UHN shows world-changing power of donations in TV commercial debut
UHN has unveiled its first television commercial as part of the second phase of its UHNITED campaign, highlighting UHN's significant impact on health care and the vital role that donors play in making this impact possible.
This new wave of the UHNITED campaign comes on the heels of the City of Toronto declaring Sept. 23 to 27 "University Health Network Week," dedicated to celebrating the achievements of TeamUHN.
The campaign features five authentic and powerful stories that demonstrate how UHN is reimagining health care — from piloting a peer support program to care for Toronto's most vulnerable in the Emergency Department, to developing artificial intelligence technology to assist surgeons in real time.
With the tagline "It takes a city to change the world," the campaign aims to inspire Toronto and GTA communities to come together to reimagine health care, and reminds them that donations of any size are what make never-been-done ideas a reality in their local community and beyond.
Directed by award-winning Brent Foster, the spot features real UHN employees, donors and a handful of patients whose lives were positively impacted through revolutionary treatment at UHN. These inspiring and life-changing moments trigger literal impact waves that spread across the hospital, the city and beyond — an unignorable metaphor for UHN's contributions to health care here and around the globe.
"We want everyone to know that the No. 1 hospital in Canada is right here in the GTA, and it is responsible for advancing medicine on a global scale," says Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. "When we come together as a community, even the smallest donation makes a difference.
"We can all play a role in changing the status quo of health care, and through this campaign we invite the community to join us in our mission."
The UHNITED campaign was produced by Zulu Alpha Kilo in partnership with UHN Foundation, with Havas Media Canada overseeing the media strategy in partnership with The Aber Group. The campaign is running across TV, cinema, print, digital and out-of-home placements from Sept. 25 to Dec. 31, including a Union Station domination campaign from Sept. 25 to Oct. 23.
To learn more about UHN Foundation or to donate, please visit UHNITED.ca.
UHN-University of Waterloo partnership will drive innovation in cancer care through AI
UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the University of Waterloo have launched a unique partnership to use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and quantum technology to revolutionize cancer research, clinical care and education.
Leaders and delegations from both world-class institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 30 at the Waterloo campus to formally launch this initiative at a time when AI is transforming cancer care.
"This collaboration is a unique opportunity to harness the power of technology and drive innovation in personalized cancer care and research," said Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO of UHN, who addressed the meeting via video conference. "At UHN, we are committed to partnering with leading institutions like the University of Waterloo to bring forward solutions that go beyond boundaries."
"The rapid evolution of digital and data capabilities presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize cancer care and research," added Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President, Cancer, UHN, and Director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Program. "Together, we are setting the stage for the next era in cancer care."
Machine learning, AI, computer science, and quantum technologies can have real-life impact on research, health outcomes and patient care. UHN appointed a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer earlier this year, and has launched an AI Hub designed to augment human intelligence through AI health care innovation.
The Princess Margaret also launched Cancer Digital Intelligence in 2023, dedicated to transforming cancer care, accelerating discoveries and optimizing operations using responsible AI and meaningful technology.
The Waterloo partnership is the next step in the evolution.
Waterloo is an international leader in the development of innovative health technologies that deliver care in ways that are portable, low cost and reach under-served communities. Waterloo's researchers and entrepreneurs excel in advancing human-centred technology solutions; it has a long and successful track record of collaborations with hospitals and industry partners.
"By sharing our expertise, technology and resources, we're contributing to a future of better health outcomes for Canadians by maximizing efficiencies and unlocking new potential," said Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. "Our joint efforts will accelerate advancements in cancer treatment, diagnostics and patient care, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical technology."
AI can help develop personalized treatment plans for patients; optimize radiation therapy; streamline the documentation process; help with drug discovery and clinical trials; and empower patients to manage their health.
The partnership initiative will also facilitate further educational opportunities for students, providers and trainees, and build on existing co-op programs. Both institutions will work to offer stimulus grants that can foster future collaboration and undertake studies that address challenges and improve outcomes in cancer care.
Waterloo's AI-related projects span the areas of disease detection and treatment to improve the overall quality of care and integrate with existing health systems to offer more precise and personalized services.
The partnership aligns with PM's commitment to leverage the power of digital intelligence and data science to revolutionize human decision-making in cancer care and come up with new and unexpected paradigms in care.
Piano resumes making beautiful music on Specialized Dementia Unit
The piano on the Specialized Dementia Unit (SDU) at Toronto Rehab, University Centre is back in the business of making beautiful music after some key support from a local company.
Staff on the 17-bed unit engage patients in a variety of weekly music programs accompanied by live music thanks to a beautiful upright piano and volunteer pianists.
Earlier this year, the volunteer pianists noticed a key on the piano was broken. Upon further investigation, it was found that the instrument needed major, costly repairs.
Merriam Music, a piano store and music school, was contacted. When they learned how the piano was used on the SDU, they were willing to complete the repair at no cost.
Music is a powerful, universal tool that elicits emotions and deep core memories. It has the ability to improve mood, bring people together and help us unwind. This is especially true on the unit.
The piano has been used on the SDU for special holiday events, when love ballads are played for Valentine's Day and for winter themed songs in December. It provides background ambiance and entertainment for Tea Social events on the unit, and accompanies old-time songs serenaded by the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir.
When the piano is played, the response by patients is immediate. They will sway, hum and dance to the music, while some non-verbal patients will begin singing to songs that light up the room. Music is well known to connect despite cognitive and language barriers.
One recreation therapist on the unit recalls a patient who would play a particular song on the piano and tell her, "I used to play this song for my wife."
The staff, volunteers, patients and families of the Specialized Dementia Unit would like to extend their gratitude to Merriam Music for their generosity in allowing the music to continue on the SDU.
The Princess Margaret hosts scholars from MD Anderson
The research division of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) hosted 13 scientists from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for the Slaight Breakthrough Forum.
The one-day symposium was designed to foster collaborations between researchers from both institutions.
Dr. Aaron Schimmer, Research Director at PM, and his team worked for about a year putting together the event, coordinating speakers and organizing presentations into three streams: novel threapeutics, metabolism and hypoxia, and tumour ecosystem.
During the event, a select group of PM researchers, including scientists, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, showcased their latest work, contributed to the discussion and highlighted a diverse range of research being conducted there.
A highlight was the announcement of the inaugural Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and MD Anderson Cancer Center Joint Seed Grant recipients. The funding, made possible by the Allan Slaight Breakthrough Fund and MD Anderson, aims to promote cross-institutional collaborations in both discovery and translational research.
"We look forward to seeing the groundbreaking advancements that will emerge from these collaborations, and to continuing our joint efforts to push the boundaries of cancer research and treatment," says Dr. Schimmer. "This collaboration with MD Anderson highlights how science is a team sport, and we can accomplish more by working together."
The success of the Slaight Breakthrough Forum signifies the commitment of both Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and MD Anderson to ongoing collaboration and innovation in the fight against cancer.
Thousands face off at Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer for the Princess Margaret
More than 1800 participants and celebrity ambassadors came together for the 2024 Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, fuelled by Longo's.
The passionate players and supporters from across Canada and the United States raised an event fundraising record of $3.17 million towards innovative cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world.
Now in its 13th year, the event has raised more than $33 million since inception.
"Every faceoff, pass and shot has the potential to help save a life," says Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "By taking part in Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, players are directly supporting innovative research that changes the outcomes for cancer patients and families here in Canada and around the world.
"The hockey community is generous and inspiring — we are beyond grateful to all participants, donors, volunteers and sponsors who continue to share their passion for a world free from the fear of cancer through their love of road hockey."
The one-day event began with puck drop and a moving opening ceremony that included speeches from Team Canada para hockey team captain, Tyler McGregor, his Princess Margaret orthopaedic oncologist, Dr. Peter Ferguson, and a pipe band procession, led by Pipe Major Glenn Healy and The Highland Creek Pipe Band.
As per tradition, this year's top fundraising teams had celebrity ambassadors drafted to their team for an extra edge, including Maple Leaf legends and fan favourites, Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler, 1997 NHL Coach of the Year, Ted Nolan, and rising PWHL stars, Julia Gosling and Maggie Connors.
"Two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. I am that two in five," said Ted Nolan. "This is one battle I'm hoping I can help others avoid.
"Participating in this event means everything to me — I love seeing our hockey community come together to help raise crucial funds for cancer research that will benefit our future generations."
While this year's tournament has come to a close, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation encourages new and returning participants to register online for next year's Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event.
