Hello family, friends, colleagues, and all of those I have yet to meet!

I’m raising money in support of the work of UHN Foundation and their hospitals: Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, and Toronto Rehab.  

On May 9th, 2024, I put my life in the hands of the incredible cardiovascular team at UHN Toronto General. Open heart surgery (56 minutes on bypass!) tends to bring a new level of appreciation to a person's life. I cherish family and friends more than ever. I also realize the compassion and dedication of strangers who cared for me throughout my surgery and recovery.

On May 10-11, 2025, I will be completing a 2-day 55 km hike along the Dufferin Hi-Lands Section of the Bruce Trail. This accomplishment will celebrate my recovery and acknowledge the life changing care I received at UHN TG.

I completed this hike once before, about 15 years ago when I considered myself "young", so much so, that I ran the 26 km on day 2. This year, I will be focused on being grateful for every step of the journey.

Please consider donating to my fundraising page. Any amount is appreciated. 
They say my "warranty work" is good for about 25 years, so I should be okay until I am 80 years old.
With that in mind, if you are feeling generous and it is within your means, consider a donation of $80.

You will be helping to fund the ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art technology and world-class medical leaders that make our exceptional health care possible. 

Check back to my personal page for monthly updates on both my progress towards the bike hike and to get to know the amazing team at UHN that cared for me.

Thanks, 

John

MARCH UPDATE

As I continue towards my goal, I would like to recognize some of the great people at UHN who cared for me.

About a year ago this month, I had an angiogram to determine the extent of my condition. After reviewing the results and seeking some consultations, I notified my initial cardiologist that I would be transferring my care to Dr. Heather Ross. His response was “you can’t do any better than her, she is the master!”

Dr. Ross has a way about her that indicates her deep knowledge, dedication, and empathy for her patients. In addition to the incredibly long list of accomplishments, she is the founder of www.TestYourLimits.ca dedicated to improving heart health and research in heart failure. In 2015, she was named by Canadian Geographic as one of the top 100 modern day explorers.

I know that I am receiving the best, most current, research-based care with Dr. Ross.

APRIL UPDATE

Fantastic news, with your amazing support, we reached my fundraising goal of $5,000 on March 31st!

My first visit to Toronto General was in November 1976. I suffered a fluke accident a few weeks earlier at school and fractured one of the bones that makes up the eye socket; this injury immobilized my right eye, resulting in double vision. At that time, Dr. Paul Cherry was the best surgeon for this type of injury and despite the fact that I was 7 years old, the surgery was done at Toronto General. Flash forward 48 years and I find myself back at the "General" but this time for a different surgery.

About a year ago this week, I had my first consults with Dr. Ross (cardiologist previously mentioned in the March update) and Dr.Vivek Rao, cardiovascular surgeon. Surgeons are a unique type of doctor, often direct and assertive which are good traits for someone holding a scalpel over you (no hesitation or tentativeness). Dr. Rao's is more than just an expert surgical; he is approachable, empathetic and grounded. 

My surgery was actually scheduled for the day prior but the morning patient had some complications. Dr. Rao came into pre-op in the afternoon to explain to me that we would have to reschedule because his first patient needed his attention. The next day, following my surgery, Dr. Rao personally updated my family on my condition. The nurse commented that often surgeons send their residents to provide the updates, but not Dr. Rao; he speaks to the families personally, every time. I consider myself luckier than a lottery winner to have Dr. Rao as my surgeon.

Switching gears to my training update ... the hike weekend is a little over a month away and I have been doing very well with my conditioning. 
Today, I completed an 18 km walk in under 4 hours. In 3 weeks, I will be doing a 22-24 km walk to finish of my conditioning.

MAY UPDATE - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

On May 10-11, 2025, I celebrated my 1 year recovery by completing a 2-day end to end hike on the Bruce trail (almost 56 km). Here's some stats from the journey ...

Day 1
45,900 steps, 31.2 km, 4.3 km/hr moving average
7 hours, 12 min moving

Day 2
36, 900 steps, 24.7 km, 4.2 km/hr moving average
5 hours 53 min moving time

Check out some photos from the hikes.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VvQ5aGaG3WcbL8BH9

There were some very long grueling climbs, but I never doubted success.

The fundraiser will remain open until the end of May in case you want to donate your tax return!

Thanks again and keep well.

John