Annie Stephen loves being a nurse. Nursing wasn’t always in her life plan, but someone suggested she apply to nursing school when she was younger, and she’s never looked back.

“Changing people’s lives is what makes me the happiest nurse ever,” Annie says. A registered nurse since 1990, Annie has been part of William Osler Health System (Osler) since 2006 and joined the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) team in 2012. Now a Resource Nurse, she plays a vital role in the Cath Lab and the associated preparation and recovery areas.

The Cath Labs at Osler are where life-changing care happens every day, from diagnosing heart conditions with angiograms to performing life-saving angioplasties—but, as Annie explains, “there’s no typical day in the Cath Labs—emergencies come through at any time, and everything changes.”

Osler’s team currently operates out of two Cath Labs, but the need far outweighs the available space. “We're a busy, busy Cath Lab,” says Annie. “My job is to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible—that we have enough staff, equipment, and space ready to go.”

Annie also goes above and beyond to support patients and their families during some of the scariest moments of their lives. She recalls one heartbreaking day when a 40-year-old father of young children arrived after delaying treatment for 24 hours, unaware that his pain was caused by decreased blood flow to his heart muscle. By the time he reached the lab, his condition had become critical. While the medical team acted swiftly to save his life, Annie focused on his wife, who was overwhelmed and alone in her time of need.

“It’s about being there for patients emotionally, while ensuring everything in the lab stays on track,” Annie says. “To know that he is now doing better is the best reward I could ask for. That’s why I love nursing.”

Annie and her team work tirelessly to save lives, but the demand continues to grow. Osler receives more than double the number of cardiac arrest patients compared to neighbouring hospitals, and the existing labs are already operating evenings and weekends to meet the need for non-emergency procedures.

“The sooner we treat patients, the better the outcomes,” says Annie. “A third Cath Lab would allow us to help more people sooner and keep their care close to home.”

Building a third Cath Lab is a priority for Osler, but it can’t happen without you. Each lab requires highly specialized equipment—surgical tables, ultrasound machines, and C-arms for imaging—and every piece of this life-saving equipment must be funded through the community.

Annie’s message is simple: “We’re still growing here, and we need that support. We have an excellent team of physicians and nurses who are working hard to save lives every single day.”

Now, Osler needs your help to build a third Cath Lab and ensure more patients get the urgent care they need. Your gift could make all the difference for someone’s life.

Give from the heart and donate today. Together, we can save more lives.