Page 36 - University Health Network 2017-18 Year In Review
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Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
In Memory of Peter Munk (1927–2018): ‘A great inspiration to us’
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation lost “This is not only our loss. It is a loss for all of Canada.” ‘We have lost a great friend’ “Through his incredible generosity,we will continue to
one of its most influential and loyal supporters when On Sept. 19, 2017, Peter and Melanie Munk announced work towards achieving the level of excellence in patient
Peter Munk passed away on March 28, 2018. a historic gift of $100 million to the Peter Munk Cardiac “While we have lost a great friend, Peter Munk’s vision to care, teaching and research that Mr. Munk expected.
The Munks’ legacy of giving to UHN – more than Centre. To date, it is the largest single gift ever given to a provide outstanding, compassionate care for patients with “This is a legacy that all Canadians should be proud of.”
cardiac and vascular disease will live on through the Peter
$180 million – was extraordinary, and will continue to Canadian hospital. Munk Cardiac Centre,” says Dr. Barry Rubin, Chair and Watch Peter Munk’s inspirational remarks on repaying
transform the future of heart health for years to come. “By supporting a centre of excellence that aims to be the Medical Program Director at PMCC. Canada
“We will forever be grateful for Peter’s remarkable world’s leader in cardiac care, I believe we help not only
generosity, extraordinary vision and leadership,” says the hospital and its patients, but also augment Toronto’s
TGWHF President and CEO Tennys Hanson. “He reputation for innovation and excellence,” Peter Munk
was one of Canada’s most outspoken and passionate said at the historic announcement.
champions, and his tremendous support will have
a lasting, positive impact on the lives of future ‘Canada welcomed me with
generations.” open arms’
Peter and Melanie Munk came to UHN with their vision
more than two decades ago when they established the “This gift reflects my enormous gratitude to Canada,
Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in 1997. They were deeply to Ontario and to the talented and dedicated staff at the
involved in the evolution of the centre. Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. I arrived in this country in
1949 with practically nothing, yet Canada welcomed me
Historic gift of $100 million with open arms and gave me the opportunity to succeed.
“Peter was a great inspiration to us,” says TGWHF Chair “Every step in my career, I felt a common desire to do
Jim Leech. “Throughout the years, his knowledge and more for Canada.”
guidance benefitted the leadership of UHN. This latest gift will primarily be used to develop a data-
driven digital cardiovascular health platform
that reduces costs, advances medical research,
and improves the outcomes of patients with
cardiac and vascular disease.
By collecting, integrating and analyzing big
data using emerging artificial intelligence
tools, along with conducting new clinical
trials and expanding expertise in genomic
medicine, the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre will
make individualized, evidenced-based therapy
possible for patients.
Peter Munk delivers an inspiring message in September of last year At the gift announcement last September, front row, (L to R) Melanie Munk, Peter Munk, Amie
at Toronto General Hospital in an event to announce a $100-million Munk, Anthony Munk; back row, (L to R) Toronto Mayor John Tory, Brian Porter, Chair of the Board
gift to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. (Photo: TGWHF) of Trustees of UHN, TGWHF President and CEO, Tennys Hanson, TGWHF Chair Jim Leech, Dr. Eric
Hoskins, former Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Barry Rubin, Chair and Medical
Program Director at PMCC, and former UHN President & CEO, Dr. Peter Pisters. (Photo: TGWHF)
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