For more than 40 years, I cared for patients at William Osler Health System (Osler) as an ophthalmologist. I saw firsthand the dedication of our doctors, nurses, and staff—and I was proud to call this my hospital.

But I never imagined I would return as the one in the hospital bed.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The treatments were exhausting and painful. I found myself in the Emergency Department more times than I can count—struggling with pain, weakness, and the fear of what was coming next.

And yet, through it all, the compassion of the Osler team never wavered. Every doctor, every nurse, every volunteer treated me with kindness and respect. They cared for me as though I were family.

My oncologist, Dr. Marco Iafolla, treated me with incredible compassion and determination. He listened. He adjusted my treatment when things weren’t working. When all other options failed, my wife, Louise, and I were introduced to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Brandon Sheffield, right here at Osler—and what happened next changed everything.

Through his lab’s precision oncology research, Dr. Sheffield analyzed my tumor’s genes and discovered that I might respond to immunotherapy. Within weeks of beginning treatment, my pain disappeared. The bleeding stopped. My strength returned.

Osler gave me my life back.

As a physician, I am in awe of how far medicine has come. As a patient, I am profoundly grateful that this level of care exists right here in our community.

This truly is my hospital—and every day I’m reminded why.

Your generosity to William Osler Health System Foundation helps ensure that leading-edge research, technology, and compassionate care remain close to home for patients like me—and for the 1.3 million people our hospitals serve.

Please, if you are able, join me in giving back to the hospital that has given so much to all of us. Your generosity will make an even greater difference thanks to a generous anonymous donor, who is matching every gift up to $100,000.

With heartfelt thanks,

Dr. Zak Kidy and Mrs. Louise Kidy

Grateful Patient and friends of Osler Foundation

P.S. Thanks to Dr. Sheffield, Dr. Iafolla, and the incredible team at Osler, I’m making the most of my retirement—traveling, laughing, and loving life again. Your gift today helps others do the same.