Testimonials

An interview with heart transplant patient Frank Nguyen - Wednesday 16 October, 2024

Frank Nguyen was active and healthy. That’s why the events that took place in the summer of 2019 came as a total shock. His health deteriorated to the point where he required a heart transplant, giving him a second chance at life. His moving story has touched many people, from the caregivers at the Institute to the staff at the Foundation.

An interview with Amélie Brasiola, Head of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit - Friday 11 October, 2024

As head of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Amélie Brasiola is dedicated to improving postoperative activities at the Institute. She is also the recipient of the 2023 Montreal Heart Institute Managers’ Association Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the development of innovative projects and her outstanding commitment to employees. She spoke to us about the importance of her unit and the key role the Foundation plays in supporting it.

A profile of Isabelle Gauthier, spiritual care practitioner - Friday 2 August, 2024

Isabelle Gauthier has been a spiritual care practitioner at the Montreal Heart Institute for eight years. She’s always ready to lend an ear or a hand to anyone navigating the hustle and bustle of the hospital. She told us more about this little-known profession and the vital importance of her role—one based on a sensitive approach to disease that benefits many patients every day.

Interview with Julie Todd, Director of the Infocentre department - Friday 12 July, 2024

As the Montreal Heart Institute celebrates 70 years of greatly impacting the lives and health of Quebecers, it can proudly showcase its legacy thanks in large part to the work and vision of Julie Todd, Director of the Infocentre department.

Interview with Anick Lamontagne, orderly at the Montreal Heart Institute - Thursday 16 May, 2024

Anick Lamontagne spent 17 years as an orderly in CHSLDs and CLSCs, and as an in-home attendant helping with end-of-life care. She never thought she’d end up working in a hospital setting. But after five years in the Montreal Heart Institute’s Critical Care Unit, she can’t see herself working anywhere else.

Interview with Katia Dekkers, volunteer for the Foundation and the MHI - Monday 26 February, 2024

Ms. Dekkers is now 80. She’s been volunteering for the Foundation and MHI for nearly 20 years. During her time volunteering for the Montreal Heart Institute and its Foundation, Ms. Dekkers has made many friends. Her knowledge of the hospital and her extensive volunteering experience have helped her expertly navigate the significant changes that have taken place over the past few years.

Interview with Murray Dalfen, Chairman of Dalfen Industrial and Major Donor to the Foundation - Friday 23 February, 2024

Murray Dalfen, Chairman of Dalfen Industrial, a real estate investment management company, is part of the Foundation’s valued family of major donors. He shares his personal story and why he contributes to the Montreal Heart Institute through philanthropy.

Interview with Gaston Morin and Rita Pelletier - Tuesday 13 February, 2024

Fifteen years after receiving a mechanical mitral valve, Ms. Pelletier underwent three bypasses at the Institute. A few months later, Mr. Morin was also admitted to the Institute for a procedure to replace his aortic valve with a biological valve implant. 

Interview with Nisha Kim, partner and the Head of Corporate Partnerships at Rush Cycle - Thursday 1 February, 2024

The driving force behind Nisha Kim's altruistic efforts is rooted in her personal experience of her child's battle with Kawasaki disease. Though her child has overcome the illness, the memories of those challenging days linger, leaving an indelible mark on Nisha's heart.

Special collaboration with Ms. Dulude, Head of the Food Services and Clinical Nutrition Department at the Montreal Heart Institute - Wednesday 20 December, 2023

The title is by no means meant to imply this will be a text with a religious undertone. It was simply chosen as a nod to The Last Supper, a piece of art depicting a meal that, with the inevitable looming, serves as a sort of profound communion, a collective rite emphasizing a connection with other beings and with the food itself. November brings with it a cold that cuts to the bone. But the activities related to medical aid in dying pay no heed to the weather. They go on year-round because nothing can slow down the march of time. After all, life and death are constants.