University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation

12/18/2025

❤️“Sir, we are developing a new technique that would allow us to perform your triple bypass operation through a small incision between your ribs... You would be the first patient.”

Twenty years ago, Dr. Marc Ruel had this conversation with a patient. Today, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute is a recognized global leader in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Dr. Ruel has dedicated his career to refining methods that allow open-heart operations to be performed through smaller incisions, helping patients recover faster with less trauma.

Now, thanks to donor generosity, the program is expanding to include robotic assistance. This cutting-edge technology allows surgeons to use microscopic cuts and 3D imagery, ensuring patients have minimal blood loss and, following some procedures, can be ready to go home the very next day.

Your year-end gift helps us train the next generation of surgeons and purchase vital equipment like the Robotic Teaching Console.

🩺Read more from Dr. Ruel: bit.ly/dr-marc-ruel
🎁Donate to support innovation: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/holidays/

P.S. Featured in this picture: Dr. Marc Ruel teaching minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques to cardiac surgeons in Tokyo, Japan.

12/17/2025

❤️John Fregeau, 64, calls his experience at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute "the obvious choice."

Living with genetic heart disease, John needed a solution that would get him back to his life quickly. His surgery took place on a Tuesday, and he was discharged by Friday.

“There was only one small puncture wound in the left side of my chest... Only a few weeks into September, I found myself strong enough to take two 60-minute walks a day.”

Thanks to the Heart Institute’s expertise in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, John is already back to driving his boat and enjoying his retirement.

Your generous support helps patients like John heal quickly and safely return home to those they love.

🩺Read John’s full story here: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/heart-to-heart-john-fregeaus-story/
🎁Donate to support patient care: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/holidays/

P.S. Featured in this picture: Dr. Marc Ruel performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

12/04/2025

Lino Bassi Gala ❤

Proudly hosted by Nadia Bassi, Mike Dagenais, and Ozzie Osman — taking place Friday, February 6 at Sala San Marco, in support of the Heart Institute Foundation. Learn more and get tickets: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/event/lino-bassi-gala/

12/03/2025

One person’s legacy can inspire generations.

Eugene Monette’s enduring generosity, carried forward by his family, ensures his vision will continue to make a lasting impact.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to express heartfelt gratitude for our legacy donors, and their lifesaving gifts to the Ottawa Heart Institute. Knowing that this time of year can be both nostalgic and difficult for many families in our community, we wish you comfort in knowing that the generosity of your loved ones has served to enhance cardiac care for generations of today and tomorrow.

12/02/2025

What does it take to complete over 4,500 urgent cardiac care appointments at the ACTU?

🏥 1 Bustling station 🛌🏿 3 Bed bays 🚪 1 Private room 🩺 Cardiac specialists (on-call and onsite) 👩🏿‍⚕️ 2 Nurses per shift 👟 2 Pairs of running shoes ❤ A whole lot of heart

Help us keep this vital unit running.

Thanks to the generous Grass Family and their group of companies, your donation will be matched all day long! Give today: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/giving-tuesday/

12/02/2025

Patient Kim Lanctot credits the Institute’s ACTU for helping her heal after open-heart surgery.

“I am so thankful that the ACTU is here... I would have had to sit for hours in the emergency room each time I needed to have my incision examined. The nurses have been wonderful to me... [they] really provide the peace of mind needed to recover."

Your support helps patients like Kim. Today, your gift will be matched to amplify its impact!

Thanks to the generous Grass Family and their group of companies, your donation will be matched all day long! ❤

Support patient recovery: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/giving-tuesday/

12/02/2025

Today is ! Every day, the Acute Cardiac Triage Unit (ACTU) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute becomes a lifeline for patients.

By offering specialized, same-day cardiac care, the ACTU helps divert patients from overcrowded emergency departments.

“Now we have a welcoming place... where our high-priority patients can have comfort knowing they are receiving treatment from staff specifically trained in cardiac care,” says Lindsay MacArthur, clinical manager of the ACTU.

Today, your gift will be matched! Thanks to the generous Grass Family and their group of companies.

Donate Today & Maximize Your Impact: foundation.ottawaheart.ca/giving-tuesday/

12/01/2025

The courts are calling for more action! 🏆

The Ottawa Pickleball Classic presented by CHG-meridian is returning to the EY Centre on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Last year was fantastic, but 2026 promises double the excitement and extended time on the court for every player.

This is your chance to compete, connect, and make a massive difference. Every paddle swing helps fund groundbreaking work at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Guarantee your team's place now and secure your preferred skill level spot.

Register now: ottawapickleballclassic.ca/registerationform

P.S. Ready for a flash of action? Check out this short snippet from the 2025 event above!

12/01/2025

Maximize your impact without paying capital gains tax.

This year-end, consider donating appreciated securities—like stocks or mutual funds—directly to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.

By gifting securities, you’ll avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full fair market value of your investment.

That means greater impact for heart health and more tax savings for you. ❤️

Learn more: ➡️ foundation.ottawaheart.ca/stocks-securities

🗓️ To receive a 2025 tax receipt, please submit transfer requests by December 19, 2025.

11/26/2025

Growing up, giving to charity wasn’t something Michael’s family talked about. But he always knew he wanted to be part of something big.

When he became a new dad, and put together his Will, a friend gave him an idea: “Leave just a small percentage to charity—even 1 or 2%. Nothing that takes away from family.”

“I did the math. Just 3% could become a 5-figure gift!” he said.
This is a story about someone who wanted to make a difference and found a way.

Want to see what 1% in your Will could look like?👉 Try this legacy calculator: www.willpower.ca/legacy-calculator

11/25/2025

Save the date! Next Tuesday, December 2, is . ❤

We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the generous Grass Family and their group of companies, your donation will be matched all day long!

"The Heart Institute is world-class... It's up to us, to the community, to keep it at the top. We want the best-trained healthcare team, the latest equipment and research that will save lives now." – Russell Grass Sr.

Watch this space on Tuesday to see how your support helps programs like the Acute Cardiac Triage Unit (ACTU). 💌

11/10/2025