Donors unite to transform men’s health care at Mackenzie Health
When John Jenah, President of the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, learned how men like Ed O’Brien were facing long, painful recoveries from open prostate surgery, he knew something had to change.
Ed had endured the fear, the pain and the slow road back to health. At a follow-up appointment, Dr. Michael Kogon, Division Head of Urology at Mackenzie Health, explained that the same relief could be delivered with a minimally invasive procedure called Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). The challenge? It required a Piranha morcellator — a critical piece of equipment the hospital didn’t yet have. 
That’s when John and the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation stepped forward. With a $130,000 matching gift and the support of other donors, Mackenzie Health secured the equipment and made this groundbreaking treatment available in our community.
“It’s a unique item and a revolutionary process for men’s health. We’re proud to have helped make it a reality for patients at Mackenzie Health,” said John Jenah.
Thanks to donor generosity, surgeons can now remove obstructive prostate tissue with tiny instruments — helping patients recover faster, often returning home the same day.
“This is donor impact in action,” said Nicole McCahon, President and CEO of Mackenzie Health Foundation. “Philanthropy is at the heart of every advancement we bring to our community.”
ICYMI: Featured on CTV News
CTV News recently highlighted Ed O’Brien’s inspiring journey and our donor community that rallied with him. Watch the full story from CTV’s Pauline Chan here.
Meet our new Ride for Mackenzie Health co-chairs!
Behind every great event are the people who bring it to life. This year, we’re proud to introduce our new Ride for Mackenzie Health co-chairs, Peter Cortellucci and Cecilia Carbonelli — two community leaders with personal connections to Mackenzie Health who are taking the lead for the 11th annual Ride.
Together, they’re inspiring hundreds of cyclists to hit the road on September 28 in support of world-class care close to home.
What inspired you to get involved with Ride for Mackenzie Health?
Cecilia Carbonelli: My husband and I started cycling once COVID hit as something we could do together — just the two of us, getting outside and staying healthy. But in mid-2020, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. That changed everything. After going through treatment and entering remission in 2021, the bike became my path back to normalcy. The Ride felt like a natural extension of that journey — it was local, it supported Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, and it felt like home.
Peter Cortellucci: I’ve always been active. Before a soccer accident that left me with a fully ruptured patellar tendon, I had completed two Half Ironman triathlons. That injury led to three surgeries over three years; all performed at Mackenzie Health. The Ride became the perfect way to channel my love for being active into giving back to the very hospital that helped me get back on my feet.
What’s the most rewarding part of giving back?
Cecilia: As someone who works in tech, I’m amazed by the advanced technology in some hospitals, like the technology at Mackenzie Health’s hospitals. And as a patient, I benefited from advanced treatment made possible by donations — that makes it incredibly real for me.
Peter: Personally, I know what it’s like to depend on health care to get back on my feet … literally. Seeing tangible results — whether it’s new equipment, expanded services or hearing from someone whose life was changed by Mackenzie Health — it’s powerful to know our efforts with the Ride are helping to make that possible.
Describe the Ride experience in three words.
Cecilia: Fun. Engaging. Yummy. (Seriously, the food is amazing!) But more than that, it’s so well-organized. The atmosphere, the band, the energy — it’s all incredible. I guess that’s a bit more than three words, haha.
Peter: Energetic – it’s so fun! United – shared smiles all day long! Value – the best ride in Ontario!
Any advice for first-timers?
Cecilia: Don’t be intimidated. Start with the 40K and do it with someone. It’s not a race. It’s about community, connection and having fun. And if you can’t finish? That’s okay, too. No one’s keeping score.
Peter: You will LOVE it. You don’t need to be an elite athlete. The Ride is about showing up, doing what you can and enjoying the experience.
What’s new at Ride?
Cecilia: Definitely more of what made last year so great — live music and delicious food stations. And, this year, there are more opportunities for families to get involved, even if they’re not riding.
Peter: A great route, amazing community spirit and the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to something that matters. Oh – and an awesome post-ride party!
How do you hope this event impacts health care in our community – today and into the future?
Cecilia: I want us to exceed our fundraising goal so funds can reach the hospital programs and services where they’re needed most. That’s what it’s all about — getting health care services to the people.
Peter: Today, it equips Mackenzie Health with the resources we need to deliver exceptional care. In the future, it ensures we have a hospital system that can grow, innovate and attract the best talent to serve the next generation.
Rapid fire round:
Road bike or mountain bike?
Cecilia: Road. I love both, but road wins.
Peter: Road bike! I love to cover distance and go fast.
Sunrise or sunset ride?
Cecilia: Sunset — every time.
Peter: Sunrise, followed by a big breakfast.
Music, podcast or silence while riding?
Cecilia: Music! Though I love a good tech podcast, too. But music calms me — unless it’s Led Zeppelin!
Peter: Might be a bit weird but I prefer silence — I like to hear everything around me.
Hills or flat terrain?
Cecilia: Flat. I’m not built for hills — and Blue Mountain proved that last weekend!
Peter: Hills — they keep you humble and remind you to keep training.
Post-ride fuel?
Cecilia: Pasta. My husband makes a killer bolognese with farfalle. We pan-fry the leftovers with parmesan the next day. Heaven.
Peter: A nice espresso with a breakfast sandwich.
Registration is sold out but you can still be part of Ride by supporting our cyclists with a donation. Every dollar helps bring exceptional care closer to home. Donate today.
Laurie’s story: care that comes full circle 
As a teenager, Laurie turned to Mackenzie Health for help with anxiety. Years later, when her daughter needed support, she too found the same compassionate care.
Those experiences left a lasting mark on Laurie and inspired her to give back — so that others could find the hope and healing her family did.
But there is still so much more to do. Too many in our community are struggling in silence. Together, we can change that.
This World Mental Health Day, October 10, join Laurie and our community of supporters to shine a light on mental health — because together, we can bring hope, healing and lasting change.
Donate now to help ensure care is available, close to home, when it’s needed most.
Big Prizes. Bigger Purpose! 
Get in on the excitement of the Split the Pot Lottery, where you could take home incredible prizes while giving back. With 38 Early Bird prizes totalling $75,000 and 13 Grand Prize draws, every ticket you purchase brings you closer to winning big.
Best of all, proceeds from this lottery help support Mackenzie Health Foundation and ensure our community continues to have access to exceptional care.
Don’t miss your chance, buy your tickets today!
Upcoming events!
Sept. 26: Vaughan in Motion Gala for Cancer Care
Sept. 28: Ride for Mackenzie Health, presented by CIBC
Oct. 4: Toronto Elegant Lions Club Elegant Crystal Ball
Oct. 5: Classics and Coffee Porsche Vaughan
Oct 26: The Vaughan In Motion Health & Wellness Expo – Lotus Spa Template
Nov. 29: 2nd annual Trillion Unity Cup Charity Badminton Tournament
Did you know?
While government funding covers many aspects of health care, 100% of new and replacement equipment in our hospitals is funded by community donations. Your support ensures our health care teams have the tools they need to deliver exceptional care—every day. Jason, whose son Valentin spent time in hospital, shared how donor-funded sleeper sofas allowed him and his wife to stay by their son’s side during a frightening and uncertain time. Make a difference today. Donate today.
Thank you for standing with us through every story, every event and every milestone. From helping to transform men’s health care, to shining a light on mental health, your generosity makes it all possible. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community — and we couldn’t do it without you.
With gratitude,
