Archives des Creating Tomorrow | Page 3 of 17 | The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

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 and Jocelyne on their wedding day in 1988 with sons Darryl and Glen.

Jocelyne (centre), in 2017 with family members representing five generations.

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.

Wayne Pitt was a match and graciously offered to be the donor

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.”

Jocelyne and Clifford with friends at Lake Chapala, Mexico

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.

Categories:

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."

— Jennifer Toby

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.

Dr. Auclair and Jennifer Toby with several Trias artists and guests at the official installation in 2023.

Svetlana Swinimer, winner of the Art and Science Residency award speaking with Dr. Auclair and Jennifer Toby.

“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.”

— Dr. Auclair

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.”

— Jennifer Toby

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.

Categories: New Campus Development, TOH Family

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.

Chris and her husband together at their horse ranch

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."

— Chris Scharff-Cole

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.”

— Dr. Robert Fahed

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."

— Dr. Robert Fahed

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.”

– Dr. Robert Fahed

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:

Categories: Cancer, Patient Care, Patient Care, Technology

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.

Published: June 2024

It wasn’t your typical road trip. Then again, 2020 wasn’t your typical year. But when the opportunity arose for John Bruce to have double hip resurfacing surgery at The Ottawa Hospital, he didn’t want to turn it down, even during a pandemic. So, in September of that year, he and his wife, Tiffany Hamilton, and their 3-year-old daughter decided to make the most of a 4300-kilometre cross-country RV trek from Vancouver to Ottawa.

“To get the best surgical treatment for his situation, we decided to take our COVID safety bubble on a cross-country RV road trip.”

— Tiffany Hamilton

“To get John safely to Ottawa where he could get the best surgical treatment for his situation, we decided to take our Covid safety bubble on a cross-country RV road trip.”

The “best surgical treatment” that Tiffany is referring to was found at the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Ottawa Hospital — their ultimate destination.

John, who was an active 52-year-old at the time, was in severe pain. Even a short walk was nearly impossible. “It was painful,” says John. “I thought at first that I had sciatica. I’d done a lot of running over the years and have a large frame, but an x-ray showed severe osteoarthritis in both hips– I was taken very much by surprise.”

Seeking expertise on orthopaedics

But how does someone from Vancouver end up as a patient at The Ottawa Hospital?

“It’s not unusual,” says Dr. Paul E. Beaulé, former Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Ottawa Hospital and Director of Research and Innovation for the University of Ottawa Orthopaedic Program. He was also the orthopaedic surgeon who performed John’s hip resurfacing. “Patients will seek surgeons with expertise in a particular field,” he explains.

Dr. Beaulé certainly has that expertise. He has spent his career specializing in the preservation and replacement of hips. With more than 350 papers and 200 lectures and workshops in orthopaedic research to his name, Dr. Beaulé is among the top 2% most-cited authors in the world in the field of orthopaedics. In addition to his current roles at The Ottawa Hospital, he is also the Chief of Staff at Hawkesbury and District General Hospital.

Hip resurfacing is a specialized kind of hip replacement where a minimal amount of bone is removed from the head of the femur. It preserves more of the bone and increases stability. “A crown vs. a dental implant,” is how Dr. Beaulé compares the two.Resurfacing is best suited to young adult males with good bone quality. The Ottawa Hospital does about 150 hip resurfacing procedures a year compared to 350 to 400 total hip replacements.

While the procedure is done elsewhere, it was not presented as an option for John in B.C. He heard about Dr. Beaulé through a colleague of Tiffany’s, so he researched The Ottawa Hospital’s orthopaedic program and discovered that “Dr. Beaulé and his team are very much world experts in this procedure.”

Looking ahead and better than ever

Now, four years later, he says it’s as though he never even had arthritis.

“There’s an old saying that when you repair something expertly, it’s better than from the factory,” says John. He believes the surgery has helped add years to his life, allowing him to become very active again, to improve his overall physical and heart health as well as family, work life and mental health.

“I think he lived in pain probably longer than he remembers,” adds Tiffany. “And that pain robs you from being fully present and from enjoying life.”

“I am so grateful for the care I received by Dr. Beaulé and his team.”

— John Bruce

John and Tiffany have recently made a meaningful donation to The Ottawa Hospital to help ensure future patients will be able to receive specialized care like John did. In fact, the new hospital campus will be home to one of the most state-of-the-art surgical facilities in Canada.

“Being an engineer by training and involved in innovation my entire career, I am fascinated by how research in biomechanics can help solve some of these major problems in orthopaedic surgery,” says John.

“I am so grateful for the care I received by Dr. Beaulé and his team,” he adds. “We need to actively support and enhance this kind of specialized care so that it can be available to all Canadians – It got me wondering about the need for and benefits of further developing Canadian national centres of excellence for specialized treatments such as what I received. The Ottawa Hospital’s orthopaedic department is indeed a national treasure.”

Categories: Donors

Published: May 2024

From now until August 31st, Waterdon will match the donation of each new monthly donor for a year.

“There is a story to every donation that we make,” Russell Grass explains.

He and his wife Linda have been supporting local charities and initiatives in the community, both personally and through their companies, for many years, and there is always a story behind the good work they do.

Like making sure there are enough Toys R Us gift cards to go around during the holidays, because “I can’t imagine a child going without presents at Christmas,” says Russell. Or answering a call for help from The Ottawa Mission to make sure they had the downpayment for the van they desperately needed to carry out their vital work.

Their philanthropy spans across many other organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Dreams Take Flight, Candlelighters, the Stittsville Food Bank, and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. And their businesses, Waterdon Construction, Merlin Door Systems, and Alloy Fabrications, have also been making a difference in the lives of countless members of their community.

But it’s their support of healthcare that tells a deeply personal story, and it’s why they are issuing a match gift opportunity through their company, Waterdon, for new monthly donors to The Ottawa Hospital.

Linda was treated at the former Breast Health Centre, and Russell is receiving care through the Division of Urology. Both of Russell’s parents died of heart disease, and Linda’s father died from cancer.

“I also lost my sister — my best friend,” says Russell. “My brother had cancer twice, and he had a heart attack. I have good friends who are patients at the Men’s Health Clinic.”

"To me, supporting healthcare in Ottawa is incredibly important.”

— Russell Grass

When the Grass Family Men’s Health Clinic opened at The Ottawa Hospital in 2021, creating a dedicated space for excellence in men’s healthcare and research, it was those personal stories that inspired them. “It can be difficult when facing a health scare,” Russell said at the time. “We know this from personal experience. From research to diagnostics and testing to ongoing care. — we wanted to be part of ensuring the people of Ottawa had access to this kind of excellent care.”

When it came to supporting the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, it was yet another story that inspired Russell and Linda.

As he considered making a donation, Russell’s thoughts kept turning to a friend who had undergone cancer treatment and had experienced anxiety over a lack of privacy during some parts of that treatment.

He learned that when the new hospital campus opens, it will open with additional beds, all designed with patient well-being in mind and using evidence-based design principles to create spaces that go beyond medical care, fostering an environment conducive to healing.

A key feature of this approach is the one-patient, one-bedroom, one-bathroom model. This ensures better infection control, greater privacy, and a more restful environment for patients.

“Every time I thought about those one-patient rooms, I thought about my friend."

— Russell Grass

When it came time to make the decision to donate, it was these thoughts of his friend that inspired him. “I think we should do this. We should get in on the front end of this.”

Though Russell and Linda are community philanthropists, it’s not something they’ve often spoken about. “We’ve always been behind the curtains,” explains Russell. “It’s only in the last two years and a half that we’ve become vocal about our support.”

By coming forward, they’re hoping to help instill a community-minded spirit in everyone around them.

“Ottawa has been very good to us, and we want to give back to this city we love and call home. Our kids are here, and their families are all here,” says Russell. “It’s the right thing to do.”

With this sentiment top of mind, Waterdon is hoping to inspire others with a special gift-matching opportunity. From now until August 31st, Waterdon will match the donation of each new monthly donor for a year.*

Russell and Linda hope sharing their story — and the stories that have moved them to make their community a better place — will inspire others to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow and ensure a better healthcare future, right here in Ottawa.

(*up to $100,000)

Monthly gifts provide a predictable source of much-needed funding and offer donors the convenience of evenly distributed automatic payments.

Categories: Donors, Donors, Donors, Donors

Published: May 2024

Emmy Cogan was extremely tiny when she arrived in this world, but the impact of her birth was big. Born at 23 weeks gestation, she weighed only 515 grams — that’s just over one pound. Emmy was one of nine babies enrolled in a world-first cell therapy trial to heal the lungs of preemies and was the first in North America to receive the therapy. Now, that promising trial is ready for its next phase.

Her early arrival happened not long after first-time parents Alicia Racine and Mike Cogan returned from a trip to Hawaii. Alicia was back at work as a 911 operator for the Ottawa Police when her water broke.

“My sister works with me, and she brought me to The Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus. I was in a lot of pain, and I wasn’t too sure what was going on. And then we found out that it was contractions, and I started dilating,” explains Alicia.

The baby would hold on for another six days before being born on February 20, 2023. Those few extra days in the womb were critical to give Emmy a chance at life. “It changed the game entirely for us and her. She was able to be intubated, and she just started fighting from that moment on,” explains Mike.

Health challenges lie ahead

Initially, Emmy was cared for in The Ottawa Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), followed by 10 days at CHEO before returning to our hospital.

Emmy’s first month of life faced many challenges, including a duct between her heart and lungs that wouldn’t close, gastro-intestinal issues causing her to become septic, and concerns of a blood infection. Once Emmy got through those life-threatening issues, she was extubated and put on a high-flow oxygen. “We got to hold her for the first time at that point and my parents were able to be there for that, which was really nice,” says Mike.

Emmy also developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This is a condition known to affect many preemies. Because these infants are born so prematurely, their tiny lungs are underdeveloped and require extra oxygen to help them breathe properly. But giving this oxygen — critical for survival — can damage their tiny lungs. It’s like starting life with emphysema.

The devastating impact of BPD

In Canada, 1,000 babies are diagnosed with BPD every year. That number jumps to approximately 150,000 worldwide. Often, babies with BPD develop other chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, and may require prolonged oxygen and ventilation.

Additionally, they have a high rate of hospital readmissions in the first two years of life. Babies with BPD often have problems in other organs as well, such as the brain or eyes. There is currently no cure, but this world-first clinical trial led by Dr. Bernard Thébaud, a senior scientist and neonatologist, hopes to change that.

Two decades ago, Dr. Thébaud’s team discovered that stem cells from the umbilical cord — known as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) — could heal lung injury and prevent BPD in newborn rodents. Since then, the team has worked tirelessly, here at home and collaborating with other scientists around the world, to bring this novel therapy to babies and their families through clinical trials. While other trials have tested MSCs for treatment of BPD in premature babies, no other group has used MSCs taken from the whole umbilical cord and processed them the way that Dr. Thébaud’s team has. 

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia — or BPD — is a chronic lung disease that most often occurs in premature or low-weight babies who have received supplemental oxygen or received mechanical ventilation for long periods.

Learn More

“In our rodent research, we’ve used stem cells isolated from the umbilical cords of healthy newborns to prevent lung injury or even to some degree regenerate the damaged lung,” says Dr. Thébaud. “We foresee that these stem cells, given during a certain time during the hospital stay of these babies, could prevent the progression of the disease.”

Shortly after Emmy’s birth, her parents met Chantal Horth, a clinical trial coordinator, and were introduced to Dr. Thébaud. “Chantal came to us and said Emmy qualified for the trial,” remembers Mike. “It sounded like a great opportunity.”

"Being a preemie, she’s going to have some health issues, and anything that could help her, we wanted to give her that extra shot."

— Alicia Racine

Saying ‘yes’ to a world-first clinical trial

The couple met with Dr. Thébaud, and he answered a long list of questions they had about the trial. “He’s a very personable guy, and it was very easy to talk to him. We trusted him. Being a preemie, she’s going to have some health issues, and anything that could help her, we wanted to give her that extra shot,” says Alicia.

To qualify for the trial, the premature babies — born at 23- or 24-weeks’ gestation at The Ottawa Hospital — had to be seven to 21 days old and treated in the NICU. They also had to require 35% oxygen. This level of oxygen puts them at 60-70% risk of developing BPD. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre recruited one baby, becoming the second site involved.

On March 3, 2023, at 11 days old, Emmy received an IV infusion of umbilical cord tissue grown from the donated cords of healthy newborns. It was a special moment for everyone involved. She was the first baby in North America to receive this kind of therapy.

"This is the first trial of its kind in the world, and what could be more rewarding than helping preemies?"

– Dr. Bernard Thébaud

“Dr. Thébaud administered the stem cells, and everyone clapped,” says Mike. “She will have follow-up appointments at different stages for two years, and then she’s going to be followed up by phone for 10 years.”

For Dr. Thébaud, it was a moment he and his team had dreamed about. “It was an exciting and huge milestone when that day arrived — after 20 years of work we were able to test this therapy for the first time in a patient. This is the first trial of its kind in the world and what could be more rewarding than helping preemies?”

The next step for this stem cell trial

Thanks to those nine tiny patients, including Emmy, recruitment for the Phase 1 trial is now complete. The purpose of this trial is to test the feasibility and safety of the stem cell therapy. The next phase will test safety as well as how effective it is.

"All the stars lined up to have her be a part of that little piece of history — something that could impact babies like her in the future.”

– Alicia Racine

“Now we can determine if this therapy will make a difference in patients,” explains Dr. Thébaud. “There will be two groups in the next phase — one that will receive cells and one that will receive the placebo — it’s a randomized controlled trial. We’ll need 168 patients to determine if these stem cells make a difference.”

While babies for the first phase were recruited from NICUs at The Ottawa Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the next phase will be a multi-centre trial across the country. Dr. Thébaud hopes it will begin by the end of 2024 and it will take two years.

“Working with babies is, I think, the most beautiful job on Earth. Because they’re born, and they have all their life and all their potential in front of them. Our task is to give them a great jumpstart,” says Dr. Thébaud.

As for Emmy, she left the hospital five months after she was born, and while Mike and Alicia don’t know if the stem cells impacted her health, Emmy is doing well. “We don’t know what she would be like without it, but she’s awesome right now,” says Mike. “We felt very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time for our little girl.”

It’s something Alicia feels makes Emmy all the more unique. “All the stars lined up to have her be a part of that little piece of history — something that could impact babies like her in the future,” explains Alicia.

That’s certainly what Dr. Thébaud is hoping for. “It would change the way we care for premature babies. It’s my hope that these tiny patients have a chance to thrive, grow up, and have an impact on the world around them.”

Emmy doesn’t know she’s made history, but that’s ok. For now, she’s keeping her parents busy. She’s pulling herself up and will be walking in no time. She’s also been off oxygen since November 2023, giving her even more mobility. “It was really fun to have her free. We had a cordless baby for the first time! That was a big step when she didn’t need to rely on the oxygen anymore,” smiles Mike.

This Phase 1 trial is funded by the Stem Cell Network with in-kind matching funds from MDTB Cells GmbH. Dr. Thébaud’s research is also possible because of funding from the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and the CHEO Foundation. 

Categories: Clinical Trials, NICU, Stem Cell, World-Leading Research

Published: April 2024

Picture hundreds of medical images mapped out into a concise report so a surgical team can plan a complicated surgery to remove a rare cancerous tumour. Then, picture a virtual reality (VR) system taking all that imaging and giving the surgeon a 3D view that allows them to move within the patient’s body — just like a video game — before surgery. It’s a whole new way of surgical planning, and this new technology was used for the first time in Canada right here at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH).

When Emeric Leblanc was 13, he started to have pain in his left leg. It was initially believed to be growing pains, but as months went by, the pain worsened. “I used to play basketball, and then I couldn’t anymore because it hurt so much. It would keep me awake at night. Then it got to the point where I had trouble walking,” explains Emeric.

Eventually, he would undergo a series of tests. On December 8, 2021, now 14 years old, Emeric sat with his mom and dad at CHEO and learned he had Ewing sarcoma. This type of cancer forms in the bones — most often in children between age 10 and 20. The teen’s growing tumour was in his pelvis and about 12 cm in diameter — the size of a grapefruit.

Grasping the complexity of a Ewing sarcoma tumour

While it was a shock to hear the word cancer, deep down Emeric says he already expected further tests would reveal it was cancerous. What was especially hard to digest was the news that he wasn’t going back to school.

“Everything changed in that moment,” explains Emeric’s mom, Hélène Lachance. “There was a lot of information to digest about the treatment plan and how we could prepare him for that.”

He returned to school to retrieve all his belongings because chemotherapy treatment started right away. He needed to have his braces removed, and was referred to a fertility clinic, because chemotherapy could make him infertile. It was a great deal for this teen to absorb. No longer as active as he wanted to be, he became much more invested in video games — a sign of what was to come, since VR would be used to help save his life.

A collaborative team effort

“It was a collaboration of top-notch medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical teams between TOH and CHEO. A lot of great people came together to help Emeric.”

— Dr. Joel Werier

For more than a year, Emeric spent most of his time in the hospital. A team from The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO came together to give him the best possible chance at a healthy, active life. “It was a collaboration of top-notch medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical teams between TOH and CHEO. A lot of great people came together to help Emeric,” explains Dr. Joel Werier, Head of The Ottawa Hospital Sarcoma Program and orthopaedic oncologist.

Also, an integral part of the team effort was Dr. Kawan Rakhra, a senior musculoskeletal radiologist at our hospital. Both doctors are also working with Realize Medical, the company behind the new VR technology used for Emeric’s surgery.

They each played a pivotal role in tackling Emeric’s challenging case. The tumour was on the pelvis and coming quite close to the left hip joint. The goal was to remove part of the pelvis but save the hip joint, because without it, he wouldn’t have the same function of his leg. However, removing a pelvis is probably one of the more complex surgeries in medicine, according to Dr. Werier.

Stepping inside the patient through VR

That’s where the unique use of technology comes into play. The first step was chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour, followed by radiation. With the tumour located on Emeric’s pelvis, a plan was needed to save his hip joint.

“This is where the VR system was really critical. It allowed us to clearly understand the exact anatomy of the tumour and its relation to important structures, including the hip joint,” explains Dr. Werier.

To best prepare a team to care for a patient, Dr. Rakhra must examine a litany of scans. In his area of expertise, whether it’s an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or more, there can sometimes be 1,000+ images to scroll through, review, and create a detailed report to help with staging a cancer or planning a surgery. It takes an extensive amount of time and can be overwhelming.

“If as the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth 1,000 words,' well then a 3D virtual reality model is worth a million, and it's going to transform how we use radiology in surgical planning.”
— Dr. Kawan Rakhra

Q&A with Dr. Rawan Rakhra

“Tumours tend to be complex and challenging for radiologists, surgeons, and oncologists to really understand the intricate anatomy, the location, and relationship to other critical tissues in the organs,” explains Dr. Rakhra.
The VR system is a game-changer on many levels. Using technology previously used by the video gaming industry, surgical teams can view a customized 3D image of the tumour, then VR headsets help them step inside the patient’s virtual space and make a much more concise surgical plan. “It’s a paradigm shift in radiology where, traditionally, we look at these raw CT or MRI images and generate independent, descriptive reports that are sent to surgeons. But now, we found a way to further process them, integrate them, and convert them into a 3D model, which is a far more informative and powerful tool,” says Dr. Rakhra. “If as the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth 1,000 words,’ well then a 3D virtual reality model is worth a million, and it’s going to transform how we use radiology in surgical planning.”

VR at The Ottawa Hospital

There is virtually nothing as disruptive in healthcare right now as VR — or virtual reality, if you’ll excuse the pun. This technology is being used across disciplines to improve patient safety, outcomes, and efficiency, while reducing costs and recovery times. It is transforming training and education today, with lifesaving implications tomorrow.

VR in action

3D VR is used to increase the accuracy of deep brain stimulation surgery for patients with Parkinson’s

The Rehabilitation Centre’s virtual reality system helps patients in rehab recover skills like balancing and walking

Patients undergoing cancer treatment can get coaching or take a virtual getaway to the mountains or the beach

A whole new perspective for the surgical team

For Dr. Werier, it gives a whole new perspective for him and his surgical team. “It allows me to see things the way they’re meant to be seen — in three dimensions, the way our eyes would see them,” explains Dr. Werier. “It allows us to better understand the intricate anatomy and manipulate the images — for example, move nerves out of the way. We can share this with other members of the team and with the patient.”
And there lies another key benefit to this technology — the patient gets a much better understanding of their diagnosis and care plan. “When you show a tumour on an MRI scan, it’s not quite as appreciated as it is in a VR system,” adds Dr. Werier.
As for Emeric, he experienced VR by playing video games in the past, but this took him inside his own body to view what his surgical team had to do and to better understand the process.

Emeric in hospital after surgery.

“It was very cool. I could move it around — zoom in, zoom out. I could see the important veins and nerves that they try not to cut. It was also cool that I was the first to experience this.”

— Emeric Leblanc

On July 5, 2022, he became the first patient in Canada to undergo surgery using this new VR program. It was a very delicate surgery that included removing the left side of his pelvis and removing the entire tumour. Thanks to this technology, Dr. Werier was able to save the teen’s hip joint, allowing Emeric to regain his mobility and resume the activities he loved so much — like fishing and camping.

Emeric camping.

Often, Emeric can be found fishing on his dad’s boat.

Immense gratitude to have a skilled team and technology close to home

As a parent, it was a stressful time, but Hélène says seeing the tumour through the VR provided reassurance. “It was such a big surgery but seeing all this and the expertise of the team, I knew they were going to take care of my son. Dr. Werier was awesome. I mean, he saved my son’s life. We’ll always be grateful to him.”
After Emeric recovered from the 14-hour surgery, he required more chemotherapy, but today he’s doing well. Dr. Werier explains the goal was curative, and they will monitor Emeric closely in the coming years.
“It’s a complex operation — he’s a remarkable young man, and he did great. The VR helped us a lot. It’s much more intuitive, it gets people on the same page, and it’s much more efficient. It builds confidence in the surgical team.”

The teen, who is now 16, is back at school, back with his friends, and getting stronger every day. The only difference now is he wears a shoe with a thicker sole on his left foot because his leg is slightly shorter. He also plays video games with a whole new appreciation for VR gaming.
It’s this technology that is setting the stage for the next generation of surgeons and will give healthcare teams the most effective opportunities to provide the best care options to patients.
“This is the next evolution in how we look at things — a lot of this technology is homegrown in Ottawa, and I think it’s going to lead the virtual technology medical imaging industry. We’re excited about it,” says Dr. Werier.

Download or stream episode 96 to hear more about the impact of the VR technology on patient care with Dr. Kawan Rakhra.

Listen Now:

This success story began with the creation of Realize Medical in 2019, an Ottawa start-up company led by Dr. Justin Sutherland and Dr. Daniel La Russa. Both are physicists at The Ottawa Hospital, who saw an opportunity to further advance patient care using a technology most of us associate with video games. Other key contributors are Dr. Teresa Flaxman and Dr. Yusra Al Mosuli. In fact, Dr. Flaxman has been instrumental in elevating the 3D visualization program within our hospital and has been at the core of the VR modelling process with Drs. Werier and Rakhra since the early developments. Dr. Mosuli has been instrumental in the path forward including the Canadian first moment for this software program, Elucis, and Emeric’s surgery.

Research is critical for finding the best ways to use this technology and proving that it’a effective. Realize Medical has many research collaborations with various teams at The Ottawa Hospital to evaluate and implement their technology.

The Ottawa Hospital is a leading academic health, research, and learning hospital proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa. All researchers at The Ottawa Hospital follow a Responsible Innovation framework for developing and commercializing innovations in a responsible way.

Categories: Cancer, Innovation and Technology, Innovation and Technology, Patient Care, Technology

Agnès Jaouich and her husband Rémy.

Published: March 2024

Agnès Jaouich and her husband Rémy strongly believe in the power of giving back. Their journey of supporting The Ottawa Hospital began two decades ago, when Rémy was a hospital pharmacist in the region and Agnès was appointed as vice-chair of the first Ottawa Hospital Board. In that role, she saw firsthand the dedication of the staff, the challenges they faced, and their unwavering commitment to their patients.

“It was obvious that there was a need for funding to support the healthcare of the community,” says Agnès, “so we became monthly donors, and are now supporting The Campaign to Create Tomorrow.”

Their dedication became deeply personal when, in 2021, Rémy was diagnosed with colon cancer. Dr. Robin Boushey’s team at The Ottawa Hospital started working immediately. The results after surgery were encouraging, and thankfully, no further treatment was needed.

But their journey wasn’t over.

“As soon as the diagnosis was made, Nurse Kelly tapped Rémy’s shoulder and said, ‘Welcome to the family.’…She understood the effect of this news and wanted Rémy to know that they would take care of him.”

— Agnès Jaouich

A year later, Rémy faced another battle, this time with bladder cancer. At the Urology Clinic, Dr. Jeffrey Warren identified the tumor. “As soon as the diagnosis was made,” Agnès recounts, “Nurse Kelly tapped Rémy’s shoulder and said, ‘Welcome to the family.’ She knew that Rémy would have many visits. She understood the effect of this news and wanted Rémy to know that they would take care of him.”

They were referred to Dr. Scott Morgan and Dr. Christina Canil, who developed and led Rémy’s radiation and chemotherapy treatments with expertise and optimism, offering hope in the face of adversity.

“The difference between my parents’ cancer treatments and Rémy’s was like night and day. One can see how important research and innovation are for treating cancer and how donations can make an impact.”

— Agnès Jaouich

“Through this process, every member of the team was there for him,” Agnès recalls. “Whether responding to his questions or his discomfort during treatments, they always had a positive and encouraging approach.”

Rémy surrounded by family on Father’s Day weekend 2023.

Agnès and Rémy.

The experience also reinforced her feelings about the importance of research at The Ottawa Hospital. “I lost both of my parents to cancer, and they both passed away at a young age. The difference between my parents’ cancer treatments and Rémy’s was like night and day. One can see how important research and innovation are for treating cancer and how donations can make an impact.”

As Rémy’s last visit to the hospital yielded no signs of cancer, Agnès and Rémy found themselves embracing life with renewed vigor. “After the treatments, he has gone back to a normal way of life,” Agnès shares.

For them, The Campaign to Create Tomorrow isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating a future where every patient receives the care and compassion they deserve.

Thanks to our monthly donors, like Agnès and Rémy, we continue to see breakthroughs in research and care that once seemed unachievable become the healthcare we count on today.

Categories:

Posts navigation

Older posts
Newer posts

From humble beginnings to a vibrant life — kidney transplant recipient gives back

Category: Creating Tomorrow

A leading infectious disease expert drawn to The Ottawa Hospital

The “art” of philanthropy

A shared passion for giving

A legacy for the future of healthcare

Brain aneurysm brings patient to the Civic’s Emergency Department

What is pulsatile tinnitus?

Pioneering a new treatment for pulsatile tinnitus

Not settling for the status quo

Listen Now:

Seeking expertise on orthopaedics

Looking ahead and better than ever

Health challenges lie ahead

The devastating impact of BPD

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Saying ‘yes’ to a world-first clinical trial

The next step for this stem cell trial

Grasping the complexity of a Ewing sarcoma tumour

A collaborative team effort

Stepping inside the patient through VR

VR at The Ottawa Hospital

VR in action

A whole new perspective for the surgical team

Immense gratitude to have a skilled team and technology close to home

Listen Now:

From humble beginnings to a vibrant life — kidney transplant recipient gives back

A leading infectious disease expert drawn to The Ottawa Hospital

The “art” of philanthropy

A shared passion for giving

A legacy for the future of healthcare

Brain aneurysm brings patient to the Civic’s Emergency Department

What is pulsatile tinnitus?

Pioneering a new treatment for pulsatile tinnitus

Not settling for the status quo

Listen Now:

Seeking expertise on orthopaedics

Looking ahead and better than ever

Health challenges lie ahead

The devastating impact of BPD

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Saying ‘yes’ to a world-first clinical trial

The next step for this stem cell trial

Grasping the complexity of a Ewing sarcoma tumour

A collaborative team effort

Stepping inside the patient through VR

VR at The Ottawa Hospital

VR in action

A whole new perspective for the surgical team

Immense gratitude to have a skilled team and technology close to home

Listen Now:

More Inspiring Stories