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YOU
INSPIRE Report to our Community 2016 – 2017

YOU INSPIRE Message from WCH Foundation President & CEO Kathy Hay

This past year alone, Women’s College Hospital Foundation welcomed over 600 new donors to our community – a wave of support that will only continue to grow as the world increasingly turns its attention to the profound progress for the health of women that is pursued each day at WCH.

This is work that impacts women and families far beyond the four walls of our institution: it is the groundbreaking research, care and health system innovation that will give hope and healing to generation after generation of women – across Canada and around the world.

None of this work would be possible without your support. You inspire bold new ideas that become bold new solutions to advance access to better healthcare for women and for all. You inspire us.

YOU INSPIRE
Message from WCH Foundation Board Chair
V. Ann Davis

Emerging from a historic campaign to build the Hospital of the Future, Women’s College Hospital Foundation closed out its 2016-2017 fiscal year on April 1 having doubled our revenue from just three years ago. Raising a record-breaking $18.9 million in gifts received and future commitments, the 2016-2017 period was a powerful testament to the growing commitment and generosity of our donor community – and the depth of your belief in the work of WCH.

In 2016, the Foundation underwent a comprehensive process to create our very first official five-year strategic plan. Called A Roadmap to our Future, the plan now guides everything we do as we aspire to be the charity of choice in advancing health for women and the strategic choice for health system solutions.

As we look back on the extraordinary year and years behind us, we also look ahead to the unfolding legacy we are creating together: a legacy that champions a world in which equitable healthcare and equitable opportunities are undisputed human rights for all.

It’s a legacy underpinned by the people, the partnerships and the philanthropy that make it all possible – by the donor community of which you are such a valued and invaluable part.

Message from WCH President & CEO Marilyn Emery and WCH Board Chair Paulette Senior

Last year, we officially opened our new Women’s College Hospital building. This exciting milestone in our history would not have been possible without you, our donors. As we reflect on this special celebration, what is even more motivating is what has been happening inside.

Our team of physicians, multi-disciplinary clinicians, researchers and staff are forging the path in patient-centred care and healthcare innovation. From establishing a new hub of services for the management of chronic pain, reducing wait times for patients and eliminating costly redundancies in the health system; to a research study that aims to make genetic testing for cancer-causing genes more accessible for everyone and helps patients make more informed treatment decisions, sooner; to our expanded substance use service’s rapid intake program providing intervention and treatment to people right when they are ready for it. Our successes are only made possible with your support. Your contributions are felt within our building every day by our team, and more importantly, by the diverse community of patients we serve.

The fabric of our Women’s College Hospital community is stronger today than ever before. Our most exciting years are ahead of us and we are honored to have you with us on our journey to revolutionize healthcare, for everyone.

Marilyn Emery
President & CEO
Women's College Hospital
Paulette Senior
Chair, Board of Directors
Women's College Hospital

YOU INSPIRE Hope for the future

In February 2017, philanthropist Peter Gilgan ignited a national movement to revolutionize care for women’s cancers and give every woman every chance to survive cancer.

FACT

Not enough Canadian women are accessing life-saving screening for common women’s cancers; at the same time, for many women facing a cancer diagnosis, barriers such as distance, family responsibilities and socioeconomic factors may prevent them from getting the care they need.

FACT

Not enough Canadian women are accessing life-saving screening for common women’s cancers; at the same time, for many women facing a cancer diagnosis, barriers such as distance, family responsibilities and socioeconomic factors may prevent them from getting the care they need.

YOU INSPIRE
Hope for the future

In February 2017, philanthropist Peter Gilgan ignited a national movement to revolutionize care for women’s cancers and give every woman every chance to survive cancer.

Matching a leadership gift from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to invest a total of $12 million in Women’s College Hospital, Peter and CCS together enabled the launch of The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women's Cancers at WCH in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Centre scales up WCH’s world-leading models of care for women’s cancers, translates groundbreaking research into practice, provides evidence-based training for health professionals nationwide and empowers women with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their own journey.

This is the extraordinary power of partnership, philanthropy and a will to save lives.

Broad national impact is only possible by scaling up innovative new models of care beyond the four walls of Women’s College Hospital. Partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society is an unprecedented step forward in achieving our shared vision to improve health for women nationwide."

Dr. Danielle Martin,
Family physician and vice-president, medical affairs and health system solutions, WCH

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YOU INSPIRE Strength and courage

The 2016 SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women welcomed 1,000 community members to run or walk in support of WCH’s Women’s Mental Health Program, the largest clinical and research program of its kind in Canada.

FACT

Women are three times more likely than men to experience barriers to accessing mental healthcare, yet are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety.

FACT

Women are three times more likely than men to experience barriers to accessing mental healthcare, yet are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety.

YOU INSPIRE
Strength and courage

The 2016 SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Run for Women welcomed 1,000 community members to run or walk in support of WCH’s Women’s Mental Health Program, the largest clinical and research program of its kind in Canada.

The event raised a record-breaking $100,000 to advance innovative approaches to mental healthcare that address the unique needs of women – including virtual care services that break down barriers to access and a new study to see if post-partum depression can be predicted using genetic markers.

This is the incredible power of community-based events – to create action, to create change and to create enduring impact.

Strength and courage Image

I experienced post-partum depression after my first child was born and received incredible support from the mental health team at WCH. Not only was the care focused on my unique needs, but the fact that on-site child care was available through Stella’s Playroom made a world of difference. It’s amazing to see real changes happening, led by WCH, that are addressing the needs and concerns of women."

Dawn Levine,
Grateful mental health patient and member of neWCHapter

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YOU INSPIRE Important conversations

Women for Women’s 2016 welcomed over 800 corporate and community leaders to talk about women, aging and caregiving at the sixth annual luncheon – a movement to revolutionize healthcare through the power of conversation and philanthropy to create change.

FACT

Older women take more medications and live with more complex chronic conditions than men. Yet there’s a gap in research focused on the unique needs of older women when it comes to their healthcare.

FACT

Older women take more medications and live with more complex chronic conditions than men. Yet there’s a gap in research focused on the unique needs of older women when it comes to their healthcare.

YOU INSPIRE
Important conversations

Women for Women’s 2016 welcomed over 800 corporate and community leaders to talk about women, aging and caregiving at the sixth annual luncheon – a movement to revolutionize healthcare through the power of conversation and philanthropy to create change.

Raising an incredible $475,000, Women for Women’s 2016 helped move the needle on WCH’s efforts to close gaps in healthcare for women – particularly older women. Fuelled by the power of community and generosity, WCH researchers are leading the way in advocating for the inclusion of sex and gender into every health study emerging from the field of medicine.

For tickets and event information about the 2017 luncheon, visit www.womenforwomens.ca.

Right now, there are gaps in the information and knowledge available to medical professionals about the specific care needs of older adults, and specifically older women. Much of the health research conducted in the past tended to underrepresent older people – a vast number of whom are women. Thankfully that’s starting to change. At Women’s College Hospital and Women’s College Research Institute, we’re working to close this health gap with the support of our donor community."

Dr. Paula Rochon,
Vice-president, research, Women’s College Hospital

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YOU INSPIRE Groundbreaking research

Last summer, the riders of Tour de Bleu – a private cycling event hosted by the Peter Gilgan Foundation and Mattamy Homes – raised an astounding $3.25 million to stop cancer before it can begin by advancing hereditary cancer research at Women’s College Research Institute.

FACT

One in every 200 Canadians carries a BRCA genetic mutation, which dramatically increases the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

FACT

One in every 200 Canadians carries a BRCA genetic mutation, which dramatically increases the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

YOU INSPIRE
Groundbreaking research

Last summer, the riders of Tour de Bleu – a private cycling event hosted by the Peter Gilgan Foundation and Mattamy Homes – raised an astounding $3.25 million to stop cancer before it can begin by advancing hereditary cancer research at Women’s College Research Institute. The investment marked the single-largest gift ever made by a group of private donors in support of this work – and broke Tour de Bleu’s own fundraising record.

Since then, the hereditary cancers team has already made enormous strides in its world-leading research efforts. Led by Dr. Steven Narod, recipient of the prestigious Killam Prize in Health Sciences for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of breast and ovarian cancer research, the team is focused on saving lives by driving forward innovative new studies to understand the genetics of these cancers, increasing access to genetic screening and helping women reduce their risk by recommending new evidence-based approaches to treatment.

If I hadn't participated in a Women’s College Hospital research study, I wouldn't have known that I carry a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. That knowledge led to the early diagnosis of my breast cancer, the avoidance of chemotherapy and radiation, and a great prognosis. Last year, I celebrated five years cancer-free."

Sharon Newman,
Grateful breast cancer patient

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YOU INSPIRE Heartfelt advances in care for women

WCH’s Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) recently celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary. Founded in 1996 in response to rising rates of heart disease-related deaths among Canadian women, WCHI remains Canada’s first and only cardiac rehabilitation program designed exclusively for women.

FACT

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet women are 36% less likely than men to enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program following a heart attack.

FACT

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet women are 36% less likely than men to enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program following a heart attack.

YOU INSPIRE
Heartfelt advances in care for women

WCH’s Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) recently celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary. Founded in 1996 in response to rising rates of heart disease-related deaths among Canadian women, WCHI remains Canada’s first and only cardiac rehabilitation program designed exclusively for women.

On Valentine’s Day, Women’s College Hospital Foundation was proud to host a special heart health-themed luncheon showcasing the work of WCHI for members of our Spirit of Life Society – individuals who have chosen to create a future legacy of impact by naming the hospital in their will. WCHI patients Vincenza Spiteri DeBonis and Marianne Fedunkiw joined Dr. Jennifer Price, the program’s founder, to share the impact the program has had on their lives – and their hearts.

Across North America, only 45% of women complete a full cardiac rehab program - if they're referred to a rehab program at all. By offering women a safe, supportive and judgment-free space, 90% of our patients graduate. We are so grateful to the incredible WCH donor community for helping to make this program possible."

Dr. Jennifer Price,
Chief nursing executive and co-founder of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at WCH

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YOU INSPIRE Impact

Over the past year, your collective belief in the work and mission of Women’s College Hospital grew deeper than ever before. From a wave of new supporters to increased engagement from long-time champions, your passion for advancing the health of women created unprecedented impact, broke records and changed lives.

FACT

Giving has a ripple effect: when one person gives of their time or money, others are inspired to do the same. This cascade of generosity creates exponential impact for people and communities. (Fowler and Christakis, 2010)

FACT

Giving has a ripple effect: when one person gives of their time or money, others are inspired to do the same. This cascade of generosity creates exponential impact for people and communities. (Fowler and Christakis, 2010)

YOU INSPIRE
Impact

Over the past year, your collective belief in the work and mission of Women’s College Hospital grew deeper than ever before. From a wave of new supporters to increased engagement from long-time champions, your passion for advancing the health of women created unprecedented impact, broke records and changed lives.

You rallied your friends and family, hosted community events and spread the word. You shared your stories, set up monthly gifts and collected donations. You spoke on panels, came by to visit and told us why Women’s College Hospital means the world to you.

You engaged. You made a difference. You inspired. Thank you.

It’s so easy to make a big difference over time by making manageable monthly donations. I wish more people would realize how easy it is to have an impact on this hospital and our medical system."

Vartouhi Jazmaji,
WCH patient and long-time donor

THANK YOU BRIANNA

Just before Christmas 2016, Brianna Varcoe lost her mom, Krista, to BRCA-related breast cancer. To help ensure no one else has to go through what she did, 10-year-old Brianna hosted a special fundraiser in March to advance BRCA research at Women’s College Hospital.

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FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS

  • Where do our donors direct their dollars?

    Restricted 86%
    Unrestricted 11%
    Endowed 3%

  • Grants to the hospital

    Research 53%
    Capital Projects & Education 47%

  • Who are our donors?

    Individuals 46%
    Foundations 33%
    Corporations 21%

Detailed audited financial statements are available online at www.wchf.ca.

THE
VOLUNTEER
LEADERS OF WCHF

Women’s College Hospital Foundation Board of Directors

Ed Clark, honorary chair
V. Ann Davis, chair
Christopher Knight, vice-chair
Marisa Piattelli, vice-chair
Elle AyoubZadeh
Gail Cecil
Tonie Chaltas
Paul Damp
Stephen Dowd
Marilyn Emery, president & CEO, WCH (ex officio)
Jane Gavan
Katherine Hay, president & CEO, WCHF (ex officio)
Judy John
Jane E. Kinney
Sheila Laredo (ex officio)
Blair Levinsky
Steve Litwin
Mary Lou Maher (ex officio)
Kim Mason
Joanne Mealia
Colleen Moorehead
Eden M. Oliver
Maryam Sanati
Debbie Simpson
Shelagh Stoneham

Incoming Board Directors in 2017

Carol A. Cowan (ex officio)
Elizabeth Fanjoy
Paul Melville-Gray
David Hopkinson
Ron McEachern
Jennifer Ocampo-King
Enid Pico
Jennifer Reynolds
Kara Wood

Women’s College Hospital Foundation Advisory Council

Carol A. Cowan, chair
The Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett
The Hon. Elinor Caplan
The Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain
The Hon. Senator Nancy Ruth
The Hon. George Smitherman
Darleen Bogart
Pat Campbell
Sylvia Chrominska
Louise Fast
Maureen Kempston Darkes
Ann Kerwin
Mary Susanne Lamont
Janet MacInnis
Wanda O’Hagan
Jocelyn Palm
Susan Perren
Len Racioppo
Gail Regan
Kimberley Shannon
Dr. Elaine Todres

Incoming Advisory Council Members in 2017

Colleen Moorehead
Dr. John Semple

OUR
DONORS

Every day, through your passion for women’s health and your enduring generosity, you inspire action, change and an ever-growing determination to create a future in which women everywhere can achieve their greatest potential.

 

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    100 Women

    Gail R. Appel
    Elisabetta Bigsby
    Yvonne Bland
    Sylvia D. Chrominska
    Carol A. Cowan
    Beatrice Crawford
    Lynn M. Damp
    V. Ann Davis
    Louise A. Fast
    Patricia Fraser
    Shirley Granovsky
    Elizabeth D. Hamilton*
    Mary Susanne Lamont
    Nancy MacKellar
    Mary Lou Maher
    Nancy E. A. Main
    Margaret Norrie McCain
    Luci McEachern
    Colleen J. Moorehead
    Katherine L. Morrison
    Jocelyn Palm
    N. Jane Pepino
    Megan Porter
    Vivian Racioppo
    Linda J. Reed
    Gail Regan
    Senator Nancy Ruth
    Elizabeth Riddell-Dixon
    Michelle Samson-Doel
    Barbara Stern
    Eleanor Thall
    Stephanie Trussler
    Sheila Craig Waengler
    Benita M. Warmbold
    Anonymous

    Spirit of Life

    David Aronoff
    Betsy Murray
    Penny Bell & Jack Pasht
    Danielle Berrut
    Yvonne Bland
    Donna Brown
    Lorraine Brown
    Ruth M. Buchanan
    Thomas A. Caster
    Carol A. Cowan
    Jean E. Dryden
    Lynn From
    Cecile Goodman
    Nancy Griffin
    Elizabeth D. Hamilton*
    Martin & Vicki Heenan
    William Hughey
    Helen Kampfmuller
    Linda Langero
    Janet MacInnis
    Nancy E. A. Main
    Margaret Norrie McCain
    John & Lynn Milligan
    Kathleen Mulheron & George Szuszwal
    E. M. Orsten
    Jocelyn Palm
    Gail Regan
    Geoffrey M. Seymour
    Jenny Tan
    Sheila Craig Waengler
    Wendy Weaver
    John & June Wevers
    Anonymous (6)

    You inspire us.

    We simply can’t thank you enough for being there, every step of the way.

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this list. Please contact foundation@wchospital.ca regarding any omissions or corrections.

    YOU INSPIRE

    Everything We Do. Thank You!

    To learn more about Women's College Hospital Foundation, please visit our foundation website.
    Our report is also available in a printed format - download the PDF version of the report.

    Our report is also available in a printed format - download the PDF version of the report.

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