You can support the best care experiences, close to home.
Your donation will ensure patients receive care in compassionate spaces and have access to cutting-edge technology.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of donors like YOU
Your contributions are inspiring our healthcare teams in ensuring that compassionate care is closer to home, for you and your community. Read on to learn how our community of doctors, nurses and donors are helping make extraordinary happen at St. Joe’s.
Dr. Courtney Spelliscy, one of our dedicated emergency physicians, has been a driving force behind this new geriatric zone in the emergency department. Inspired by her own experiences with her grandmother, Dr. Spelliscy has a deep appreciation for the elderly and a passion for providing them with the best possible care.
Going to Emergency for an older adult can be distressing—it’s a busy, unfamiliar space during a stressful time. Dr. Courtney says older adults are at a “higher risk of experiencing more agitation, confusion, or even having another accident while they wait.” This will change thanks to donor support. The new zone will be an accessible space to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. Construction begins this fall to widen rooms and bathrooms to fit walking aids, add accessible railings and grab bars throughout, and install anti-slip floors. “We are grateful to everyone supporting emergency care that’s close to home,” says Dr. Spelliscy.
Nurse Melanie York, who has been with St. Joe’s since 2016, shares this vision too. Having earned a master’s degree and certification in geriatrics, Nurse York has dedicated herself to improving care for seniors in our community. She has seen firsthand the gaps in care that exist for older adults in the current emergency department setup and is excited about the possibilities that this new geriatric zone will bring.
“We want people to have the best experience during those vulnerable times,” Nurse Melanie says, emphasizing the importance of a senior-friendly environment. According to Nurse Melanie, she regularly sees patients between 96 and 98 years old, with the oldest reaching a remarkable 107. This impressive age range is a testament to the exceptional longevity of the community that St. Joe’s is honored to serve.
With a gift today, you can create more compassionate spaces and elevated care for your community.
Extraordinary emergency care inspires a gift for future generations
Julia Overs’ story is a testament to the extraordinary care you help provide at St. Joe’s to everyone who walks through our doors.
Born in Greece, having experienced war and poverty, Julia learned the value of compassion and giving back from a young age. These values guided her to include a gift to St. Joe’s in her Will, ensuring that the hospital can continue to provide exceptional care for generations to come.
After a painful fall, Julia’s visit to St. Joe’s Emergency Department is a powerful reminder of why she supports our hospital. Despite her discomfort, she noticed the calm, caring atmosphere around her. Nurses and doctors moved quietly, offering blankets to the elderly, comforting mothers with their babies, and attending to each patient with kindness and patience. Julia was deeply moved by how the staff cared for everyone with respect and dignity, making each person feel valued and supported.
As Julia watched patients leave the hospital, she saw the relief and gratitude on their faces. In Julia’s telling, they entered anxious and in pain, but they left with smiles, knowing they had been cared for by a team dedicated to their well-being. This experience reinforced Julia’s belief in the importance of supporting St. Joe’s.
“At one point or another, we will visit St. Joe’s for medical reasons or visit a friend or loved one receiving care. Rightfully so, we will expect the best care supported by modern medical technology. Imagine if everyone who visits St. Joe’s donates what they could, how we all would benefit from it.”
Julia’s story is not just about receiving care—it’s about giving back. By including St. Joe’s in her Will, Julia creates a lasting legacy to help the hospital provide life-saving care for future generations. You, too, can make a powerful impact by leaving a gift in your Will. It’s a simple way to ensure that St. Joe’s continues to be a place of compassion, extraordinary care, and hope.
To learn more about how you can create a lasting legacy through a gift in your Will, contact Janine Kuzma, CFRE, Senior Manager, Gift Planning at 416-524-7665 or by e-mail jkuzma@stjoestoronto.ca.
