Best Medicine Matters Fall 2009 - Mount Sinai Hospital

Patients Thank Bright Minds and Big Hearts
Nora Perry
“Not to worry, we’ll help you.” These were
the reassuring words spoken to Nora Perry
when she was recently diagnosed with
breast cancer and reunited with a nurse
who treated her when she was in the
hospital 23 years ago.
Nora has a long history with Mount Sinai
Hospital. In 1984, after finding a lump
on her back, she was brought to Mount
Sinai and diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma.
For 11 months she was in and out of the
Hospital undergoing several surgeries
and eight rounds of chemotherapy. “I
fully expected that the cancer would
come back,” says Nora, but in fact she
ended up having 23 perfectly healthy
and cancer-free years. She attributes this
to the wonderful care she received from
doctors and nurses who she describes as
respectful, caring, thoughtful and kind.
About her recent diagnosis, Nora says,
“I wouldn’t want to be treated anywhere
else. If you have to go through something
like this it’s nice to know you’re going
somewhere where the professionals are
so empathetic and kind.” She speaks
highly of all of her Mount Sinai caregivers,
from the massage therapists, to
her doctors, to the Reiki therapist who
provided tremendous emotional support.
“This is as good as it gets,” says Nora. “It
does not get any better than Mount Sinai.”
Hamza Al Mathno
Dear Madam/Sir,
My name is Hamza, I am three weeks old. I
was born at Mount Sinai Hospital on April 4,
2009. Many thanks to the professional and
dedicated staff that took care of my mother
and me while we were hospitalized.
I would like to participate in supporting
Mount Sinai Hospital so other kids and
patients can benefit from the care you
provide. Enclosed is my donation to
Mount Sinai Hospital.
Thank you,
Baby boy Hamza Al Mathno
Young donor
Hamza Al Mathno
Christine & John Schuman
When Christine Schuman was 18 weeks
pregnant, an ultrasound revealed that her
unborn baby had a urinary tract obstruction
that was causing problems with his
bladder and kidneys. Christine was referred
to Dr. Greg Ryan and eventually a bladder
shunt was inserted into the baby’s bladder
to relieve the pressure and attempt to
save his kidney function.
“Dr. Ryan and the nurses and fellows
were very compassionate and understood
what an emotional and difficult time we
were going through,” says Christine.
Jack Schuman had
a bladder shunt
inserted before birth
The procedure was successful and
Christine was monitored until her son
was born at 38 weeks weighing 8
pounds 4 ounces. The shunt stayed in
past delivery and did its job preserving
her baby’s kidney function. Christine
and her husband John say they had a
wonderful birthing experience at Mount
Sinai and they can’t thank Dr. Ryan and
his team enough for everything they did.
“We know if it were not for the talented
and committed professionals in the Special
Pregnancy Unit, our son may not have lived,
or if he did, he would have serious kidney
problems,” says Christine. “We are so lucky
to have him and we’re grateful that we are
able to go to a hospital like Mount Sinai.”
Upcoming Events
For details, please see the Calendar of Events at www.mshfoundation.ca or call 416-586-8203.
Monthly
Online Auction for Chronic Pain at
www.nhl.com, hosted by AJ Sports
World. All proceeds go to Miriam’s
Fund, Wasser Pain Management
Centre at Mount Sinai.
November 12, 6:30 p.m.
Leadership Sinai Dinner with Scientists
2009; $180 per person
November 28, 4 p.m.
Mount Sinai Day at Marlies
$5 from every ticket purchased through
Mount Sinai Hospital
December 3, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Leadership Sinai Lunch with Leaders
featuring David Rosenberg, Chief
Economist and Strategist, Gluskin Sheff;
members $25; non-members $35