More than a Patient!, Mackenzie Health’s second annual event to celebrate patients and families, patients courageously shared their stories of strength, perseverance and recovery. Participants shared his or her story of triumph and determination during a live discussion with CBC television personality, Dale Curd.
The arts-inspired night also featured visual artists from the Richmond Hill Group of Artists, and musicians from Health Arts Society of Ontario that showcased the connection between art and healing.
Celebrating Patients 2017– More than a Patient!, featured the personal stories of:
- A young woman with many auto-immune illnesses who is learning to cope with the resulting challenges;
- A patient with diverticular disease;
- The daughter of a patient who spent her last weeks at Mackenzie Health; and
- A breast and uterine cancer survivor with a message of hope.
Event photo available on Pinterest
Quotes:
“In my culture, cancer isn’t spoken about. It is wrongly seen as shameful and the result of something a person did in their lifetime. I believe you don’t need to be afraid of what other people think.”
May Loo
Patient and Celebrating Patients Day Participant
“Our staff, physicians and volunteers work with and meet patients every day who inspire us as they fight to overcome illness and injury. It is a privilege to be part of every patient’s health journey. Here, at Mackenzie Health, we recognize that every patient has their own unique story. Through storytelling and sharing, others can often find a source of encouragement and motivation.”
Susan Kwolek
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Nursing Executive, Mackenzie Health
“Celebrating Patients 2017 – More than a Patient!, is an opportunity to recognize and thank patients who work hard to overcome their personal health challenges from illness and injury. Their resilience and bravery inspire our team every day.”
Altaf Stationwala
President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
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For more information, contact:
Stefanie Kreibe
Communications and Public Affairs Consultant
Mackenzie Health
Tel: 905-883-1212 or 905-832-4554 ext. 7484
E-mail: stefanie.kreibe@mackenziehealth.ca
Quick Facts at a Glance:
- Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
- The groundbreaking for the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital was held on October 25, 2016.
- In March 2017, the organization received its second consecutive award of Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for its commitment to safety and quality patient care. This is the highest rating a Canadian health care provider can receive and we are proud to have earned this mark of excellence once again.
- Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future.
- With over 500,000 residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada.