Vaughan, ON (Sept. 17, 2025) – Thanks to the generosity of community donors, including a lead gift from the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, Mackenzie Health Foundation has equipped Mackenzie Health with a Piranha morcellator. This investment places Mackenzie Health among a select group of Ontario hospitals offering a cutting-edge minimally invasive treatment for men with enlarged prostates.
The Piranha morcellator is a specialized device that enables a minimally invasive laser procedure called Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP). This approach treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common non-cancerous condition in which the prostate enlarges and blocks urine flow, can significantly affect quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to bladder or kidney infections. Traditionally, treatment required invasive surgery with long recovery times.
Now, with the Piranha morcellator, surgeons at Mackenzie Health can safely remove obstructive prostate tissue with far less risk of recurrence.
“It’s a unique item, and quite a revolutionary process for men’s health. We're proud to have helped make it a reality for patients visiting Mackenzie Health,” said John Jenah, President of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, whose $130,000 matching gift inspired community support.
For patients, the benefits are life-changing: most go home the same day, need a catheter for only about 24 hours and recover within days rather than the weeks or months often required after open prostate surgery like prostatectomy.
“The laser separates the prostate tissue, but the remaining pieces are too large to pass naturally. The Piranha morcellator breaks the tissue into smaller fragments and gently removes them,” explains Dr. Michael Kogon, Division Head of Urology at Mackenzie Health. “There’s nothing to grow back, so the chance of needing another operation is virtually zero. This is a game changer.”
For Ed O’Brien, the innovation is personal. After undergoing open prostate surgery earlier this year, Ed learned about the new option during a follow-up visit with Dr. Kogon. Motivated by his own journey, Ed chose to give back through Mackenzie Health Foundation to ensure future patients would have access to better care, stepping forward with a generous gift to help fund the equipment.
This September, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation are shining a light on the importance of men’s health, early detection and access to advanced treatment. While BPH is not cancer, both conditions require timely diagnosis and care to protect men’s health and quality of life. Through philanthropy, the Foundation ensures these innovations move from possibility to reality, helping health care workers deliver advanced care to our community.
“Philanthropy is at the heart of every advancement we bring to our community,” said Nicole McCahon, President and CEO of Mackenzie Health Foundation. “When grateful patients like Ed O’Brien, inspired by the exceptional care of our physicians, choose to give back through the Foundation, they are helping transform what is possible. Together, we’re ensuring men across western York Region have access to advanced treatments and the very best care close to home.”
Through Mackenzie Health Foundation, donors are transforming men’s health care — ensuring patients now and in the future have access to faster, safer and more effective specialty care at their community hospitals. To support innovations like this, visit mackenziehealthfoundation.ca.
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About Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider. Mackenzie Health includes Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, each with a full-service emergency department, core services such as surgery, medicine and critical care along with specialized programs. Its community-based locations and services continue to provide additional support to western York Region and beyond.
By inspiring meaningful gifts, Mackenzie Health Foundation helps ensure compassionate and leading-edge care continues to be available for the people of York Region. Community donors recently helped build and equip Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital thanks to the generous support of the $250-million Ultimate campaign – the largest campaign led by a community hospital in Canada. Going forward, fundraising efforts will ensure a steady flow of resources to attract the very best talent, advance excellence in programs and services and secure the latest equipment and technology as Mackenzie Health focuses on providing the best possible outcomes for every patient who comes through its doors.
Mackenzie Health is proud to serve a population of more than half a million people across western York Region and beyond. It is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca or mackenziehealthfoundation.ca.
Media contact:
Christina Cindric, Senior Communications Consultant and Public Affairs Lead
christina.cindric@mackenziehealth.ca
905-883-1212 ext. 7490
Dr. Michael Kogon, Division Head of Urology at Mackenzie Health, in the operating room at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, where the Piranha morcellator makes minimally invasive prostate treatment possible.
Grateful patient Ed O’Brian (right) with his surgeon, Division Head of Urology at Mackenzie Health, Dr. Michael Kogon, outside Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
John Jenah, President of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, is proud of the impact his organization’s $130,000 gift is making in advancing men’s health.