Joey Hackett has come a long way since October 2016, when a traumatic accident nearly took his life. He was working on a construction crew that was grading a road in Hamilton when an 18-tonne grader backed over him. “I could hear my pelvis cracking and I could feel my left elbow explode from pressure,” Joey recalls. “My left foot was crushed, three ribs were broken and I suffered two fractures in my lower spine.”Joey was rushed to the Emergency Department at Hamil ton General Hosp i ta l , where he received an emergency blood transfusion. After his injured spleen was removed, the trauma team was able to stabilize Joey and medically induce a three-day coma, which helped his body to heal.

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Stronger with Each Step

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“It took three more surgeries to repair the damage done to my body,” explains Joey. “Half of my pelvis is now metal and I’m full of pins and plates.”Joey was discharged from The General in November 2016 and he began outpatient treatment at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre in March. His care included intensive physiotherapy three times a week to help him regain mobility, strength and balance. With hard work and dedication, he was back on his feet thanks to the aid of a walker. Eventually he was able to walk with the assistance of two canes. Joey hit a major milestone when his program at the Centre concluded in the autumn of 2017.

“The care I received was unbelievable and the people who helped me in my recovery became like family. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the amazing teams at The General and the Regional Rehabilitation Centre.”At Strides For The General in 2017, Joey shared his story onstage as a Patient Ambassador and he is looking forward to participating in the eighth annual Strides on September 15.“Things are great nowadays,” he says. “I’m driving again and my walking keeps getting better every day. I’m able to do some of the household chores and I shovelled snow a couple of times this winter. My next milestone will be returning to work, which I’m looking forward to.”

Joey is happy that his life is getting back to “normal” again and he can now spend more time with his wife Tara and their two-year-old son Cohen.“Now I can carry Cohen around and play with him on the floor. Words can’t describe how unbelievable that feels. I’ve been given a second chance at life and I’m not going to waste a single moment. I’m forever grateful.”

Stronger with Each Step(Cont. from page 1)

To watch a video about Joey or to donate, visit hamiltonhealth.ca/joeyh

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The Cancer Program at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre sees more than 200,000 patient visits each year. The program provides care for all cancers and is the only place in the region where patients can be treated for conditions such as gynecological, hepatobiliary and complex hematological cancers. We are excited to announce that our new fundraising event is raising awareness and much-needed funds for this important program. We invite you to join us at Illuminight, which is taking place at The Farm (250 Concession 4 West, just minutes from the intersection of Highways #5 and #6) in Waterdown on October 26, 2018. This family-friendly event features a special walk along farmland trails, traditional bonfire, music, delicious food and fun fall activities. Proceeds support the Cancer Program’s highest priority needs. Make a difference in the lives of patients by registering and fundraising today at hamiltonhealth.ca/illuminight

Join a Walk to Shine a Light on Cancer

Join the Miracle Weekend events supporting McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation• June 2 – MacKids Walk & Wheel – mackids.ca/walkandwheel • June 3 – Miracle Plane Pull – mackids.ca/planepull

Lace up your running shoes for Hamilton General Hospital Foundation• September 15 – Strides For The General – hamiltonhealth.ca/strides

Shine a light on cancer for Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation • October 26 – Illuminight – hamiltonhealth.ca/illuminight

Show Your Support for The Foundation – Register and Fundraise Today!

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Advances in cancer care are helping lymphoma patients live longer than ever, but an increasing number of patients who receive high-dosage radiation therapy are diagnosed with cardiac disease later in life. A study was conducted at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre to find a method of detecting cardiac damage early so clinical teams can help reduce the risk of cardiac disease in these patients. “Our study examined patients who were receiving radiation near the heart,” explains Principal Investigator Dr. Elysia Donovan. “We used a 3D echocardiogram and a specialized blood test on each patient to see if they were effective in detecting damage to arteries or the heart muscle.”

The results of the study will be used as preliminary data for future, larger scale research studies at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. “Our results suggest that 3D echocardiograms could be useful for detecting early cardiac damage, while we will require additional evidence to determine the effectiveness of the blood test,” says Dr. Donovan. “These results are putting us on the path of discovering the best approach to identifying early damage in patients who aren’t showing symptoms, which will help modify treatment to prevent further damage.”Funding for the study was provided by the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation Grants. “I can’t thank donors enough for their support, which gave us this

opportunity to conduct our research. Future patients will also be thankful that studies like these are done to enhance the quality of their care.”

Detecting Cardiac Disease in Cancer Patients

Principal Investigator Dr. Elysia Donovan, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre

Iris Foris lost her only child Raymond to AIDS-related complications in 1991 before the introduction of antiretroviral drugs. To honour her son and assist those in our community, Iris kindly left a gift in her will to benefit health care and those living with HIV. The Hamilton Health Sciences Special Immunology Services Clinic (SIS) and its multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals serve patients living with HIV by helping to manage every aspect of their care. Iris’s bequest has allowed the SIS Clinic to purchase new vital signs monitors that measure a patient’s pulse, blood pressure and temperature. Her generosity is having a significant and positive impact on the care provided by the SIS Clinic team, now and into the future.

A Special Gift

Raymond Foris

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“What will I tell my children?” is among the first questions to come up when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. This pilot project, based at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, evaluates the impact of serious illnesses on the children of adult cancer patients, as well as the feasibility of partnering with McMaster Children’s Hospital to provide consultation and support services from Child Life Specialists. The general objective of this project is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families by addressing the needs of their children. Principal Investigator

Dr. Graeme Fraser, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre

This study is focused on the implementation of “PICU Liber8,” an innovative bundle of practices targeted at preventing critical illness complications in children, and helping these children rehabilitate while still in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The objective is to optimize recovery in critically ill children and the level of care we provide, and identify strategies to enhance interprofessional team collaboration. PICU Liber8 involves eight complementary steps to help “liberate” children from their critical illness by safely reducing sedation, allowing children to awaken and breathe comfortably, encouraging early mobilization, engaging families, and ensuring patient and family-centred care.

PICU Liber8: Eight Steps Towards Better Pediatric Rehabilitation

Principal Investigator Dr. Karen Choong, Pediatric Intensivist, McMaster Children’s Hospital

Proceeds from The Foundation’s Dorothy Goes Glam gala, presented by IBM and Mercedes-Benz Burlington, will support the world-class medical research taking place across Hamilton Health Sciences. Below are two of the projects that will benefit from the gala funds:

Foundation Gala Funds World-Class Research

Thank you to all of our guests, sponsors, planning committee and volunteers for making this year’s gala a success.

Research Exploring Ways to Support Families Affected by Cancer

McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation celebrated the opening of the Joyce Centre for Healthcare Innovation at McMaster Children’s Hospital with representatives from the Joyce Family Foundation: Steven Joyce and Maureen O’Neill. The new Centre is dedicated to an evidence-based approach to enhancing the quality of care with a focus on the safety of patients while in hospital. According to Dr. Peter Fitzgerald, President, McMaster Children’s Hospital, “the Joyce Centre for Healthcare Innovation is helping us move toward our goal of being the safest children’s hospital in Canada.”

FOCUS5

Working toward the achievement of a patient’s personal goal for recovery – that is the underlying role of the Medically Complex Care team at St. Peter’s Hospital. This multidisciplinary group of caregivers is dedicated to helping patients who have multiple or complex needs resulting from an acute injury, chronic illness, degenerative disease or neurological condition. “We’re focused on helping patients achieve their goals, whether that’s returning home or transferring to another facility that will meet their ongoing needs,” explains Pam Westover, Clinical Manager of Medically Complex Care at St. Peter’s Hospital.

“Our 63-bed inpatient unit provides care for adult patients of all ages with a wide range of medical diagnoses.”The Medically Complex Care Unit has helped patients like Chris Weylie, who was born with a rare disorder called hypophosphatasia that affects the development of bone and joints. Physiotherapy improved his quality of life by maximizing his functional abilities and allowing him to progress in his patient journey.“Our team is very dedicated and supportive of our patients and their families,” says Pam. “I love working with the great caregivers at St. Peter’s Hospital and we take pride in the work we do.”

Complexity of Care at St. Peter’s Hospital

Pam Westover, Clinical Manager of Medically Complex Care, St. Peter’s Hospital

Proceeds from our Dorothy Goes Glam gala will support research at St. Peter’s Hospital into a software application for patients and families. The Fit-Frailty App is a tool for assessing frailty that can be completed by older adults, family caregivers and health care professionals. This study aims to test the Fit-Frailty App’s ability to improve the detection and measurement of frailty in routine clinical practice. Early detection is important because studies have shown that frailty can be treated successfully, especially with early intervention. Funding will support data collection and analysis, improvements to the app and educational efforts to increase and optimize its usage.

Preventing Frailty with Fitness

Principal Investigator Dr. Courtney Kennedy, Clinical Research Scientist, St. Peter’s Hospital

A patient in the recently renovated Restorative Care Gym at St. Peter’s Hospital.

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Our heartbeat literally enables life, circulating oxygen to our lungs and vital systems throughout the body. Sometimes, because of genetic predispositions or cardiac conditions, the heart can beat too quickly, too slowly or in an erratic fashion. This can result in symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations.However, some people experience none of these symptoms and may not be aware that they have an arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. Cases such as these can be particularly dangerous, which is why the work of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit (CAU) is so important.“Arrhythmias can affect everyone and we provide care for patients from teenagers to 100 year olds,” explains Quinn Kolthof, Clinical Manager of Arrhythmia Services at Hamilton General Hospital. “Arrhythmias can range from minor-level disturbances to life-threatening conditions like heart failure, and we are skilled at dealing with all.”The CAU offers same-day care for patients provided by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, medical radiological technicians, arrhythmia technicians, health care, environmental aides and more. The CAU is a self-contained area where patients are prepped for procedures, receive their treatment and recover in the same unit.The CAU conducts electrophysiology (EP) heart studies to determine the causes of arrhythmias, and the unit also specializes in the implantation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to

regulate heart rhythms. The team in the CAU also performs cardiac ablation, which is a minimally invasive procedure involving the use of electrodes to deliver safe electrical pulses to areas of the heart for the treatment of an irregular heartbeat.“We are also a world-class arrhythmia research institute that has helped to shape the use of pacemakers, ICDs, and blood thinning medication to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation,” says Quinn. “The CAU has strong collaboration with international experts in cardiac surgery, neurology, and thrombosis medicine. Our team is proud of the work we do to improve the quality of life for patients throughout the region.”

Rhythm of Your Heart

A doctor at The General explains this patient’s cardiac arrhythmia using a large-scale model.

Register and fundraise today!

5K & 10K Run/Walk

Saturday, September 15Bayfront Park, Hamilton

hamiltonhealth.ca/strides

Equipping The General with StridesLast year’s Strides For The General raised a record-breaking $209,650 and supported the purchase of vital equipment and patient amenities at Hamilton General Hospital and the Regional Rehabilitation Centre. This included an ultrasound machine, diagnostic imaging probes and vital signs monitors – all of which help the clinical teams provide the best possible patient care. A new ceiling lift was also purchased with proceeds, as was a Sara Stedy. They are both valuable tools in helping mobility-challenged patients to reach a standing position from a reclining or sitting position.As well, funds raised enabled the purchase of specialized wheelchairs, a transport board and a transfer chair to help patients. These are only a few examples of how proceeds from Strides are making a real difference in the lives of patients at The General who live in communities throughout south-central Ontario. We hope you will join us at Strides 2018 on September 15.

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A pilot study at Hamilton General Hospital is assessing the effectiveness of using LaparoGuard, a surgical platform that enhances a surgeon’s ability to navigate through minimally invasive procedures with greater accuracy and safety. The system employs infra-red probes to map “safety zones” around sensitive tissues and organs. LaparoGuard is used in conjunction with standard surgical tools, to which the probes are attached and tracked by the system camera. This allows surgeons to “see” the location of their tool tips relative to the safety zones, resulting in a decreased incidence of surgical error.This study is supported by proceeds f rom our Dorothy Goes Glam gala.

Evaluating Usability and Feasibility of the LaparoGuard System in Surgical Procedures

Principal Investigator Dr. Niv Sne, Surgeon, Hamilton General Hospital

A decade ago, Shawn Watters was critically injured when a truck crashed into his vehicle at an intersection. Shawn recently visited Hamilton General Hospital to thank Dr. Richard Whitlock for the emergency cardiac surgery that saved his life.

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Our donors and partners make a real difference in the lives of patients and families. The 2017 Donor Report details some of the equipment purchases, redevelopment projects, research studies and educational initiatives that were made possible because of our supporters. Visit hamiltonhealth.ca/2017report to view the report online, or request a print copy by contacting our office at 905-522-3863 or info@hamiltonhealth.ca.

2017 Donor Report Now Available

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Hamilton, ON L8N 3M8905-522-3863

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The Future of Neurosurgery

The Foundation has init iated a campaign to purchase two neurosurgical microscopes, which are critical to performing highly sensitive surgical procedures. These microscopes provide state-of-the-art optics to help guide surgeons who are conducting cranial, tumour or spine surgery. Neurosurgery in particular requires work on tiny and delicate structures within the brain and these instruments enable the micro-precision required.The new neurosurgical microscopes will be essential for conducting a broad range of procedures for conditions such as: brain cancer; spinal cord tumours or lesions; aneurysms; injuries at the base of the skull; trauma requiring reconstructive surgeries; ear, nose and throat complications; and malformations between arteries and veins. The enhanced visualization allows surgical teams to perform more accurate and efficient procedures, which will greatly enhance patient care. Donor support is vital to help us acquire these innovative microscopes, which will replace our current, older models.