Volunteers play an important role at the JGH Foundation. They make a difference by purchasing much needed equipment, improving the physical premises of the hospital, and supporting programs and events with their energy, enthusiasm and good will.
Diane is one of those extraordinary people. Raising funds and supporting departments at the JGH for over a decade, she started her own charity called Vision of Hope in 2008 after her husband passed away from cancer.
“My husband was very healthy. He was a runner. He was in good shape. It was very quick. We were in shock,” Diane described. “But, I was so thankful for the medical staff at the JGH on the oncology ward who tried to do everything they could to save his life.”
By his bedside, in Pavillion D on the 7th floor, Diane slept on a stretcher on and off for over a year. She decided she wanted to make the experience more comfortable for future family members of JGH patients.
“With the help of amazing friends and family, we did a winemaker’s dinner and we raised over $700,000. This enabled the cancer ward at the JGH to buy new furniture,” said Diane.
Most recently, Diane partnered with Gildan and Mitchel Kendall in order to distribute 1,500 sweaters to oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. She also delivered 750 care packages to the geriatric unit thanks to Avon Canada, BethCare Senior Services, Colgate/Palmolive and Maximage.
“Karine Lepage who was formerly head nurse of the oncology department, which I donated to over the years, had switched to geriatrics and reached out to me for help. So, I jumped right in to do my part and the response I got from the community was overwhelming. I mean, people were just so kind and generous,” Diane added.
Making a difference in the lives of hundreds if not thousands of JGH patients and staff, The Foundation is proud and humbled by Diane’s efforts.
“Diane embraces everything we look for in a volunteer and supporter of the Hospital & its Foundation,” said Stephanie Roza, Manager of Volunteer Engagement at The JGH Foundation. “We are truly grateful to her for her time, her generosity and for leveraging her network and resources so that she could help bring comfort and joy to patients and staff.”
November 2020, last updated January 2021
“With the help of amazing friends and family, we did a winemaker’s dinner and we raised over $700,000. This enabled the cancer ward at the JGH to buy new furniture.”
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