Media Room
The media contact for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation is Leslie Dickson 604-806-9850 or e-mail ldickson@providencehealth.bc.ca
Media releases
1) Video tribute to Lights of Hope by Vancouver filmmaker Jon Rawlinson (December 17, 2009)
2) Canada’s first research chair in cardiovascular disease prevention chosen (November 20, 2009)
3) BMO Donates $100,000 to Innovative “STOP-HIV/AIDS” Program (October 2, 2009)
4) Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life™ campaign supports women’s heart health at St. Paul’s Hospital (September 26, 2009)
5) Former EnCana Corp. CEO and community leader donate $1.375M to honour vitreo-retinal surgeon who saved his sight (September 16, 2009)
6) RBC Foundation donates $1 million to fund new nurse program at St. Paul’s Hospital (May 7, 2009)
7) New Partnership Good for the Hearts of BC Women
(February 25, 2009)
8) St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raising money for Canada’s first high-definition CT scanner (February 3, 2009)
9) Gift of Hope dinner sets new record
(September 22, 2008)
10) Innovative New Cardiac Operating Room Opens at St. Paul's Hospital
(January 16, 2008)
11) New addiction research chair receives $2.25 million
(December 13, 2007)
12) The 2007 Lights of Hope display "goes live" November 16
(November 15, 2007)
13) St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and Simon Fraser University to establish the first Canadian chair in cardiovascular prevention research (October 16, 2007)
14) St. Paul’s fundraising dinner a resounding success
(September 18, 2007)
15) St. Paul’s Hospital light campaign raises more than $2.3 million
(January 12, 2007)
16) Fireworks to herald the lighting of St. Paul’s Lights of Hope Thursday at 6:55 pm (November 23, 2006)
17) St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation announces new officers and directors
(October 17, 2006)
18) BC's TB Vets helps fund ventilator for St. Paul’s Intensive Care Unit
(February 14, 2006)
19) St. Paul’s Hospital light campaign exceeds $1.5 million goal
(January 16, 2006)
20) St. Paul’s on-line auction a charitable
way to shop for unusual gifts
(November 30, 2005)
21) It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas:
St. Paul’s Hospital’s Lights of Hope to illuminate at 6:55 pm
(November 24, 2005)
22) Record $1.41 million raised during 2004
Lights of Hope
(January 12, 2005)
23) St. Paul’s Hospital’s Christmas
display to light up in glow of fireworks (November
30, 2004)
24) St. Paul’s Hospital
needs help to create a new high-tech operating room (June 3, 2004)
25) Christmas lights net record $1.2 million for St. Paul’s Hospital
(January 12, 2004)
26) Ship-in-a-Bottle Heart Surgery to Save Lives and Dollars
(Aug. 13, 2003)
1) Video tribute to Lights of Hope by Vancouver filmmaker Jon Rawlinson
Christmas Illumination! from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.
2) Media Release - November 20, 2009
Canada’s first research chair in cardiovascular disease prevention chosen
VANCOUVER, November 20, 2009 - Renowned B.C. kinesiologist and heart disease researcher Dr. Scott Lear is the inaugural recipient of the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research at St. Paul’s Hospital, established in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU).
Funding from this $4.6-million endowed chair will allow Dr. Lear to move his internationally renowned research program into a patient care setting, where he will have daily interaction with clinicians and patients. Working at the Providence Heart + Lung Institute based at St. Paul’s Hospital, he will investigate why people get heart disease and what they can do to prevent or manage it.
“We’re excited to have Scott in this position and anticipate this Chair will elevate his already remarkable work to make SFU a leader in this area and further the work of the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul’s Hospital,” says Dr. John O’Neil, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU.
Dr. Lear is a leading researcher in the area of cardiovascular disease in Canada. He has conducted several high-profile studies demonstrating the disparities in heart disease risk across different ethnic communities. Dr. Lear is also responsible for developing an internet-based cardiac rehabilitation program which provides prevention strategies that allow rural patients to receive care in their own homes. This program has helped contribute to improvements in patients’ cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight measurements. The additional funding will allow Dr. Lear to further explore how technology can help break down geographical barriers to prevent heart disease and provide tailored treatments for different populations in Canada.
“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in British Columbia, Canada and most countries throughout the world, yet much of this is preventable,” explains Dr. Andrew Ignaszewski, Division Head of Cardiology at St. Paul’s. “With our aging population, it is essential to focus on prevention to improve quality of life for patients and reduce the impact on the health care system.”
The chair was established in 2007 with $1.25 million from Pfizer Canada, $1.128 million from St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, including $1 million from an anonymous donor, $750,000 from Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon and $1.5 million from SFU.
“This position, with Dr. Lear’s leadership, will serve as a catalyst to further much needed research into the prevention of cardiovascular disease at the population level and recruit additional expert researchers in the field to advance research and ensure inclusion of cardiovascular disease prevention measures into clinical practice and health policy decisions,” says Dr. Bernard Prigent, Vice-President of Medical Affairs at Pfizer Canada.
“We are very excited about the establishment of this Chair,” says Ms. Bobbe Wood, President and CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon. “It ensures the advancement of research and that its application and the promotion of healthy living will be pushed to an even higher level.”
“The leadership contributions from SFU, Pfizer Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the anonymous donor to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation for this Chair will have a dramatic impact on heart disease prevention at St. Paul’s Hospital and SFU, improving the health of people in B.C. and beyond,” says Stephen Shapiro, President & CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. “On behalf of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our donors and partners for their leadership and generosity.”
Media Contacts
- Erica Branda
Simon Fraser University
778-782-3353 - Leah Lockhart
Providence Health Care
604-806-8882 - Julie-Catherine Racine
Pfizer Canada
514-693-4602 - Susan Pinton
Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon
604-737-3420
About the Chairholder, Dr. Scott Lear
Dr. Lear completed his undergraduate education at SFU in Kinesiology and a PhD degree in cardiovascular disease research at the University of British Columbia. Since then, he has established an internationally renowned research program in British Columbia. He holds multiple competitive grants and awards, including support from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU
The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) was launched in 2004 to create a new type of health faculty that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, educators, health professionals, students and the community. Its purpose is to train leaders to understand and to create new knowledge about the multiple factors that shape health over a lifespan and to apply this knowledge to develop healthy public policy. The FHS is innovative and embraces an environmental approach that recognizes the interactions and relationships among many determinants of health.
FHS is Canada’s largest and only independent Faculty of Health Sciences with a focus on population and public health. The establishment of this new faculty represents a major commitment by Simon Fraser University to expanding research and education in the health sciences.
Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul’s Hospital
The only organization of its kind in Canada, the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul’s Hospital (HLI), unites all of Providence Health Care’s heart and lung research, education and care programs under one umbrella. Home of the provincial Heart Centre, the Institute’s cardiac program provides a full spectrum of cardiac care-from research and prevention, to treatment, care and rehabilitation. HLI also works in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF Centre), anchored at St. Paul’s, which is devoted to identifying biomarkers of risk, presence and progression of heart, lung and kidney failure. For information, visit www.heartandlung.ca
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to support inspired care, research and teaching at St. Paul’s Hospital, a leading academic health science centre in Vancouver, Canada. www.helpstpauls.com
Pfizer Canada Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company. The company is one of the largest contributors to health research in Canada. Our diversified health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships, to our belief that it takes more than medication to be truly healthy. To learn more about Pfizer’s More than Medication philosophy and programs, visit morethanmedication.ca. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit www.pfizer.ca.
Heart and Stroke
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy. Health education and research findings are helping to reach our vision: Generations free of heart disease and stroke.
3) Media Release - October 2, 2009
BMO Donates $100,000 to Innovative “STOP-HIV/AIDS” Program
Funding to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Supports BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Program to Save Lives, Prevent HIV Transmission and Reduce Health Care Costs
VANCOUVER, October 2, 2009 - A $100,000 gift from BMO Financial Group to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation will provide important support to the STOP-HIV/AIDS program operated by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
St. Paul’s Hospital and Providence Health Care’s BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) are actively seeking to improve the health of people with HIV and related diseases through the development of comprehensive treatment programs and providing access to them.
“Our donation in support of The Centre’s STOP-HIV/AIDS reinforces our commitment to supporting and strengthening health care services, especially for those citizens who do not have the means or resources to seek the treatment they vitally need,” said Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal.
The STOP-HIV/AIDS program enhances the availability of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to all clinically eligible people in BC, specifically targeting under-serviced and hard-to-reach populations.
HAART is an effective therapeutic “cocktail” that decreases the level of HIV in the blood and virtually eliminates progression from HIV infection to AIDS.
“The BC-CfE has made the expansion of HAART the cornerstone of its effort to halt progression of the disease among those infected with HIV and transmission of the disease within the overall community,” said Julio Montaner, Director, BC-CfE and President, International AIDS Society. “BMO’s donation will provide significant benefits to all British Columbians, as STOP HIV/AIDS works to reduce the disease burden and HIV incidence throughout the province.”
Since 1817, BMO Financial Group, Canada’s first bank, has supported the principles of community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. BMO is one of Canada’s largest corporate benefactors. In 2008, the Bank contributed $47.7 million in Canada, including $23.7 million in charitable donations and $24 million in sponsorships and events.
“This generous contribution from BMO Financial Group recognizes the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS’ global leadership role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and provides crucial support for the Centre’s innovative approach to both treating and preventing HIV and AIDS in some of the province’s hard-to-reach and most vulnerable communities,” says Stephen Shapiro, President & CEO, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and other globally recognized leading programs at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Media Contacts
- Laurie Grant
BMO Financial Group
laurie.grant@bmo.com
604-665-7596 - Leslie Dickson
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation
ldickson@providencehealth.bc.ca
604-806-9850
4) Media Release - September 26, 2009
Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life™ campaign supports women’s heart health at St. Paul’s Hospital
VANCOUVER, B.C. SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 - St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and Shoppers Drug Mart® are partnering in an effort to raise funds to help improve the quality of life for women and their families across B.C. through the Tree of Life campaign. Now in its eighth year, the three-week fundraising campaign, running from September 26th through October 16th at over 1,150 Shoppers Drug Mart stores, will harvest much needed funds to support women’s heart health at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Help nurture women’s heart health at St. Paul’s As B.C.’s Heart Centre, St. Paul’s Hospital provides cardiac patients with crucial care and innovative procedures available nowhere else in the province like heart transplants and heart disease prevention programs.”
You can help nurture women’s heart health, education and research at St. Paul’s Hospital by visiting any local participating Shoppers Drug Mart store and purchasing a “leaf” for a loonie, a “maple leaf” for $5 or an “apple” for $50. Each time you contribute, you can personalize a “leaf” to be placed on a branch of the Tree of Life which will be prominently displayed in the store. Online contributions can be made by visiting www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
“This campaign really demonstrates the difference we can make when partnering together for a common goal and we thank Shoppers Drug Mart, a national leader, their employees and their customers, for helping us improve the lives of women and their families in B.C.,” said Stephen Shapiro, President & CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
The Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life fundraising campaign is a three-week program held across Canada each autumn. Customers, staff and Pharmacist-Owners at over 1,150 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores together raise funds for a local women’s health initiative through the purchase of the Tree of Life paper icons. Since 2002, the Tree of Life campaign has raised $11 million for Canadian health charities. This year alone, over 300 women’s health charities across Canada will benefit from the proceeds.
About St. Paul’s Hospital
St. Paul’s Hospital is a leading academic health science centre in Vancouver, Canada, that is world-renowned for its treatment, research, education and prevention programs for heart patients. St. Paul’s Hospital is operated by Providence Health Care, one of the largest faith-based health-care organizations in Canada. St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to support inspired care, research and teaching at St. Paul’s Hospital.
About Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The Company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With more than 1,159 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the Company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The Company also licenses or owns more than 32 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé in Québec) and two luxury beauty destinations operating as Murale. As well, the Company also owns and operates 66 Shoppers Home Health Care stores, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the Company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Technologies Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities in Ontario and Alberta.
Media Contacts
- Leslie Dickson
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation
604-806-9850 - Tammy Smitham
Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs
Shoppers Drug Mart
416-490-2892
5) Media Release - September 16, 2009
Former EnCana Corp. CEO and community leader donate $1.375M to honour vitreo-retinal surgeon who saved his sight
Gift to fund training of world’s best retinal fellows for next 25 years
Vancouver - St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine are pleased to announce the creation of the William H. Ross Fellowship in Vitreo-Retinal Excellence.
This fellowship was established with a visionary $1.375-million commitment from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation in honour of Dr. William H. Ross, whose extraordinary expertise recently saved the vision in Morgan’s only seeing eye, after he lost the sight in his other eye several years ago.
Each year for the next 25 years, this prestigious new fellowship will allow Dr. Ross, one of Canada’s most experienced retinal surgeons, to select one post-graduate retinal fellow from among the world’s best to train with the retinal staff at UBC.
“Dr. Ross is one of North America’s most respected vitreo-retinal specialists,” says Gwyn Morgan, former president & CEO of EnCana Corp. “Over a career spanning 36 years, he has saved the vision of thousands of patients, including my own. Patricia and I are pleased to recognize his outstanding expertise and contributions and to provide an opportunity for other promising young doctors to follow in his footsteps.”
The annual contribution from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation will be commensurate with the salary of a second-year ophthalmology resident at UBC to accommodate any possible inflation over the next 25 years.
”Dr. Ross has advanced the knowledge and skills of medical students, ophthalmology residents, and fellows now caring for patients in hospitals around the world,” says Dr. Frederick Mikelberg, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.
Dr. Ross has pioneered the development of surgical materials used in the management of different types of retinal detachments. His many publications have provided insight into the management of retinal detachments, the timing of surgery, and the prognosis for good visual recovery.
“I am awed by the generosity of Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier and humbled to have this fellowship named in my honour,” says Dr. William H. Ross, a vitreo-retinal surgeon at St. Paul’s Hospital and chair of the UBC Vitreo-Retinal Fellowship Program. “It has been my pleasure to train some of the world’s leading vitreo-retinal specialists at St. Paul’s Hospital and UBC over the past 24 years. This new fellowship ensures the next generation of specialists will continue to advance the medical education, clinical research and care of patients with retinal diseases in B.C. and around the world.”
“This exceptional contribution from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation is a sincere and generous expression of support to St. Paul’s Hospital’s centre of excellence in vitreo-retinal diseases,” says Stephen Shapiro, president & CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. “On behalf of the board of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, I extend my deepest thanks to Gwyn and Patricia for their generosity to St. Paul’s.”
“This fellowship in Dr. Ross' name recognizes the global contribution that he has made in educating medical students, ophthalmology residents and fellows throughout a long and distinguished career and on behalf of the entire Faculty I congratulate him on this outstanding achievement, and admire Mr. Morgan and Ms. Trottier for their generosity,” says Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
Media Contacts
- Leslie Dickson
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation
604-806-9850 - Linda Bartz
Faculty of Medicine, UBC
604-822-2792
About Gwyn Morgan
Gwyn Morgan is the retired founding President and CEO of Calgary-based EnCana Corporation, North America’s largest natural gas producer. Morgan led the creation of EnCana Corp. through a merger which was widely viewed as the most significant transaction in Canadian energy sector history. He has been recognized as Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the YearTM and also as Canada’s Most Respected CEO. An ardent believer in the importance of world-class Canadian headquartered international enterprises, a lover of the great outdoors, and a wellness enthusiast, Morgan has a strong belief that business leaders should demonstrate the professional, entrepreneurial and moral values that keep our country strong.
About Patricia Trottier
Patricia Trottier is a community leader and former investor relations/corporate communications executive. Over the past decade, Patricia has dedicated her time to a variety of wellness, social and business causes including founding the Integrative Health Institute in Calgary, Fundacion Nan Paz in Ecuador, chairing Calgary’s Economic Development Authority and leading Calgary’s 2010 Winter Olympic Bid. She currently sits on the Board of Advisors of the University of Victoria Business School and manages the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation.
About the PHC Department of Ophthalmology at St. Paul’s Hospital
The Providence Health Care (PHC) Department of Ophthalmology is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for the treatment, research and education of vitreo-retinal diseases. Last year, more than 1,900 patients with vitreo-retinal diseases from across B.C. were treated at St. Paul’s using the most advanced technology. St. Paul’s Hospital is operated by PHC, one of Canada’s largest faith-based health-care organizations.
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to support inspired care, research and teaching at St. Paul’s Hospital, a leading academic health science centre located in Vancouver, Canada.
About the UBC Faculty of Medicine
The UBC Faculty of Medicine with its campuses in Vancouver and also in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, University of Victoria and the Province’s health authorities provides innovative educational and research programs in the areas of health and life sciences. Founded in 1950, the Faculty now has over 2,590 students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels across a broad spectrum of health professionals including physicians, physical therapy, occupational therapy and Master of Health Administration among others.
6) Media Release - May 7, 2009
RBC Foundation donates $1 million to fund new nurse program at St. Paul’s Hospital
One of Canada’s largest-ever donations for nursing to an academic health centre will provide important mentorship opportunities and improve patient care
Vancouver, B.C. - Nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital will soon benefit from an innovative new mentorship and education program thanks to a landmark $1-million donation from the RBC Foundation. This milestone contribution will support the establishment of the new RBC Leadership Program for Nursing Innovation, which will provide nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital with improved education and mentorship opportunities.
The establishment of the new program will allow St. Paul’s to enhance the ability of nurses to further develop their skills and advance their careers. Funding from RBC Foundation will be used to enhance current educational opportunities and provide coaching for nurses who are starting out in their careers, allowing them to learn from experienced nurse “mentors”. The RBC Leadership Program for Nursing Innovation has been created to help St. Paul’s recruit and retain registered nurses who are critical to delivering the high quality, compassionate care that St. Paul’s Hospital is known for.
“We have exceptional resources within our experienced nursing staff,” said David Byres, Vice-President of Clinical Programs, Chief Professional Practice and Nursing at Providence Health Care. “Mentorship ensures that their skills and knowledge are passed down to newer nurses so they can supplement and enhance the learning and training that they received in school to ultimately deliver better patient care.”
“RBC is proud to support the establishment of the RBC Leadership Program for Nursing Innovation,” said Graham MacLachlan, RBC Regional President. “We recognize the importance of attracting and retaining registered nurses to British Columbia and the great value in early career nurses learning from experienced, senior nurses.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this very generous gift,” said Stephen Shapiro, President and CEO of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. “RBC’s investment is a powerful recognition of the integral role that nurses play in our health care system and will transform the hospital’s nurse education program.”
The RBC Leadership Program for Nursing Innovation is comprised of two main components. The first is the RBC Nursing Mentorship Program itself, which will provide early career nurses with dedicated mentor training and long-term career coaching. The RBC Nursing Education Awards are the second component. Each year, St. Paul’s nurses can apply for awards to pursue a wide variety of educational opportunities. The first education awards will be given out May 11, marking the start of Nursing Week across Canada.
“RBC has shown great vision and generosity in providing the funds needed to start this important new program,” said Dianne Doyle, President and CEO of Providence Health Care. “This new program will not only be a tremendous benefit to our nurses but also to the many patients who come to us from throughout British Columbia each year.”
About RBC
RBC believes in building prosperity by contributing to the communities in which we live and work. We are now one of Canada’s largest corporate donors, and we support a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2008, RBC contributed more than $99 million to community causes worldwide. As a founding member of Imagine Canada, RBC is committed to donating at least one per cent of our average annual net income before taxes.
About St. Paul’s Hospital
St. Paul’s Hospital, an academic health centre located in downtown Vancouver, is part of Providence Health Care, one of Canada’s largest faith-based health providers. With close to 4,000 staff and physicians, St. Paul’s is one of two adult care provincial academic health sciences centres affiliated with UBC, providing cutting-edge research and training programs across more than 30 clinical areas. The hospital is a major provincial teaching facility, offering training for future doctors, nurses, other health professionals and researchers. Each year at St. Paul’s approximately 1,000 nursing students receive practical skills training. St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to support enhanced patient care, research, teaching and equipment needs at St. Paul's Hospital.
To find out more about nursing at St. Paul’s, please click here.
7) Media Release - February 25, 2009
New Partnership Good for the Hearts of BC Women
Press release can be found here.
8) Media Release - February 3, 2009
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raising money for Canada’s first high-definition CT scanner
Press release can be found here.
9) Media Release - September 22, 2008
Gift of Hope dinner sets new record
Thanks to overwhelming community support, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raised a record $638,847 at the recent 2008 Gift of Hope Fundraising Dinner. Now in its fourth year, this event has raised more than $2 million for equipment at St. Paul’s Hospital.
More than 800 guests came to the event, which included a gourmet dinner, more than a thousand prize draws, and a performance by ABBA Cadabra and the Retro Divas. Proceeds from the dinner will help the foundation to fund state-of the art equipment for the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul’s Hospital. However, there is still time to make a donation - the foundation continues to fundraise to reach the goal of $862,000 for this special equipment. To make a donation online, please visit here or, to find out more, call Alice Ng at 604-806-8922.
10) Media Release - January 16, 2008
Innovative New Cardiac Operating Room Opens at St. Paul’s Hospital
Press release can be found here.
11) Media Release - December 13, 2007
New addiction research chair receives $2.25 million
Press release can be found here.
12) Media Release - November 15, 2007
The 2007 Lights of Hope display "goes live" November 16
Backgrounder: St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Lights of Hope Campaign
The 2007 Lights of Hope display will light up for the first time Friday, November 16 at 6:50 pm. The lighting will heralded by fireworks and the cheers of more than 400 guests expected to gather across the road from St. Paul’s Hospital at Helmcken and Burrard.
This year is the 10th anniversary of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Lights of Hope Fundraising Campaign and the goal is $2.1 million. In honour of this milestone, a larger firework display is planned as well as some special elements for the display, including a 10-year banner made of lights and the introduction of lights in every colour of the spectrum. If stretched end-to-end, the countless lights that make up the display would reach all the way around the Stanley Park Seawall.
This year’s display contains more than 400 stars recognizing the company and family names of donors who have contributed to the Lights of Hope fundraising campaign. Over the years, the Lights of Hope Campaign has helped to raise more than $8 million for equipment, research and patient care at St. Paul’s Hospital. Lovingly created by volunteers using donated products, the display itself has more than tripled in size since its inception in 1998.
There’s still time to make your own donation to the Lights of Hope campaign by calling 604-662-HOPE or by visiting www.helpstpauls.com
Major contributors
The platinum sponsors for the Lights of Hope 2007 fundraising campaign are: Aly B. Mawji & Family; Scotiabank and Teck Cominco. The display itself would not be possible without the dedication of the following people and companies who donate their expertise or products to build it each year. Many have been involved with this important campaign for nine years or more. They are:
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Volunteer Lights of Hope Logistics Committee
Stuart Olson Construction
Sasco Systems Ltd.
The Electrical Contractors Association of BC
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 213 & 258
Stantec Architecture Ltd.
BL Innovative Lighting
BC Hydro Power Smart
Bogdonov Lerer Engineering Inc.
Westburne Electric Supply BC
Production Equipment Rentals and Sales
The BCIT Electrical Trades Students
Dave McIndoe and the electrical staff of St. Paul’s Hospital
13) Media Release - October 16, 2007
St. Paul's Hospital Foundation and Simon Fraser University to establish the first Canadian chair in cardiovascular prevention research
Press release can be found here.
14) Media Release - January 12, 2007
St. Paul’s fundraising dinner a resounding success
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s third Lights of Hope Fundraising Dinner raised more than $600,000 for innovative equipment for the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine department.
About 700 people gathered in the Westin Bayshore Hotel recently to enjoy dinner and entertainment in support of the Foundation. By the end of the evening, St. Paul’s had received a record $618,638 toward its goal of $760,000 to purchase gamma camera/CT scanners, which are used to provide special tests for heart disease, cancer and bone abnormalities.
St. Paul’s is the only hospital in B.C to have these special gamma camera/CT scanners, which combine two different types of technology to provide detailed diagnostic images. Having the dual technologies in one machine also means that many patients can be diagnosed with one test instead of two separate tests.
The event was made possible by co-chairs Anita Law and Carson Wu supported by the enthusiastic Fundraising Committee: Joann Wong Bittle, Belinda Chow, Emily Fung, Lynda Larouche, Geraldine Lui, Beatrice Tao, Lisa Ng and Amy Yu
15) Media Release - January 12, 2007
St. Paul’s Hospital light campaign raises more than $2.3 million
Support from the community enabled St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation to raise more than $2 million during the recent Lights of Hope campaign. By the time the donated light display was turned off for the last time January 5, the fundraising total had reached a record $2,329,092.
The distinctive display that graces the front of the hospital each year is built by volunteers using donated products notes Foundation executive director Jane Adams.
"This important gift means that the money we receive during the Lights of Hope fundraising campaign can be used inside the hospital," she says. "In 2006, our generous community and corporate donors contributed more than ever. We thank them for their support and look forward with anticipation to Lights of Hope 2007, our 10th anniversary for this special campaign."
Presenting sponsors for 2006 were the Cardiac Surgeons, Ali Mawji & Family and Scotiabank.
Planning is already underway for the landmark 10th anniversary Lights of Hope 2007 campaign. If you or your company would like to take part, please call 604-682-8206 or visit www.helpstpauls.com
16) Media Release - November 23, 2006
Fireworks to herald the lighting of St. Paul’s Lights of Hope Thursday at 6:55 pm
Wintry Burrard Street will get a welcome burst of light tonight at 6:55 pm when the fireworks go off and the Lights of Hope display outside St. Paul’s Hospital is illuminated for the first time this season. About 300 guests are expected to gather at Burrard and Helmcken for the lighting ceremony.
Each year, more than 100 volunteers gather in early November to build the display using donated products. As a result, donors’ financial support for the Lights of Hope campaign helps St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation purchase equipment, support research and enhance patient care at Vancouver’s downtown teaching hospital.
Thanks to the support of our volunteers and donors, the Lights of Hope campaign has raised more than $6 million over the years.
Foundation Executive Director Jane Adams explains that this year's goal is $1.8 million: "The light display is a tribute to the community’s appreciation for the work that happens year round at St. Paul’s," she said. "A big thank you to everyone who has made a donation so far and thank you in advance to the many generous people who do so when they see the beautiful lights go on for another season."
This year’s campaign will help to buy equipment and information technology for the hospital’s busy Emergency department and create a new Advanced Cardiac Imaging Operating Room in the Heart Centre.
To find out more about Lights of Hope or to make a donation, call 604-662-HOPE or visit www.helpstpauls.com. The display will be illuminated until January 5.
17) Media Release - October 17, 2006
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation announces new officers and directors
Hari Varshney, president Varshney Capital Corp., has been appointed chair of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. Paul Hollands, president & CEO, A&W Food Services of Canada Inc., is now vice-chair.
Newly appointed directors of the Foundation are: Dean Alexander (Cypress Capital Management Ltd.); Frank Anfield: Orla Cousineau (Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd.); Dianne Doyle (Providence Health Care); Dave Gadhia (Gateway Casinos Inc.) and Doug Horswill (Teck Cominco Ltd.).
The board is completed by: Jane Adams (St. Paul's Hospital Foundation); Clifford Chan-Yan (Providence Health Care); John Jennings (CIBC Commercial Banking); Don Goedbloed (Stuart Olson Construction); Alice Laberge; Yvonne Lefebvre (Providence Health Care); Henry Man (Magellen Developments 20/20 Inc.); Joanne McLeod; Chris Oosthuizen (RBC Dominion Securities Inc.); and Angela White (St. Paul’s Hospital Auxiliary).
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to purchase equipment, support research and improve care at St. Paul’s Hospital. Part of Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s is a major teaching hospital that provides specialized services for patients from across the province. Services that serve British Columbians referred from communities across B.C. include the provincial Heart Centre, the kidney program and the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.
18) Media Release - February 14, 2006
BC’s TB Vets helps fund ventilator for St. Paul’s Intensive Care Unit
TB Vets Charitable Foundation has provided $25,000 to assist with the purchase of a ventilator for St. Paul’s Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
"This equipment is vital as the hospital has recently opened an additional four beds in our busy Intensive Care Unit (ICU)," said Jane Adams, executive director of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. "We are very grateful for this generous gift and for the longstanding support we have received from TB Vets over the years."
The St. Paul’s ICU team cares for critically ill patients referred from communities across the province. The majority of patients in the ICU would not survive without ventilators to help them breathe while they are receiving intensive treatment for their illness or injuries.
TB Vets mails more than half a million individually numbered keytags to BC residents each year. Donations to the keytag program allow TB Vets to provide grants to BC medical facilities for the purchase of equipment needed in the treatment of respiratory diseases. TB Vets also funds research to find a cure for tuberculosis, supports employment for people with disabilities, and offers the comfort of a therapeutic Spinoza Bear to BC children suffering from respiratory illnesses.
TB Vets has helped to support respiratory care at St. Paul’s for more than 25 years. Last year, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation received a grant that helped the hospital’s newly created Pacific Lung Health Centre purchase state-of-the-art lung function testing equipment.
"St. Paul’s Hospital provides a wide variety of specialized and one-of-a-kind respiratory services for people from throughout BC," Adams said. "Our foundation is grateful that there are organizations like BC’s TB Vets who recognize the importance of respiratory health services and work hard to help BC hospitals care for patients with acute and chronic lung problems."
In 1946 World War veterans set up the keytag program as a means of creating employment for the many veterans who returned from overseas service with tuberculosis or other respiratory ailments. Lost keys carrying the TB Vets keytag can be dropped in any mailbox. Canada Post then returns those keys to TB Vets, who matches the number on the keytag with the rightful owner and returns the keys.
Since the keytag program began, BC’s TB Vets has returned almost 200,000 sets of lost keys to their grateful owners. Your generous donations have enabled TB Vets to donate almost $10 million to help people with respiratory problems and to continue research into a cure for tuberculosis. Thank you.
19) Media Release - January 16, 2006
St. Paul’s Hospital light campaign exceeds $1.5 million goal
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation raised $1,531,376 during the recent 2005 Lights of Hope Christmas light fundraising campaign. The Foundation would like to thank the many generous people and companies who made this success possible. In all, more than 7,000 thousand supporters contributed money, products or volunteer time to this year’s campaign.
"This is our eighth and best year yet for this wonderful campaign," says Foundation Executive Director Jane Adams. "The light display is a visible sign of the community’s support for our hospital and a labour of love for the hundreds of volunteers who give their time to construct it."
The proceeds will be used to fund special initiatives in the hospital’s Emergency Department and Heart Centre, including state-of-the-art equipment and information technology.
A festive tradition since 1998, the Lights of Hope display is made possible by sponsors and volunteers. Presenting sponsors for 2005 were Varshney Capital Corp and the Cardiologists and Cardiovascular Surgeons of St. Paul’s Hospital.
Part of Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital serves people who live and work in downtown Vancouver as well as providing specialized services like cardiac, renal and HIV/AIDS for all British Columbians.
Planning is already underway for Lights of Hope 2006. If you or your company would like to take part, please call 604-682-8206 or e-mail jnorris@providencehealth.bc.ca
20) Media Release - November 30,
2005
St. Paul’s on-line auction a charitable way to shop for unusual gifts
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation's Things Money Can’t Buy™ on-line auction has more than 30 gift ideas for the people on your list who hate fruitcake and prefer to choose their own cologne. Selections include exotic vacations, one-of-a-kind gourmet food experiences and the opportunity to meet local celebrities.
Better still, your winning bid for one of the packages will also help St. Paul’s Hospital, as all packages are donated. Visit www.thingsmoneycantbuy.com to look at the entire selection. You can place your bids from December 8 to 7:00 pm December 15.
Packages for 2005 auction include:
Canuck Fan’s Dream - Go behind the scenes at a Canucks game with
three friends and join the game presentation team in the press box.
A Day in the Life of Rob Feenie - Spend the day with this famous chef and watch him filming his new reality TV show.
Business Class to Bordeaux – Spend three nights in Paris and then on to Bordeaux for a three- night stay and a private wine tour of the legendary vineyards.
Hollywood Hound - Is your dog movie star material? Your canine companion will be pampered and prepped for Hollywood.
1989 Chateau Margaux - Bid on this very rare three-litre bottle of 1989 vintage.
Intimate Aquarium Experience - Meet the Steller sea lions at the Vancouver Aquarium and take your family on a behind-the-scenes tour to help at feeding time.
Evening Extraordinaire - Enjoy dinner for six in your home prepared by John Bishop of Bishop's Restaurant, with accompanying music by Dal Richards and his trio.
21) Media Release - November 24, 2005
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas: St. Paul’s Hospital's Lights of Hope to illuminate at 6:55 pm
When the fireworks begin outside St. Paul’s Hospital at 6:55 this evening, more than 400 cheering spectators will get the first look at the hospital’s largest Christmas light display ever.
The popular Lights of Hope display is part of the largest annual fundraising campaign for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. Fundraising priorities for this year’s campaign include special initiatives in the hospital’s Heart Centre and Emergency department.
"Our lights are a tribute to the thousands of individuals and companies who recognize the importance of St. Paul’s Hospital and donate their time or money to the Lights of Hope campaign," said Foundation Chair John Jennings. "This year we are asking people or companies to give generously to help raise more than $1.5 million."
The presenting sponsors for this year’s campaign are Varshney Capital Corp. and the Cardiologists and Cardiovascular Surgeons of St. Paul’s Hospital. The display itself is built on charity, as more than 200 volunteers construct it using donated products.
This year, there are enough lights to stretch around the Stanley Park seawall, and a new star canopy frames the Burrard Street entrance. In total, the display for 2005 will have a record 475 stars.
For the first time, this year’s Lights of Hope will also spotlight the innovative Power Smart tree by Canadian Tire and BC Hydro. Featuring 90 strings of energy efficient LED lights, the tree will be powered by a Renewable Power System made up of five solar panels, a power inverter and deep cycle batteries.
To find out more about Lights of Hope or to make a donation, call 604-662-HOPE or visit www.helpstpauls.com. The display will be illuminated until January 5.
22) Media Release - January
12, 2005
Record $1.41 million raised during 2004 Lights of Hope
Thanks in part to more than 400 individuals and companies that contributed a record $1.41 million during the recent Lights of Hope fundraising campaign, St. Paul’s Hospital will soon gain a new Cardiac Procedure Room.
"I am very proud of all of our donors and volunteers from across the province who made this record result possible," said Lights of Hope Chair Hari Varshney. "Although the hospital’s needs pale beside the immense requirement for tsunami relief in Asia, we are very fortunate that British Columbians are so generous."
The Cardiac Procedure Room is a gift from the community that will benefit BC patients for years to come. When the $2.9 million room is up and running later this year, it will allow many patients to be treated sooner, and, in some cases, shorten their stay in hospital. Specialists at St. Paul’s Hospital will be able to perform 200 more electrophysiology (heart rhythm) procedures and an additional 250 cardiac catheterization procedures each year. The new room will also free up 270 hours of operating room time that can be used to reduce wait times for a variety of surgeries.
The Lights of Hope display is made possible entirely by sponsors and volunteers. Presenting sponsors for 2004 are Varshney Capital Corp., the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada and National Bank Financial.
Part of Providence Health Care, St. Paul’s Hospital serves people who live and work in downtown Vancouver as well as providing specialized services like cardiac, renal, diabetes and HIV/AIDS for all British Columbians.
Planning is already underway for Lights of Hope 2005. If you or your company would like to take part, please call 604-682-8206 or e-mail jnorris@providencehealth.bc.ca
23) Media Release - November 30,
2004
St. Paul’s Hospital's Christmas display to light up in glow
of fireworks
A firework display and the cheers of about 600 supporters will herald the lighting of the St. Paul’s Hospital's Lights of Hope display at 6:55 pm this evening.
A fundraiser for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, this year’s display contains more than 8 kms of lights and 250 stars at the hospital’s Burrard Street entrance. New this year, is a Christmas tree feature on the hospital’s south tower, the left side of the large display
"Lights of Hope is really the community's gift to St. Paul’s," said Foundation Chair John Jennings. "The display is built by volunteers using donated products. Even before the lights go on, it’s a tremendous stimulus for people to give to the hospital. This year, we hope to raise $1.25 million, and we still need $250,000 to reach our goal."
One of the hospital’s major needs for this year is a new Cardiac Procedure Room in the Heart Centre. Funds raised during Lights of Hope will help to purchase equipment for the new room.
Presenting sponsors for Lights of Hope 2004 are Varshney Capital Corp, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada and National Bank Financial.
To find out more about Lights of Hope or to make a donation, call 604-682-8206 or visit www.helpstpauls.com. The display will be illuminated until January 5.
24) Media Release - June 3, 2004
St. Paul’s Hospital needs help to create a new high-tech operating room
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Director Carson Wu is launching a campaign to raise the funds required to create a high-tech operating suite for patients who require minimally invasive surgery at St. Paul’s.
"I am very excited to help raise funds so that St. Paul’s can create a specialized Laparoscopic Surgery Suite for minimally invasive surgery," says Mr. Wu. "This suite will not only contain high tech equipment for surgeons who care for patients from all over the province, but also create the best possible environment for teaching, research and international consultation."
"St. Paul’s is a teaching hospital with an world-class surgery program and a long tradition of providing innovative and compassionate care for people from all over BC. You or your family may rely on the hospital one day – services like the Heart Centre, kidney program and highly specialized surgeries are not available at your local hospital."
A chartered accountant and a partner with Deloitte and Touche, Mr. Wu has been actively involved in professional, business and community affairs for more than 25 years, joining the board of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation in 2002. His community service has included board memberships in SUCCESS and the Goh Ballet of Vancouver.
Mr. Wu is joining with St. Paul’s Hospital surgeon Dr. Chris Baliski to let the community know about the benefits of the suite and to ask for help in raising the $500,000 still needed to make the $1.2 million suite a reality.
"Minimally invasive or "keyhole" surgery is a tremendous advantage for patients, as it often results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a speedier recovery than if we performed the same procedure using the traditional open surgery techniques," explains Dr. Baliski, a specialist in endocrine and cancer surgery.
"The exciting thing is that we are continually developing the ability to do other kinds of surgeries using laparoscopy and more and more patients will benefit as we move forward," he says. As a centre of excellence in surgery, St. Paul’s will also put the suite’s real time video conferencing to good use to send live views of the procedure to video links inside and outside the hospital for teaching and consultation purposes."
Dr. Baliski added minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery is becoming an option for more and more abdominal surgical procedures, including colorectal cancer surgery, adrenal grand removal, hernia repairs, gall bladder removal, kidney stone procedures, kidney transplants, ovarian cyst surgery and hysterectomy.
Mr Wu is excited to lead the fundraising campaign for the Laparoscopic Surgery Suite. "We still need $500,000 to make this happen and we are asking for your help. Every contribution counts."
Please call the Foundation at 604-682-8206 to find out how you can make a donation or send a cheque to LSS Appeal, Suite 178, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6.
25) Media release - January 12, 2004
Christmas lights net record $1.2 million for St. Paul’s Hospital
The recently concluded 2003 St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Lights of Hope campaign raised $1.2 million for the hospital, more than double the amount from the year before. The funds are used for medical equipment, research and enhanced patient care at St. Paul’s Hospital.
"We have broken all previous records and I am thrilled with the result," said Lights of Hope Chair John Jennings. "There are so many generous people out there who truly care about St. Paul’s Hospital and they show it by giving to Lights of Hope. My thanks to everyone who contributed."
A festive tradition since 1998, the Lights of Hope display is made possible by sponsors and volunteers. Presenting sponsors for 2003 were the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada, the V.K. Eddie Hsu Foundation, the Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons of St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Centre and the National Bank Financial Group.
More than 200 kind-spirited individuals log more than 2000 volunteer hours to create the display. Supporters include Stuart Olsen Construction, Stantech Architects, BC Hydro, the Electrical Contractors Association of BC, IBEW Local 213 and the Electrical Trades classes of BCIT.
Planning is already underway for Lights of Hope 2004. If you or your company would like to take part, please call 604-682-8206 or e-mail jnorris@providencehealth.bc.ca
26) Media release - August 13, 2003
Ship-in-a-Bottle Heart Surgery to Save Lives and Dollars
It's a dilemma. You’re too sick for the life-saving surgery you need.
Your heart’s own valve is giving out and you need a new one soon. In
your weakened condition the operation could kill you.
Doctors at St. Paul’s Hospital's leading-edge Heart Centre see a solution on
the horizon, a way to replace dying valves without surgery. They’ve taken their
cue from an old seaman’s hobby – ships in a bottle.
In the old days, intricate models of ships were made to be folded small enough to slip through the neck of a bottle, then unfurl inside the flask to their full glory.
The new medical twist is a foldable heart valve that can be threaded into a tiny incision, up through a blood vessel to the heart then unfolded and installed remotely, without major surgery.
The savings in patient discomfort are immense, but so are the dollar
savings. No large operating room and no long hospital stay means saving
thousands of dollars per patient. It also means saving the lives of those
too weak for open-heart surgery.
The new procedure is called Percutaneous Valve Replacement. A small incision
is made at the top of the leg to allow a tube the size of a pencil to be inserted.
The tube is threaded along the veins up to the heart. Veins don’t have a sense
of touch inside them so the patient feels very little. The folded valve goes
in through the tube to the heart. It’s then unfurled and fixed in place exactly.
When that’s done, the tube is pulled back out. The leg incision is so small
it only needs two or three stitches. After a rest, the patient is free to go.
Today, many people benefit from the traditional expensive and painful heart-valve surgery pioneered over 40 years ago. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have artificial valves. At age 85, Mrs. Eleanor Wetherly had symptoms that her own valve was failing.
"A few years ago I started getting so short of breath and so tired. When I walked to the store I had to stop and sit down so often just to catch my breath. The doctor said if I didn’t have the surgery, I’d have 6 months to live."
Luckily, Mrs. Wetherly was a good candidate for traditional replacement surgery. Unfortunately many patients with failing heart valves aren’t eligible for this traditional operation.
"Sometimes their hearts are just too far gone," says Heart Centre specialist, Dr. John Webb. "Sometimes they have some other condition that makes them a poor candidate for major surgery. So at first we’ll just be trying this new surgery on the sickest patients, those who have no options left to them. In time, we hope to offer this more widely."
Mrs. Wetherly didn’t enjoy her traditional valve replacement surgery.
"Where they broke my breast bone and ribs to get at my heart it really hurt. I was in the hospital for a long time. It was two or three months before I felt all better."
Because of the reduced risk, pain and cost, non-surgical valve replacement is the hope of the future.
"But," cautions Dr. Webb, "the new remote procedure is still highly experimental. It’s not available just yet. The tube we thread it through is three feet long. The placement of these folding valves is crucial. A few hair widths out of place and the whole thing’s wrong. ‘Close enough’ isn’t good enough when you’re dealing with something as intricate as the human heart. We have to get it right every time."
Although widespread use is likely some years away, Webb adds that initial limited use of the new technique on humans is expected within one or two years.
So a delicate ship in a bottle from centuries past points the way. Those with failing hearts are given new wind in their sails thanks to an old art form gone high tech. Folded valves that unfurl in the heart are set to save lives in the years to come.
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