Significant support from our community

This week on Health Matters, Tarah Schwartz speaks with breast cancer survivor and thriver Daniella Corsetti about the importance of a support system during cancer treatments. Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic shares why it is important for her to support the health of her community. ICU nurse manager Rita Larotonda reacts to an incredible $210,000 raised to support the mental and physical well-being of the ICU’s staff. And, Peter Pomponio discusses what inspired him to contribute to the Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign. 

Cette semaine à Questions de santé, Tarah Schwartz discute de l’importance d’un système de soutien durant les traitements du cancer avec Daniella Corsetti, une survivante du cancer du sein épanouie. Maja Vodanovic, mairesse de Lachine, explique pourquoi il est important pour elle de soutenir la santé de sa communauté. Rita Larotonda, infirmière à l’unité de soins intensifs, réagit au montant formidable de 210 000 $ recueilli pour appuyer le bien-être mental et physique du personnel de cette unité. Et le Peter Pomponio explique ce qui l’a incité à contribuer à la campagne Osez rêver pour l’Hôpital de Lachine.

Transcript

Tarah Schwartz: 0:00

Hello there. Thank you for joining us. I'm Tarah Schwartz and this is Health Matters on CJAD 800. On today's show, we first told you about the urgent needs of the Intensive Care Unit in May. We shared how important and how hardworking this department is how dedicated the staff have been working around the clock to keep our community safe throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. The fundraising initiative for the ICU brought in more than expected, we'll tell you how those donations will support the staff. But first, October is as you know, Breast Cancer Awareness month. This month is an important reminder for women and men to pay attention to their bodies. There have been fewer cancer cases diagnosed since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic. But that doesn't mean there are less people living with cancer. It unfortunately means that people don't know that they have it. Daniella Corsetti is a breast cancer survivor and thriver and went through her cancer journey at the MUHC. She joins me now. Hi, Daniela.

Daniella Corsetti: 1:03

Good morning, Tarah, thank you for having me on your show.

Tarah Schwartz: 1:08

Always a pleasure. So Daniella, we are coming to the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month, just couple of days left. Why do you feel it's important to talk about it draw attention to breast cancer every year like we do?

Daniella Corsetti: 1:24

First, I want to just point out that after this month, it's not over. We have to continue and do our best to keep on top of this situation. I've been a survivor since 2015. And I believe that the early detection was a key factor.

Tarah Schwartz: 1:46

Yeah, you're right. I mean, that's such an important part of the process. That's why we talk about going for mammograms. So is that your main reason, though, for thinking that we need to bring it up every year? Why do we need to encourage women and men? Every October, we bring it up... we say it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. Is it because we want women to be reminded in this one very tight timeline to say like all year long think about when it's time for you to get your mammogram?

Daniella Corsetti: 2:13

It is very important not to let everyday life get in the way of our well-being. So we need to be aware of our bodies. We need to be aware of what's going on- not just in October, but all the time. So self-exam is fantastic. It's one of the things we can all do at home.

Tarah Schwartz: 2:37

Now, tell us a little bit about your story. When were you diagnosed? You mentioned 2015. Take us through that a little bit.

Daniella Corsetti: 2:43

I was diagnosed in 2014. Because of the early detection, I was cancer-free as of 2016. So late 2014 and it went very quickly for me. I've been cancer-free since 2016. My surgeon and the whole staff at the MUHC Breast Clinic were supportive and helpful during that whole period in my life.

Tarah Schwartz: 3:13

Yes, absolutely. Let me ask you though -were you diagnosed because you had a mammogram or a self-exam? How did you find out that you had breast cancer?

Daniella Corsetti: 3:22

I had a mammogram done and in September of 2014, and they had seen some density in the in the breast. So from then on, it just went on and on and I had an ultrasound done. And then we did the biopsies and that's when I got in December, I believe I went to see the doctor and he diagnosed me with breast cancer. In December I had my surgery.

Tarah Schwartz: 3:52

So quite literally the fact that you went for that mammogram that you were committed to taking care of your health that way you were diagnosed early enough.

Daniella Corsetti: 4:02

Yeah. 100%. We tend to say, Oh, I'll do it later. I'll do it later. No, it's very, very important that you do it as quickly as possible. Your mammograms don't delay them, don't.

Tarah Schwartz: 4:15

That's the advice. And that's why we tend to shout it out in October just because we have the platform for breast cancer awareness month in October. But your point is taken that we need to think about it all year round. Now how significant is having a support system when you are going through cancer?

Daniella Corsetti: 4:31

My support system was amazing. It was very important to me. I didn't have to worry about anything. Everything was taken care of. So all I had to really do was recover and that's what I did. Again, that's why I'm here today.

Tarah Schwartz: 4:46

We're speaking with Daniella Corsetti, we're talking about breast cancer and breast cancer awareness. Now you are lucky enough to have a wonderful support system. What about people who don't have it? We know that there's a program at the MUHC. That really does to support women who need a little bit more help, tell us about that. Because I know you're actively involved.

Daniella Corsetti: 5:04

There was a program prior to the COVID. Unfortunately, that's kind of stopped. But I am still in touch with the people at the MUHC. And we're trying to get that back to back up again. And so I want to be involved with that. And the staff there is amazing, the nurses, the doctors, they're really, really great. And it's wonderful to see that.

Tarah Schwartz: 5:32

Now, you mentor women by staying actively involved, I think that is what you mean. You mentor other women who are going through breast cancer treatments. You've become a real advocate for helping women through their journey. What Why is that important to you?

Daniella Corsetti: 5:47

Well, because the support that I had was amazing. And I want the women to feel that they're not alone. I don't. Sometimes we don't need to hear from our doctors or nurses. We need to hear from somebody who's actually gone through it. And it supports us and it lifts us and it takes us to through the whole journey. It's tough. But we together, we make a difference. We really do.

Tarah Schwartz: 6:15

And I think that is psychological support. It's nutrition support. It's sex therapy. Like it's everything that sort of comes into question. I think when you get your diagnosis. Talk a little bit about that, Daniela, because I know you've been involved.

Daniella Corsetti: 6:31

Absolutely. I know that the MUHC offers a program for the sex therapists and the nutritionist. And I do urge all women that need this support to reach out for it. I'm more on the mental part of it. I want ladies to feel that they're not alone. They're supported. I'm there for them. If they need to talk, cry, yell, scream. I'm there for them. Just it's an emotional thing for me to go through this. But yes, the MUHC does offer a lot of these programs, which is amazing for women.

Tarah Schwartz: 7:09

Yeah, so if you do feel that you need support, the program is called the Breast Clinic Wellness Program at the MUHC. The Breast Clinic Wellness Program. And what's beautiful about this program is it is fully donor funded. So if you really think about it, it's so philanthropic because it's not funded by the government. It's funded by everyday people who want to support women who are going through their breast cancer journey. So once again, if you do need that support, it's called the Breast Clinic Wellness Program at the MUHC. Daniella, I want to talk about your journey again, experiencing getting that cancer diagnosis, you know what it's like? How hard was that? Can you take us back to that moment and what you were feeling?

Daniella Corsetti: 7:52

My everyday life nine to five was shattered with this diagnosis. I just like completely blacked out. Those four words are not very pleasant to hear. But I was reassured that we're going to get through this and we did. The feelings are, I mean, you have a whole bunch of stuff that goes through your mind; such as, what's going to happen? Where do I go? What do I do next? Who's going to take care of me? So all of this, it's like one big movie that's nonstop. You need to focus and just take one step at a time. Take a deep breath, and put one foot in front of the other, and you're going to get there. But it wasn't easy. It's not an easy journey. It's really, really not but you can do it. We can all do it.

Tarah Schwartz: 8:49

And that's where the support comes in. We're speaking with Daniella Corsetti, she's a breast cancer thriver is like how I like to say it. So I think that's wonderful that you come on and you share your story. As Daniela has mentioned, yes, we are wrapping up Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is in October of every year. But I think this month is just a reminder. It's a platform to let every woman out there know and men out there know that you know, you really have to pay attention to your body. And, go get your mammograms, do your self-exams, because early detection is absolutely key. Last words to you, Daniella. What message do you have for women about taking care of themselves in their health?

Daniella Corsetti: 9:26

The self-exams are free of charge. You can do it yourself. You can do it in your home, and if you feel anything, don't put it off, go get tested.

Tarah Schwartz: 9:38

Daniella Corsetti, thank you so much for joining us on the show. Always a pleasure to speak with you.

Daniella Corsetti: 9:43

Thank you. Have yourself a great day.

Tarah Schwartz: 9:46

You too, Daniella. Coming up on Health Matters, a mayor has stepped up to help her community. We'll tell you how. I'm Tarah Schwartz. Welcome back to Health Matters on CJAD 800. It is not every day that the mayor of a borough in Montreal, implicates themselves in a fundraising campaign to help their community. But that is just what the Lachine Mayor has done. She has become the co-chair for the$5 million fundraising campaign called Dream Big Lachine Hospital. That money will provide state-of-the-art equipment for a new modernized Lachine Hospital, which is a really big deal if you live in Lachine or anywhere in the West Island, for that matter. Maja Vodanovic is the mayor of Lachine, and she joins us now. Hello there.

Maja Vodanovic: 10:30

Good morning, Tarah.

Tarah Schwartz: 10:32

So I mentioned above that it is rare for an elected official to become part of a fundraising campaign, why did you decide to become co-chair of this Lachine Hospital Foundation campaign?

Maja Vodanovic: 10:43

Because to me, there's nothing more important than the health of the people you love. When someone is sick, and they go to the hospital, you want them to have the best, best care possible. That's why I'm here.

Tarah Schwartz: 10:58

Now health care can be challenging in all parts of the province, we've certainly seen that through the COVID-19 pandemic more than ever, what is the situation been like in Lachine in terms of health care these last years?

Maja Vodanovic: 11:11

We've had trouble recruiting people. People were leaving. We had shortages of nurses like everywhere else. And in French, we say inhalotherapeutes(respirologists)- we're missing. We had to close down our emergency for a while and at night. So that was hard. And so we're still struggling to keep all our staff and to have everything running because there's a shortage.

Tarah Schwartz: 11:41

It did take years to finally get the first shovel in the ground at Lachine hospital, but that happened. So how do you feel this new, modernized hospital will help residents of Lachine and all of the West Island?

Maja Vodanovic: 11:55

Oh, it's going to help tremendously. We've been fighting for this for over 10 years. We were afraid the hospital would close. We were so worried. And then the MUHC came to the rescue and we were so happy. And then the funds weren't... We knew there were funds that were coming, but they weren't secure. We didn't know. So for years, there was this insecurity. And then there was security for the funds. And then everything was delayed. And now finally, we know it's happening. We've seen the drawings. We have approved the plans at the city. So we're starting to build so everyone is feeling very relieved. And we think that a new hospital with state-of-the-art equipment will attract a lot of doctors and nurses and people will want to come and work there.

Tarah Schwartz: 12:45

We're speaking with machine Mayor Maja Vodanovic, we're talking about a new state of the art Hospital in Lachine. You mentioned it a little bit. Were you worried that the hospital actually wasn't going to get renovated? That is a fear that you had?

Maja Vodanovic: 12:57

Yes. Well, a lot of the citizens had that fear. We were afraid that it was going to close. So a lot of people were mobilized for many years, petitions were going around and we didn't want to become just a clinic. We're a community hospital. And now with the fact that we're connected to McGill, so a university hospital on top of that with all the research that that involves. So we know we're going to be the best of the best. It's even better than what we dreamt up and what we hoped for. So we're going to keep fighting to make it the best possible hospital on the West Island.

Tarah Schwartz: 13:33

I want to touch on something that you said because I think that most people or many people don't know that the Lachine hospital is under the umbrella of the McGill University Health Center. So what does that connection bring? Because Lachine is such a wonderful community hospital and the MUHC is this number one research hospital in Quebec, what does that connection bring?

Maja Vodanovic: 13:55

We become like a campus. We're an offshoot, a wing of the MUHC which to me is tremendous. We're going to have the best doctors the best research. I know we're already specialized at the hospital for all the eyes and the cataracts. So I know now that if ever we have an issue, you go to our hospital and it's going to be the best possible care because we're connected to McGill University, which is by the way, my alma mater and I'm very proud of McGill.

Tarah Schwartz: 14:32

Yeah, absolutely know what I mean. The thing about Lachine that's so wonderful. If you've been to Lachine hospital, it is a wonderful community hospital. The staff love to work there. Everybody does feel like one community, but this is going to be a hospital-considering how it's going to be built. Doubling in size, new ER, new operating rooms, new patient rooms, private patient rooms. This is going to be a hospital that's going to serve the entire West Island. Talk to us a little bit about that.

Maja Vodanovic: 14:58

Yes. My dad was there at the hospital. And I remember when we entered, he was kind of trucked a bit everywhere. And then when we landed at the Lachine hospital for care, my mom was like, where are we? Is this like paradise? People were bringing us juice and coffee. There was like this peace at the hospital. We were like, wow, this is just amazing. And, I think this is going to be preserved, because the hospital is going to be overlooking the LaSalle Park. And the LaSalle Park has mature trees. It's beautiful. It's very large. So there's going to be a whole wing at the last floor, that's going to be palliative care. So we've increased the palliative care and every room is a single room, and it's going to be overlooking the mature tree. So I think that is something that is going to be wonderful. And I think people will always feel welcome. Because it's still a small hospital. It's not a mega-big hospital. It is small. And there's something-small is beautiful. And it's welcoming.

Tarah Schwartz: 16:08

Yeah, it absolutely is. It really is. I've been there before. And I just think it's a lovely community hospital. It really describes it well. Now, construction means growing pains. It's always the case, whether it's your home, anything that you need to renovate. What are your words of advice, during the three-year build for residents who are going to be looking for care? And for employees who are dealing with a lack of parking, which we know has been is a difficult thing for people who are used to having it.

Maja Vodanovic: 16:36

We're doing everything we can to free up parking. I've been called the school board to see if we can use some of their parking that's close. I've even talked to new buildings that have gone up that have parking in the basements to see if we can use that. While you know, while they're still looking for tenants, can we use them? Because during the construction, there's going to be machineries on the parking lot. So it's going to be difficult. MUHC has actually built a parking for their doctors and visitors on the corner of Sixth Avenue and St Louis. It's a bit far. It's a large parking, and there's a shuttle bus that's going to be taking everybody there. I see it's already being used. So that's good. But I think we do need to find some more parking around. So I'm looking with my services at the city and with everybody else, how we could help to alleviate the stress of looking for parking during the construction.

Tarah Schwartz: 17:42

Maja Vodanovic is the mayor of Lachine. She's also the co-chair of the Dream Big Lachine hospital fundraising campaign, which is raising $5 million. Tell us a little bit about this fundraising campaign, Maya?

Maja Vodanovic: 17:54

I've started fundraising ever since I became mayor; fundraising for the hospital. And I must say, I enjoy it. I like it. I like to talk to people. And when people say can we do something for Lachine? Can we help you somehow? And I said yes, you can help the hospital. Because a lot of companies are coming too. Amazon came to Lachine and they said what can we do for the community? I said, You know what, we have a hospital, you can help us with that. So now other companies are calling me; they're investing. I won't tell you everything. But every chance I get I say to them, we have a hospital and we want to keep it. And now we have it and now we want to make it the best it can be. Because I meet a lot of people; I meet a lot of companies. So I think I can help in that way.

Tarah Schwartz: 18:48

Now if you want to help; if you live in Lachine or anywhere in the West Island and you want to join Maya on this journey to raise $5 million for state-of-the-art equipment for Lachine hospital. You can do it. You can get involved. All you have to do is go to Lachine hospital foundation.ca. Lachine hospital foundation dot ca. You can get all kinds of information on this wonderful campaign, what's going to happen to the hospital and you can get involved because I think that's really wonderful. Last words to you, Maya. How excited are you in terms of being able to see the final product? It's three years away, but it must be an exciting feeling.

Maja Vodanovic: 19:23

It was very exciting. We keep saying we're going to do this; we're going to do this. When people came on last Friday, people came to Lachine, to town hall. The doctors were there, the citizens were there, and we gave a speech. We showed the new hospital and then it was really real. When citizens off the street came in and said hey, this is happening and they're joining us to say we're going to do this together. So it's a start, and it's going to be an adventure.

Tarah Schwartz: 19:59

Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic, thank you so much for your time today. We appreciate it.

Maja Vodanovic: 20:03

Thank you very much, Tarah.

Tarah Schwartz: 20:05

Next up on Health Matters, it is an essential department at the MHC and our community rallied around its dedicated staff in its time of need. I'm Tarah Schwartz and this is Health Matters. In May, we first introduced you to Rita Larotonda, the nurse manager in the ICU. The MUHC Foundation held a $150,000 fundraising campaign to support the Intensive Care Unit at the MUHC. COVID-19 has continued to stretch its resources thin. Beds are full, staff are exhausted. We are so pleased to announce that thanks to our community- thanks to you- we raised$210,000 in support of this essential department and its staff. Rita Larotonda, Nurse Manager joins us one more time. Hello, Rita.

Rita Larotonda: 20:51

Hi there.

Tarah Schwartz: 20:53

How are you today?

Rita Larotonda: 20:55

I'm doing well. Thank you. So glad to be back. Thank you for inviting me.

Tarah Schwartz: 20:59

Oh, glad to have you back. Well, especially once

Rita Larotonda: 21:00

We service adult patients at the Royal Victoria we shattered that $150,000 and blew past it to $210,000. But before we get to that, Rita. I want to talk about the ICU. I want you to tell us again, remind us-I think most people know what it means the Intensive Care Unit. But remind us; set the stage for us a little bit. Tell us what it's like in that department. Help us to see it. Hospital. Patients that are acutely medically ill; who require intense monitoring and highly specialized treatments. We treat the whole gamut of complex cases- transplants, you name it, they come here because we offer these services for these patients.

Tarah Schwartz: 21:53

Now what about your role? Head nurse, nurse manager? What does that mean nurse manager?

Rita Larotonda: 21:59

Like most managers, I manage people. But these are people that offer their heart and soul when they work. So the nurses come to work, preposes. All the people involved in the unit come to work and pour out their hearts and souls when they when they work. My role is to give them the tools to work properly, give them the training necessary, keep them abreast with what is important in order to offer the best care possible to the patients.

Tarah Schwartz: 22:33

Now I've spoken to before in the ICU. I love how emotional you get about it. You've been there a really long time; you call it your second home. Tell us a little bit about your affection for this department.

Rita Larotonda: 22:48

Well, I've always been someone who loved and thrived on helping the people when they're in need the most. In the intensive care, patients are- as I said- very, very ill. For me to contribute in that moment of time in their life, to help them overcome. And sometimes, we don't always get the outcome we wish. But I just love being there for the patient for the family. It's very rewarding for me. And again, whichever the outcome, if I contributed in a positive way for these patients. I think we're a special breed. You have to really love the intensity and you have to be compassionate towards your fellow human-being. And so we love it. I love it.

Tarah Schwartz: 23:41

And you've been there a really long time. What keeps you there? There are other departments that you could explore. But there's something about the ICU that holds you there. What is that?

Rita Larotonda: 23:49

Oh, it's the whole team. Working with doctors that are highly-skilled in their own right. And the young nurses that come in today. Being part of their growth and their professional growth. I love being their mentor, showing them I was there in the past. So I know how you feel I know what you're feeling. And you're doing a good thing. It's just to make sure they know that their work is valued and appreciated. Not only by me and the organization, but of course by the community, by the patients. And so this is what's important to convey.

Tarah Schwartz: 24:30

Rita Larotonda is the nurse manager of the Intensive Care Unit at the MUHC. We're talking about a very successful fundraising campaign. But Rita, I want to talk about COVID-19. We knew and we talked about how during COVID, this department the ICU was stretched to the end. I mean beds full, staff exhausted, non-stop. With flu season coming back, with more variants; how is the ICU and the team managing that now?

Rita Larotonda: 25:01

We've had almost three years now to adjust and adapt to the consequences of this pandemic. It was difficult in the beginning, but being the type of workers we are -meaning working in an intense environment. We were quick to adapt. No choice, we just we had a mission and we did it. Again, very difficult. The ICU staff is quite resilient. Our drive to care for patients who are really in their most vulnerable state. And that's a major factor, a contributing factor to our preparedness. That along with working with a team of professionals that are devoted to humanity, and serving our population, of course.

Tarah Schwartz: 25:47

I love that. That's beautiful. Now, if you wouldn't know it from the temperatures of the last few days. But it's going to get cold, and it's going to get cold quickly. Flu season virus season, now that we know that things like COVID-19 can happen, and it's still going to be in our lives. How do you prepare? How do you prepare for the months ahead?

Rita Larotonda: 26:10

I have meetings with my staff. It's important for me to touch base with them; for them to touch base with me. Transparency is important. It makes us more prepared, more aware. We're going over protocols, making sure everyone is up to par on any given training, it's so important here. So they're constantly trained and kept in the loop. And, they're cared for both as nurses and as people. They are moms, dads, students, so we have to take care of all those aspects.

Tarah Schwartz: 26:45

I love that. Now, in terms of taking care of. When the ICU talked to the MUHC Foundation, saying, we need some support, we need training, we need support for mental and physical well-being. We decided to launch a fundraising campaign together. And set a target of$150,000. And that money would go toward the training the health and well-being of ICU staff. We now raise $210,000. What was your reaction when that number just kept rising, and we're now at $210,000?

Rita Larotonda: 27:18

I was amazed. This is truly amazing. It feels wonderful to be acknowledged, to be appreciated for the work we do. I think it's a demonstration of what ICU is for the community. And their support represents the gratitude they have for us. And we are, of course, very grateful to them.

Tarah Schwartz: 27:43

Now, some of this money is going toward training. You touched on it briefly in one of your other answers saying that it's really important to be consistently and constantly trained. Why is that, especially in the ICU?

Rita Larotonda: 27:55

The ICU is a highly specialized area and so research is always ongoing. It's something that never stops. We like to always provide care that is the most recent, the most current, the most appropriate. Along with that, you need to inform the staff on this is how we do it now. This is a new approach. So we need to make sure everybody's on board, that it's delivered properly and performed. And all practices are up to par. So it's important for us to be continuously evolving, not rather having a cookie cutter type of training. It's constantly evolving, because research is evolving. And that's important.

Tarah Schwartz: 28:38

And what about young staff? Do you have young staff that come in that need to be trained? I know that there are shortages everywhere? And obviously that's going to touch every department. But in terms of training young staff, how do you manage that?

Rita Larotonda: 28:50

Correct there are a lot of new, younger personnel coming on. We train them to take care of the most basic patients you can find in an ICU. From there, we gradually over the next few months, increased their training capacity. So we introduced them to highly complex machinery, equipment, anything needed for the patient. It evolves as such, and we have to constantly not only teach them one time, but make sure that they maintain this teaching, whatever we show them has to be maintained. So that's important as well. It's not just a one-time thing.

Tarah Schwartz: 29:35

We talked about the Intensive Care Unit fundraising campaign on this radio show, so a lot of people who are listening today actually gave money donated to the ICU because they felt connected to it. What is your message or word of thanks for people who did contribute?

Rita Larotonda: 29:52

I want to say to all of you that have contributed to this fundraiser- I cannot express enough how grateful we are for your generosity. Your contributions will definitely help us become better doctors, better nurses and ultimately help us serve the community. I'm totally grateful I am. I'm humbled, actually. Thank you.

Tarah Schwartz: 30:13

And thank you, Rita Larotonda, the nurse manager of the ICU for coming on. For talking about it, for sharing your stories. It's always really lovely to talk to you because you're so genuine in your love of the ICU, and it's heartwarming. So thank you.

Rita Larotonda: 30:28

Thank you. It's been my pleasure. Thank you so

Tarah Schwartz: 30:30

Coming up on Health Matters, a much needed much. upgrade to improve health care in the West Island. I'm Tarah Schwartz. You're listening to Health Matters. Earlier in the show. You heard from Lachine Mayor Maya Vodanovic, now we introduce you to another co-chair of the Dream Big Lachine Hospital campaign. Peter Pomponio is the President and Owner of Assante Dorval and Managing Director of Assante Quebec. Thanks so much for joining us, Peter.

Peter Pomponio: 30:59

Thanks for having me, Tarah.

Tarah Schwartz: 31:01

So tell us a little bit about yourself. I know that's a big question, Peter. It's a big question. But...

Peter Pomponio: 31:10

Professionally, I started my career in accounting. Then moved over to the world of finance and portfolio management. And as you mentioned, right now I am the owner of Assante Dorval which is a wealth management and investment management company. And I also am the managing director of Assante in Quebec. On a personal level. I was born in Montreal to Italian immigrant parents. Married 29 years to my beautiful wife Julia and three great children, two of which are in health care or heading towards health care. And my younger boy is on the road to finance school. So we're excited about all of that.

Tarah Schwartz: 31:56

Well, that sounds wonderful. Now my next question to you was going to be why did you want to become co-chair of the Lachine Hospital Foundation campaign? And I wonder if part of it is because two of your children are heading in the direction of health care? I'm sure it's that as well as something else.

Peter Pomponio: 32:12

It does have something to do with that. But probably to answer that question in a better way, I have to step back about five years. As you probably know, we get an abundance of requests to give. So about five years ago, we as a family decided to narrow our focus on donations. Wanting to make a greater impact wherever we gave our time or our money. So we decided on two major themes. And one of those themes was health. The other was education. And basically we're staying along those lines. So when I got asked to help the Lachine hospital, several factors came into play. Obviously, it's our appreciation for the West Island community, and a willingness of wanting to give back to the health care sector for this fabulous community. So those are the basic driving forces of why I accepted to do this.

Tarah Schwartz: 33:12

I find that really interesting. And I like the idea of you sitting down with your family and sort of saying, Okay, let's choose strategically how we're going to give so that we can really try to make a big impact.

Peter Pomponio: 33:26

There's a limited amount of dollars to go around. So if you want to make an impact, you really got to focus. That's basically in everything in life, I guess, right?

Tarah Schwartz: 33:35

Yeah, no, absolutely. Now tell us a little bit more, Peter, about your connection to the West Island.

Peter Pomponio: 33:41

The connection to the West Island for me is mainly business-oriented. I own several companies that are located in the West Island. Most of the employees in these companies live in the West Island. And also the origins of my career dates back to 1993 in the West Island. The traditional Windsor building. So I'm proud to say that I have many, many friends that live in the West Island. And also my eldest daughter just bought a home and we'll be moving into the West Island very shortly. So that's basically my connection. It probably stems from business.

Tarah Schwartz: 34:26

The connections run deep, it seems. We're speaking with Peter Pomponio, president and owner of Assante Dorval, Managing Director of Assante Quebec. We're talking about the Lachine Hospital Foundation fundraising campaign. Now Peter, it's $5 million. Have you gone to Lachine hospital before? Before you decided to do become involved, did you look at this hospital and think this needs a major renovation?

Peter Pomponio: 34:50

Well, I did more than that. I got to see the finished product at the Glen. And then I also visited the Lachine hospital and obviously, what it's going to look like one day is going to be very different to what it looks like today. It really needs an overhaul. And we're excited to know the commitment from the provincial government. And we're very confident that we can raise the $5 million to equip the facilities with state-of-the-art equipment.

Tarah Schwartz: 35:32

That's it, the provincial government has committed $210 million. It's a$223 million project; $5 million of that is going to come from people like Peter. People who live in West Island who want to contribute to this hospital and that money is going to go to state-of-the-art equipment. Are you excited about seeing the final product? How do you think it's going to change how people are going to seek health care, not just in Lachine, but in the entire West Island?

Peter Pomponio: 36:01

The new hospital is going to have state-of-the-art services and equipment that I believe is going to be second to none. And what's great about the plan is that it caters to the full spectrum of health services. So if you're talking about prevention, you're looking at our research and teaching facilities for the McGill University Faculty of Medicine. Then, if you're talking about diagnosis, we have new specialized clinics, including a Men's Clinic. If you're talking about treatment, we were going to have a new high quality surgical suites, and an expanded emergency area. And then, if you want to really get to it, a dignified end to our life journey with a comfortable palliative care unit. So the benefits of the West Islanders are having all these services for themselves and family members in the proximity of their home. So it's something we really needed on the west Island. And we're excited that we're going to have it one day.

Tarah Schwartz: 37:10

Absolutely. And one day is not too far away. They're hoping to be finished by 2025. The groundbreaking began just this past month. Now, Peter, what is your big dream for your time as co-chair of this campaign, which just kicked

Peter Pomponio: 37:26

A big dream, I guess we have to start with the off? most logical one is obviously we will we want to have a successful campaign to raise the$5 million, that's a big dream. Probably the next stage would be a smooth and timely execution of the project. And I think we have a great head start there. But more deeply is like pride for me. I want to contribute my time to a hospital, that when all donors or citizens of the West Island walk in, they say, wow, we have just entered the future of the health and medical world. So that's really what I want to bring to the West Island is that pride and joy that we finally have a fabulous facility to serve our citizens.

Tarah Schwartz: 38:27

I love that answer so much, Peter, and just getting to know you in these last, you know, 5-7 minutes. I'm wondering, because family seems to be such an important thing for you. Do you see this as something that you're leaving in a way? Taking part in this fundraising campaign, it's a legacy that you're leaving for your children and your grandchildren, and so on and so on?

Peter Pomponio: 38:48

It is in all my fundraising activities. That's why I encourage also the involvement of the family to become knowledgeable of where I'm spending my time in terms of charitable giving. So yeah, I want to leave a legacy. But I also want to basically show them that the legacy has to live on through them. And it doesn't have to be exactly what I believe in or what somebody else believes in. It's just the fact of giving is really important. And I think it's something that my family really believes in and I think they will continue in that tradition.

Tarah Schwartz: 39:40

We are speaking with Peter Pomponio, president and owner of Assante Dorval and Managing Director of Assante Quebec. He's also the co-chair of the Dream Big Lachine Hospital fundraising campaign. If you want to know more, it's Lachine hospital foundation dot ca. Peter Pomponio, thank you so much for joining us on Health Matters.

Peter Pomponio: 39:57

Thank you so much.

Tarah Schwartz: 39:58

I'm Tarah Schwartz. Thank you for tuning in. What would you like to hear about on the show? Write to me at health matters at MUHC Foundation dot com. Follow us on social media. Sign up for our newsletter where you can stay up to date on all the amazing research and patient stories that we have to share. I hope you'll join me again next Sunday. Thanks so much for listening to Health Matters and stay healthy.