waves. It’s because your ears are fine that you’re able to hear that abnormal flow disruption.”
“No one else in Canada is caring for those patients.”
What is pulsatile tinnitus?
It’s estimated that 750 million people around the world are affected by some form of tinnitus, and Dr. Fahed says 10 to 20% of those patients have pulsatile tinnitus. Unlike the more common forms, they don’t usually hear a ringing sound, but rather they hear a whooshing sound, like a heartbeat sound constantly in their ear. “Ninety percent of these patients with a pulsatile tinnitus have an underlying curable vascular cause. Among the possible techniques/devices that can be used is the technique we have pioneered with Christine,” explains Dr. Fahed.
The challenge is most people live with this problem because they’re not able to find a solution — much like Chris. But a team at The Ottawa Hospital is giving hope to those suffering. “What’s tough with this is there are vey few people around the world who know how to manage those patients, do the proper work, find a cause, and treat them,” explains Dr. Fahed.
That is why in late 2023, The Ottawa Hospital’s Pulsatile Tinnitus Clinic was launched. The only other clinic is in Toronto. “No one else in Canada is caring for those patients,” says Dr. Fahed.
It was Chris’s case that inspired this leading interventional neuroradiologist, one of only four in Canada, to focus more of his time on this area of medicine.
Pioneering a new treatment for pulsatile tinnitus
In March 2023, Chris was the first patient to undergo a new technique pioneered at The Ottawa Hospital. There are various reasons for pulsatile tinnitus, and the cause for Chris’ was a venous diverticulum, which is a rare defect that consists of an outpouching in the wall of a venous sinus, a vein that carries blood from the brain.
This new technique is called Intrasaccular Flow Disruption. According to Dr. Fahed, it consists of putting a small sphere of metal inside the vein pouch. The sphere traps the blood inside the diverticulum, then creates a clot and the blood will no longer enter that vein. “It’s the blood flow inside that outpouching that is creating waves that are heard by the ear, because of its proximity to the ear.”
"It’s minimally invasive surgery, we go through the groin, we fix whatever anomaly we find, and we cure your pulsatile tinnitus."
Unlike other techniques used, this one doesn’t require a stent. There are no blood thinners required and the patient requires no medication afterwards.
“The patient comes in for a day procedure. It’s minimally invasive surgery, we go through the groin, we fix whatever anomaly we find, and we cure your pulsatile tinnitus. When you wake up from the procedure the sound is gone. You’re home the same day. It’s incredible,” says Dr. Fahed.
That day when Chris woke up from the procedure, her life changed completely. “When I opened my eyes I said, ‘It’s gone.’ I had total trust in Dr. Fahed. He is gifted. Life is peaceful. I appreciate each day that I’m not haunted by that sound. Every day I wake up is a blessing.”
Not settling for the status quo
She was glad to go first and now hopes it will help others in the future. “We’re absolutely blessed to have access to this type of care. I’m glad to be a recipient, and I hope more people will have this procedure. I’m so grateful and we do what we can to support the hospital – I’m so glad we have Dr. Fahed at The Ottawa Hospital,” shares Chris.
“The Ottawa Hospital pioneered this new technique — we thought outside the box to make it happen.”
Referrals can be faxed to
613-761-5360
Dr. Robert Fahed
- Ottawa Pulsatile Tinnitus Clinic.
As of July 2024, Dr. Fahed and his team have treated 17 patients for this form of pulsatile tinnitus. It’s important to know that the technique can be used to treat other cerebrovascular conditions and patients are welcome to reach out to the Pulsatile Tinnitus Clinic to learn more.
“It’s another example of how TOH is at the forefront of innovative care,” says Dr. Fahed. “The Ottawa Hospital pioneered this new technique — we thought outside the box to make it happen.”
Dr. Fahed adds this is just the beginning. It’s the launch of a new area of care.
To learn about Dr. Robert Fahed’s “disruptive innovations” in stroke care, listen to episode 73 of Pulse Podcast.
Listen Now:
In 2021, The Ottawa Hospital Civic Auxiliary — in operation since 1951 — merged with similar groups from both the Riverside and the General Campuses. The result was a stronger-than-ever, united group, able to react and respond to the needs of patients and the hospital alike.
Their impact is tangible — from helping the hospital purchase critical equipment like cardiac monitors and even a new MRI machine, to ensuring patients have essentials, like emergency clothing or breast pumps.
What you might find surprising is each time you shop at one of the hospital’s gift shops or from the auxiliary medical supplies shop at the Civic, proceeds go directly back to help patients.
In addition to these options, the TOH Auxiliary has just launched an online shop where a variety of products from electronics to toiletries to apparel can be purchased and delivered to the Civic or General Campuses. And just like with in-person shopping, the proceeds will be donated back to the hospital.
In just over a decade, The TOH Auxiliary has donated more than $15M back to the hospital, with the most recent gift of $1.25M being made to support the purchase of a navigation system that will help surgeons with meticulous planning, real-time navigation, and detailed 3D imaging, making brain and spine surgeries safer and quicker. The real-time navigation allows surgeons to see exactly where they are operating within the patient’s body at every moment with increased precision and minimally invasive incisions.
As the hospital focuses on reshaping healthcare in our region and creating a better tomorrow, the TOH Auxiliary is in lock step, dedicated to finding new ways to support patients and create a better experience for patients and their families.
