Being a caregiver
has always been at the heart of who I am. Whether as a proud mother and
grandmother, a retired teacher, or a long-time volunteer at William Osler
Health System (Osler), caring for others has been my calling. But it wasn’t
until I was the one who needed care that I truly understood just how important
that role was.

Over the past 35 years volunteering with Osler, I’ve done my part to ensure a positive experience for every person who walks through our doors—welcoming visitors, comforting patients, and doing everything I could to ensure people felt cared for. I was always the one offering comfort and compassion—until I became the one who needed it most.

During a routine check-up, my doctor noticed something concerning. After an ultrasound, a CT scan and eventually a biopsy, I received the diagnosis no one ever expects—stage 4 ovarian cancer. Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of care—no longer a caregiver, but a patient.

While I’ve always known Osler has great hospitals, experiencing it firsthand gave me a new perspective. I saw the unwavering dedication of the physicians, nurses, and staff up close. Instead of offering support, I was receiving it. And it made all the difference.

As I face one of the hardest challenges of my life, the exceptional care I’m receiving gives me strength for the journey ahead. But this care wouldn’t be possible without people like you—generous donors who make everything from advanced equipment to specialized treatment possible at Osler. Your gift will make a long-lasting and lifesaving difference across Osler’s three hospitals—Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness—ensuring they can continue to provide world-class care for patients like me, and you, when the unexpected happens.

Your donation will:

• Help build Brampton’s new hospital, complete with the city’s second Emergency Department to better serve our growing community.

• Support Osler’s plan for a state-of-the-art Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at Brampton Civic, to expand capacity and bring life-saving treatment closer to home.

• Support facility enhancements and provide even more state-of-the-art medical equipment for Etobicoke General, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

None of us are immune to life’s sudden changes. My own diagnosis came out of nowhere, but thanks to Osler’s quick diagnosis, made possible by state-of-the-art medical equipment, my treatment began right away, giving me the best chance of recovery. This level of care is only possible with the continued support of people like you.

When you give today, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by BVD Group, up to $1 million. That means your impact will go twice as far in helping our hospitals provide exceptional care to everyone who walks through their doors.

Your gift is more than just a donation. It’s an investment in the health of our community—an opportunity to ensure that when you or your loved ones need care, it’s available, close to home.

Please, give today and help us continue this critical work. Together, we can make sure that families across our community receive the care they deserve, when they need it most.

I may be just beginning my cancer journey, but the care and compassion I’ve received from Osler staff—and the knowledge that people like you are supporting our hospitals—gives me hope.

Thank you for being by our side. With your help, we can continue caring for our community and building a healthier future for us all.