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Thirteen adventurer-fundraisers conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised over $1.37 million for Mount Sinai Hospital. Read about their incredible mission and how their impact will be felt throughout our great Hospital.

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e m o u n t S i n a i h o S p i t a l f o u n d a t i o n

O n T O p of T h e

World!

Message from Brent

The Summit for Sinai Adventure:

Climbing to the Roof of Africa to Help Deliver The Best Medicine

The focus of this issue is The Summit of Health Care and Research, inspired by a small group of intrepid philanthropists, led by David Cynamon, who amazingly climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the Hospital.

In speaking with the climbers, I realized that their personal stories highlight what is unique and special about Mount Sinai. Their stories allow us to tell our story — the excellence and growth of the Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre, the incredible care we provide for moms and babies, the groundbreaking research taking place both at the Hospital and the Lunenfeld, and the critical importance of fundraising for our highest priority needs.

The Summit for Sinai story also highlights the role that each of us can play in helping Mount Sinai reach even greater heights. To everyone who has made a gift to the Hospital this year, supported one of our climbers, sent a tribute card, organized an event on our behalf, or took the time to provide feedback on the care that you or a loved one received — thank you!

I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and I look forward to working with you, as together, we climb even higher in support of The Best Medicine.

Sincerely,

Brent Belzberg Chair, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation

The adventure of a lifetime — led by adventurer and passionate Mount Sinai supporter David Cynamon — took place in September for 13 climbers and two emergency room physicians atop one of the highest mountains in the world. Summit for Sinai, the incredible climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in support of Mount Sinai Hospital, was a huge success, raising an outstanding $1.37 million for some of the most critical needs of the Hospital.

“We were quite amazed by the outpouring of support,” said Richard Pilosof, climber and Foundation Board Member. “Not only did our friends and loved ones want to support us personally, but it became quite clear that Mount Sinai is special to a lot of people. It just made us that much more dedicated to our mission.”

The climbers underwent significant training from the experts at Track Fitness — the official trainer for the climb. The official outfitter of the expedition, Canada Goose, ensured they were toasty warm at some of the highest altitudes known to humankind. They also received expert medical advice and preparation from Mount Sinai emergency room physicians, Drs. Howard Ovens and Bjug Borgundvaag, the Director and Associate Director, respectively, of Mount Sinai’s Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre, who signed on to climb Kilimanjaro with the group as their medical support team.

The expedition took place in early September, and was packed full of exhilarating highs, challenging terrain, personal reflection, and

We want to hear from you! Tell us your thoughts on our newsletter and what types of stories you want to read about.

Contact Jyll Weinberg-Martin at jweinberg-martin@mtsinai.on.ca or 416-586-8203 ext. 8832.

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Summit for Sinai climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro

above all, steadfast commitment to conquer Kilimanjaro for Mount Sinai. The group climbed up the Machame route — the longest but most scenic route up the mountain. They ascended up the steep lava rock at a swift but safe pace, with direction from their guides and under the watchful eye of their medical team.

While there was no shortage of extraordinary moments, one unexpected turn of events took place at 13,000 feet, when the group rescued a six-year-old boy who had become lost and disoriented on the mountain after straying from his village at the base of the mountain. The boy, Emmanuel, had survived two nights at freezing cold temperatures with only a sweatshirt, torn pants and sandals. Drs. Ovens and Borgundvaag

treated Emmanuel for dehydration and hypothermia and, after several hours, he was well enough to be carried down the mountain and reunited with his family.

One emotional rush was followed by another, as the climbers left for the summit at midnight on September 12, taking a starlit journey to their coveted destination — the Uhuru peak. At the break of dawn they arrived at the highest point in Africa, completely exhilarated at the accomplishment of this tremendous feat. After taking hundreds of celebratory pictures, the group broke out into a ‘hora’ — a traditional Jewish celebratory dance.

For the majority of the group, it was the most challenging physical feat of their lives. With the trek now over, the

climbers have settled back into their pre-Kilimanjaro lives. However, the impact of their efforts, and of all of those who supported them, will be felt for years to come. One life saved on the mountain, and many more saved at Mount Sinai.

Read on to learn about the areas

of care supported by our incredible climbers, and how their efforts will impact the patients of Mount Sinai — today and well into the future.

summitclimbers

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mark naShman

Since Mount Sinai’s earliest days as a maternity hospital, the health of women and babies has been a top priority. Today, the Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women’s and Infants’ Health continues to serve as a hub for obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal care.

Every year, Mount Sinai welcomes over 6,700 babies into the world. With an internationally renowned high-risk pregnancy program, the Hospital cares for 1,600 women with high-risk pregnancies each year — more than any other hospital in Canada.

Mark Nashman, Zak Goldman and Richard Pilosof — three climbers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro for Mount Sinai Hospital — together raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Women’s and Infants’ Health, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Each one of these climbers has an intimate knowledge of what this Centre can do.

All four of Mark Nashman’s children were born at Mount Sinai, and both

Zak and Richard had newborns who received heroic, life-saving care in Mount Sinai’s NICU for which they will be forever grateful.

There is still much more on the horizon for women and babies at Mount Sinai — change that these climbers will help bring to fruition. Funds raised through the Foundation’s new Campaign to Make Medical History will see the entire footprint of the Hospital re-imagined, including transformation of many key areas of the Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women’s and Infants’ Health.

The recent opening of six brand new floors — including the David & Stacey Cynamon Mother & Baby Unit — marked the completion of the exciting first phase of redevelopment. Among the Unit’s many unique features are 26 private patient rooms, a family lounge with a kitchenette, an advanced infant security system, a soothing, noise-reduction design and nursing stations that allow greater access to patients.

In addition, the NICU is set to be redeveloped into a state-of-the-art facility, including wireless monitoring, specialized infection control measures and many brand new private suites to replace the existing open ward. Anticipation is also building for the 2014 opening of the brand new Labour and Delivery facility, which will include five new operating rooms equipped for high-risk deliveries, multiple births and labouring mothers with infectious conditions.

richard piloSof

zak goldman

For more information on the Campaign to Make Medical History, please call us at 416-586-8203.

MoMS AnD BABieS

Mount Sinai remains a leader in maternal and infant health and — with the help of supporters like Mark, Zak and Richard — will continue to raise the standard of care for this special group of patients, now and well into the future.

“There was nowhere else we wanted to be. My wife and I knew we were receiving the best care, and that we were giving our babies the best possible start.”M A R K N A S H M A N

Richard is shown with his son, Jordan, and Zak with his son, Blake. Both boys received life-saving care in Mount Sinai’s nICU.

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summitclimberscorey mandell and Jamie Salter

evan green

ronnie tal

One special area of Mount Sinai that continues to set it apart from other hospitals is its renowned Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. World leaders in biomedical research, Lunenfeld investigators are advancing knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and are partnering with Mount Sinai clinicians to reshape medical care at our Hospital and beyond.

Clinician-scientists within the Hospital continue to conduct leading-edge clinical research and are also major players in the future of health care.

When Evan Green, Corey Mandell, Jamie Salter and Ronnie Tal signed on to join the Summit for Sinai expedition, they chose to support research at Mount Sinai and the Lunenfeld. Whether it was because of loved ones impacted by devastating diseases, or because they simply understood the power of research, these climbers will help to support our researchers as they

work to change the future outcomes of patients impacted by chronic disease.

Together, these four climbers have incredibly raised over $320,000 — funds that will help Mount Sinai and the Lunenfeld’s renowned diabetes and cancer scientists accelerate the development of new and better treatments. Their efforts will help provide core funding for both basic and clinical research — supporting researchers like Drs. Drucker, Zinman, Walfish, Goodwin, Jarvi and Diamandis. These funds will also support the development of new, state-of-the-art research facilities, critical equipment and personnel support to advance their leading-edge research.

Research remains a key ingredient in Mount Sinai’s ability to deliver The Best Medicine. Summit for Sinai has helped ensure that the Hospital’s scientists continue to make new discoveries to help conquer some of the most devastating diseases of our time.

BioMeDiCAl ReSeARCH

Cancer Research at the Lunenfeld• Dr. Pamela Goodwin’s pivotal research on the role of insulin in breast cancer has

been a game changer around the world.

• Drs. Keith Jarvi and eleftherios Diamandis and their teams are uncovering biomarkers that could change the course of treatment for patients with prostate cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Research at Mount Sinai Hospital• Dr. Paul Walfish’s team is measuring specific biomarkers to develop innovative strategies

that will alter the management of low-risk thyroid cancer and help patients avoid unnecessary testing and radiation treatments.

Diabetes Research at the Lunenfeld• Dr. Bernard Zinman and his colleagues are exploring novel ways to identify the earliest

metabolic abnormalities responsible for Type 2 diabetes, and developing strategies that may effectively put diabetes into remission.

• Dr. Daniel Drucker is studying the actions of gastrointestinal hormones that have potent effects on control of blood sugar and body weight. new medications based on these hormones will help to tightly control diabetes and improve the chance of weight loss, thereby improving the lives of patients with Type 2 diabetes.

When lead climber David Cynamon and father-and-son climbers David and Robert Morrison decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Mount Sinai’s Emergency Department, they signed on to improve care for more than 52,000 patients every year.

“Emergency rooms are places that everyone expects to be there when disaster strikes,” says David Cynamon. “But it takes work to maintain such a high level of care, especially when it’s delivered at the rapid pace of an emergency room. Mount Sinai sets the bar high, and we wanted to help them keep it there.”

The Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre is one of the busiest emergency departments in Toronto, with renowned clinicians providing the highest level

of care to more than 145 patients each day. Some unique examples of how Mount Sinai sets the standard for emergency care include:

• Meeting and exceeding provincial wait-time reduction targets;

• The development of a novel communication tool that will inform a patient’s family doctor of their emergency visit to Mount Sinai;

• Establishing a unique training program for emergency clinicians to recognize mental health symptoms in the elder population — the first program of its kind in Ontario.

The Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre is a big part of the Hospital’s future expansion project. The next

several years will see a doubling in size of the Emergency Department, including an expansion of space and capacity in triage and waiting areas and many more patient exam rooms. Funds are currently being raised for a state-of-the-art, dedicated CT scan so that much needed imaging can be done on-site for rapid diagnosis, as well as the creation of a new Emergency Nursing/Control Centre. It is this major new vision for the Emergency Department that these Summit fundraisers have so generously supported through their climb.

With incredible programs and a future vision of growth and continued excellence, Mount Sinai will continue to set the gold standard for what emergency care can — and should — be.

eMeRGenCy CARe

“The people who come to us in the Emergency Department are often frightened, may be in pain and at their most vulnerable. They rely on us to meet their immediate needs, but also hope we will see past the injury or condition and treat them as a whole person. We are always open, we never turn anyone away. If you need us, we are here.” D R . H O WA R D O v E N S , D I R E C TO R , S C H WA R T Z / R E I S M A N E M E R G E N C y C E N T R E

While you may not be climbing Kilimanjaro anytime soon, the cold temperatures of Canadian winters can chill you to the bone! With winter just around the corner, here are some tips to avoid frostbite, both on and off the mountain.

What is frostbite?• Frostbite is a freezing of the skin and the

layer of tissue just below the skin.

• it occurs upon prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, and most commonly affects the smaller, more exposed areas

“While frostbite isn’t something we often think about, recognizing the symptoms and being prepared with the right gear can go a long way in avoiding permanent damage.”

— d r . h o wa r d o v e n S , director , Schwartz/reiSman emergency centre

avoiding froStbite (on kilimanJaro or in canada!)of the body (hands, feet, nose, chin, cheeks and ears).

• early symptoms may include burning, numbness, tingling, itching or slight pain of the affected area, along with a change in colour of the skin (white, red or grey) and a waxy appearance.

What can I do to avoid frostbite?• Avoid being outdoors in the cold for

prolonged periods. Maintain fluid and nutritional intake, especially when exercising in the cold.

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HeARTfeLT TRIbuTe on THe MounTAIn

When David Morrison heard there was an opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Mount Sinai, he knew he wanted to be a part of it. The mountain had been on his mind for years, and he convinced his 22-year-old son, Robert, to do it with him, knowing it would be an unforgettable experience for them both.

To meet their $200,000 fundraising goal, David generously offered to match all donations that he and Robert received. Staying true to his word, he personally donated over $100,000 to their climb.

Tragically, in the midst of preparing for their Summit adventure, David’s sister, Robyn Shiner, passed away very suddenly from acute myeloid leukemia, a very aggressive blood cancer. Needless to say, the entire family was devastated.

Robyn — a loving wife and mother — was only 55 years of age and perfectly healthy, and was travelling on vacation only two weeks prior to falling ill. She had just been chosen as the new principal of her school, a position she was so pleased about. She was to start

the new position in September. Robyn had been one of the first people to donate to David and Robert’s climb.

“Her death was devastating, and made me question the meaning of everything I knew,” says David. “I realized that I needed to do something to memorialize her life.” The idea came swiftly that the father-and-son team would still participate in the climb, but that they would now dedicate it to Robyn. They would make a banner with her picture, and unfurl it at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as a tribute to her life.

Though David had to stop a stone’s throw short of the summit due to low blood oxygen, Robert and his cousin, Jonathan Goldman, proudly unfurled Robyn’s banner at the highest peak in Africa. Their spirits soared, as did David’s when they recounted the experience to him. “It was wonderful, and I felt very proud that we had achieved this for Robyn,” said David.

For this family, climbing the mountain not only had a significant impact on Mount Sinai, but also helped celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman.

david cynamon

david and robert morriSon

drS. howard ovenS and bJug borgundvaag

avoiding froStbite (on kilimanJaro or in canada!)

summitclimbers

Robert Morrison (left), with cousin Jonathan Goldman, holding Robyn’s banner at the summit of Kilimanjaro.

• Protect vulnerable areas! Wear a warm hat that covers your ears, mittens instead of gloves, and warm winter boots. Wear layers that can be removed if you get too warm.

• Avoid drinking alcohol when you know you will be outside in the cold.

• Keep extra layers of warm clothing in your car should you become stranded in the cold.

• Have a friend check your ears, nose or other exposed areas that you can’t see for signs of frostbite.

When Derek Frankfort and father-and-son team Gary and Jonathan Goldman joined Summit for Sinai, they chose to climb for Mount Sinai’s highest priority needs because they understood that these funds, while the most difficult to raise, are the most critical for the Hospital.

All gifts made toward the Hospital’s highest priority needs become part of a pool of funds from which the Hospital can draw and allocate toward the most critical needs of its patients, programs and research initiatives. These funds help us purchase critical equipment, such as the intra-operative nerve monitoring system we recently acquired, which enables our surgeons to monitor motor nerve function during surgical procedures to reduce the risk of nerve damage for our patients. These gifts also help to revolutionize Mount Sinai’s health-care facilities through capital redevelopment, they contribute millions every year to support groundbreaking research at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, and help provide the resources to recruit and retain the top clinical talent that sets Mount Sinai apart.

Derek, who raised an incredible $171,000 for his climb, knew he wanted to have a broad impact. “I wanted to know that the money I raised would directly impact patients,” says Derek. “When I discussed this with the Foundation, they suggested I climb for the highest priority needs, which are of crucial importance for patients on a daily basis. I know that Gary, Jonathan and I feel really good about supporting this cause.”

Andrea Freedman, vice-President of Philanthropy and Operations at Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, was thrilled with their decision. “We were excited and grateful when the Goldmans and Derek chose to fundraise for our highest priority needs. These critical funds are a top fundraising priority for our organization,” says Andrea. “These climbers set their sights high for Mount Sinai Hospital, and their efforts will go a long way to meet the needs of the patients we treat every day.”

HiGHeST PRioRiTy neeDS

derek frankfort

gary and Jonathan goldman

summitclimbers

In addition to the climber’s efforts to meet these most urgent needs of the Hospital, the Foundation has created the Constellation of Distinction — an annual campaign that strategically raises money to support Mount Sinai’s highest priority needs.

Now in its second year, the Foundation is proud to honour those who add their star to this growing Constellation, helping the Hospital shine even brighter for all those in need of care.

“Mount Sinai is a hospital I’ve always been passionate about,” says Brian Gluckstein,

celebrity home designer, long-time Mount Sinai supporter and Chair of the 2012 Constellation campaign. “I know how important this campaign is to the Hospital, and I want to make sure others understand that as well. Philanthropy is what makes our Hospital extraordinary, and it’s up to us to keep it that way.”

Under Brian’s leadership, this year’s Constellation will surely light the way for the future of medicine.

meeting mount Sinai’S higheSt priority needS

Brian Gluckstein

Please join usand our Constellation of Distinction will shine even brighter.

To make a gift, please visit brightertogether.ca or contact fern brody

at fbrody@mtsinai.on.ca or 416-586-8203 ext. 3223.

Constellations are bright stars that unite together to shine even brighter. We invite you to join this year’s Constellation of Distinction in support of Mount Sinai Hospital’s highest priority needs.

All those who make a gift to our highest priority needs become a member of this valued group. Those who are able to make a special contribution of $2,500 or more will have their name proudly displayed in a prominent area of Mount Sinai for all to see.

Shine brightly together with Derek, Gary and Jonathan in support of the Hospital’s highest priority needs.

excellence in Patient Care World-Renowned Research Innovation in education

HiGHeST PRioRiTy neeDS

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Photo Gallery

1. Summit climbers on their ascent up Kilimanjaro.

2. Dr. Jay Wunder, Surgeon-in-Chief at Mount Sinai, speaking to donors during one of the Foundation’s OR Tours.

3. Foursome David Feldman, Co-Chair Steve Miller, Co-Chair Brian Cohen and Richard Levinsky at the 18th annual Golf Classic.

4. Mount Sinai donor Camille Dan with baseball player Fred McGriff at Strike Out Cancer.

5. Auxiliary President Karen Goldist, right, with her mother, Esther Abramowicz, at the Auxiliary Annual General Meeting.

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6. Brent Belzberg, Chair of the Board of Directors of Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, Andrew Miller, Immediate Past Chair of Leadership Sinai, Shawn Mecklinger, Chair of Leadership Sinai and Mayor Rob Ford at the Leadership Sinai Annual General Meeting.

7. Celebrating our incredible Constellation donors: Brian Gluckstein, Chair of the 2012 Constellation of Distinction, Brent Belzberg, Chair of the Board of Directors of Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation and Andrea Freedman, vice-President of Philanthropy and Operations at the Foundation.

8. The Graff family at the Constellation of Distinction event.

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Mount Sinai’s Sherman Health and Wellness Centre Set to open in VaughanServing as an extension of Mount Sinai Hospital and The Best Medicine, the Sherman Health and Wellness Centre at the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus is set to open in vaughan this year! The Sherman Centre will offer a variety of health-care providers including family physicians and clinical specialists, as well as an array of wellness services such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, podiatry, prenatal care, fertility monitoring and much more. This innovative Centre, generously supported by Barry and Honey Sherman, will provide the excellence in care that is synonymous with Mount Sinai in a convenient new and healing environment.

Mount Sinai’s exemplary Status becomes official!Mount Sinai has been awarded Exemplary status from Accreditation Canada.

Exemplary status is the highest possible designation from Accreditation Canada, and is only given to those hospitals that demonstrate 100 per cent compliance with safe quality care practices.

This year, the Hospital hosted five surveyors from Accreditation Canada who, after a rigorous evaluation, praised every area of

the Hospital, noting that the commitment to patient care was palpable. They applauded frontline staff, who they felt showed a deep connection to Mount Sinai’s strategic plan and the Hospital’s shared values.

“Any one of us would be proud to have any one of you care for our loved ones,” said lead surveyor, Andrew Williams. “This is an organization that will be a leader well into the future.”

Dr. Shoo Lee Receives Prestigious International Award

Mount Sinai Hospital’s Paediatrician -in-Chief, Dr. Shoo Lee, has been awarded the prestigious Magnolia Award from the Shanghai

government. The Magnolia Award is the highest honour awarded in recognition of contributions to the social and economic development of Shanghai.

Dr. Lee established International Training Programs in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Neonatal Nursing which have trained over 100 doctors and nurses from 24 provinces in the People’s Republic of China. He also helped introduce the concept of rural maternal-child health clinics and the use of evidence-based quality improvement programs, which have reduced hospital acquired infections by a startling 65 per cent in Chinese hospitals.

International Win for ResearcherDr. Ellen Greenblatt, the Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Mount Sinai Hospital, recently took home a coveted international award: the Grant for Fertility Innovation, a competitive research grant awarded by EMD Serono. Dr. Greenblatt won the award for her project, Validation of Endometrial Receptivity Biomarkers Predictive of Success. The third annual competition took place in Turkey during the

28th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Leadership Changes in Key Groups at Mount Sinai

Congratulations to new Auxiliary President, Karen Goldlist, who brings enthusiasm, creative approaches and business acumen to the efforts of this

strong and innovative fundraising group. Tremendous gratitude goes out to the Auxiliary’s Immediate Past President, Barbara Kerbel-May, who made countless contributions to Mount Sinai Hospital, including the introduction of high-profile events Strike Out Cancer and Chef’s Challenge®: The Ultimate Battle for a Cure.

Leadership Sinai, a passionate group of budding philanthropists, will have a change in leadership this fall, when Chair Andrew Miller hands over the reigns to Shawn Mecklinger. Shawn will lead the group toward accomplishing their most recent pledge to Mount Sinai: to raise $4.5 million over the next three years, including $1 million for a new surgical suite as part of the Hospital’s capital redevelopment project.

News

Shawn Mecklinger (left) and Andrew Miller

1001 – 522 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1W7t 416-586-8203 f 416-586-8639foundation@mtsinai.on.ca mshfoundation.caCharitable Registration #119048106 RR0001

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au

tu

mn

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Thirteen adventurer-fu

ndraisers conquered Mount Kilim

anjaro and raised over

$1.37 million for Mount Sinai Hospital. Read about th

eir incredible missio

n

and how their impact w

ill be felt th

roughout our great Hospital.

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e m o u n t S i n a i h o S p i t a l f o u n d a t i o n

O n T O p ofT h e

World!

au

tu

mn

20

12

Thirteen adventurer-fundraisers conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised over

$1.37 million for Mount Sinai Hospital. Read about their incredible mission

and how their impact will be felt throughout our great Hospital.

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e m o u n t S i n a i h o S p i t a l f o u n d a t i o n

O n T O p of T h e

World!

au

tu

mn

20

12

Thirteen adventurer-fundraisers conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised over

$1.37 million for Mount Sinai Hospital. Read about their incredible mission

and how their impact will be felt throughout our great Hospital.

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e m o u n t S i n a i h o S p i t a l f o u n d a t i o n

O n T O p of T h e

World!

au

tu

mn

20

12

Thirteen adventurer-fundraisers conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and raised over

$1.37 million for Mount Sinai Hospital. Read about their incredible mission

and how their impact will be felt throughout our great Hospital.

a p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e m o u n t S i n a i h o S p i t a l f o u n d a t i o n

O n T O p of T h e

World!

Please add your star to this year’s Constellation.

To make a gift, please call 416-586-8203 or visit brightertogether.ca

Gifts toward Mount Sinai Hospital’s highest priority needs help us save lives every day.