Members of TeamUHN bask in the glow of Olympic gold
UHN connections run deep for one of Canada's most dramatic gold medals at the Summer Olympics.
The sons of two longtime members of TeamUHN flew around the rain-soaked track in Paris on their way to glory, winning the men's 4x100-metre relay — a result that thrilled fans and stunned experts.
The team, which includes Aaron Brown, son of Ian Brown, ophthalmology technician at UHN's Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, and Brendon Rodney, son of Nerissa Maxwell, Nurse Manager on 5B Fell at Toronto Western Hospital, had qualified in the eighth and last spot for the Olympic final.
The veteran Canadian team, which also included seven-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse and Jerome Blake, crossed the line in 37.50 seconds, just 0.7 seconds ahead of second place South Africa, and 0.11 seconds ahead of third place Great Britain.
Their team sprint to the Olympic title followed disappointing individual results earlier in the Games.
"I'm extremely proud of him because he had not been having a good Olympics individually up to that point, and we've been saying it's okay, the next race, the next race," said Ian Brown, who watched the race on his laptop. “This was a good redemption run for him, and I'm very proud of him for hanging in there."
Nerissa was in Paris to cheer Brendon on to victory.
This same team won the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, Ore.
This gold medal is not just a tribute to the ability of these outstanding athletes, but also the support and encouragement they have received from their parents, throughout their lives.
Northern Pass to Conquer Cancer sets fundraising record
Committed to a fundraising mission for cancer research first and a ride second, a mighty team of over 400 cyclists took part in the sold-out Northern Pass to Conquer Cancer, raising a record of more than $1.5 million.
The eighth annual event on Aug. 10, powered by Pass It Along Foundation, returned to beautiful Muskoka, picturesque Ontario cottage country. Since its inception, the region's premiere cycling event has raised more than $5 million for cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The success of this year's event was driven by increased ridership, a strong fundraising effort from the
Les Domestiques cycling team led by co-Honorary Chairs, Rob and Sloane Keilty, and generous sponsorship from Michelle Reisman and her Pass It Along Foundation.
Funds raised will enable researchers and research staff at the Princess Margaret — a global leader in cancer research — to generate even more breakthrough discoveries that will revolutionize cancer treatment and care for patients in Canada and around the world.
Departing from the Bracebridge Sportsplex start line, riders of all skill levels gathered for a special ceremony before embarking on a cycling journey. Each rider challenged themselves by taking on a route of 40, 80, 100 or 160 kilometres.
Camaraderie, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the cause kept riders, cancer survivors, patients and their loved ones motivated to continue towards the finish line one pedal at a time.
Francis Macapagal, whose late father passed away from lung cancer in 2020, is one of the many individuals who embarked on the adventurous ride. A five-time participant, Francis rides to honour his father and to give back to The Princess Margaret, and says the Northern Pass also enables him to celebrate his two loves: his dad and cycling.
To learn more about Northern Pass, please visit
northernpass.ca
Rehab-style Olympics unfold at Toronto Rehab, University Centre
Toronto Rehab has embraced the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In an inspiring display, staff on the Inpatient Stroke Unit 9 South at Toronto Rehab, University Centre launched their own version of the Summer Olympics for patients — transforming their ward into an arena complete with modified versions of Games such as soccer and javelin.
"Being physiotherapists and occupational therapists, we're all very sports inclined, so we all get excited about the Olympics," says Christina Samy, a physiotherapist on 9 South. "We thought it would be fun if we did a mini rehab-style Olympics on the unit, and so we made it happen."
Each game was adapted for accessibility for both wheelchair users and those with walking aids, and staff chose games that were easily adaptable for each patient.
For example, a balloon was used for soccer-style goal kicks and volleyball so that those who use wheelchairs could participate, and pool noodles and hula hoops hung from ceilings were part of the javelin throw. A support person was with those who were able to stand.
The event began with a mini opening ceremony with Olympic-style torch that was relayed around the unit. It ended with a closing ceremony in which staff awarded patients with decorative gold medals.
"The patients and their family members were all very appreciative," says Christina, who says that her team is always looking for creative ways to increase patient participation on the unit outside of regular therapy sessions.
"Everyone had a great time, and it was a nice way for everyone to come together at the end of an afternoon just to have some fun."
Ontario Ministers tour UHN's West Park Healthcare Centre
UHN's West Park Healthcare Centre recently played host to a visiting delegation from Queen's Park.
Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism, toured the new hospital building and long-term care centre.
The meticulously planned tour of the state-of-the-art facility included visits to a patient room, inpatient and outpatient gyms, therapy pool, an activities of daily living suite and the auditorium. It also highlighted the hospital's cutting-edge architecture and advanced equipment.
"Minister Kusendova-Bashta was particularly impressed with the accessibility features and the thoughtful design focused on patient needs," says Shelley Ditty, Vice-President of Campus Development and Support Services at West Park, who led the tour along with Corinne Wong, West Park's Vice-President of Finance.
At the long-term care centre, the ministers received an equally warm welcome, participating in engaging interactions with patients and learning about the services and amenities that support quality care.
The visit highlighted West Park's integrated approach to care, which brings together specialized rehabilitative services, primary and long-term care, and independent living at a single site.
