Help Barb raise money

Coming from a family of five siblings, all diagnosed with Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD), I am participating in this event for my own health and to promote awareness of Women's Heart Health- CVD is a leading cause of death in Canada. Also known as Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD), it has been called 'the Silent Killer' - it sneaks up on you!

On March 31 2025, it snuck up on me!  If it were not for the wonderful medical staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital and at the Heart Institute, I might have met the same fate as my late brother Duncan! He died of a coronary infarct in June 2008. I reported to the QCH early on March 31st. Among other tests, my troponin levels indicated that I had indeed experienced a heart attack.

On April 3, 2025 I had an angioplasty at UOHI, which revealed 80 % blockage to, followed by a pair of stents inserted into, my left anterior descending coronary artery. I was fortunate to not require bypass surgery, and was sent home the same day as the cardiac catheterization. I am so grateful for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute! I am grateful to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for a second chance at life.

My vision, dream, prayer is that funds will be raised to purchase new and better CT Scan Technology for Canadians similar to the technology available in the USA, for ex. 'CLEERLY' technology. It is used to diagnose / photograph and show graphically the exact percentage of blockage of coronary arteries due to cholesterol. This could be a tool of preventive use, similar to the tool used for Breast Cancer, the mammogram.

A CLEERLY heart scan uses AI to analyze CCTAs ( a standard Coronary CT angiography) to provide a detailed, non invasive assessment of Coronary Artery disease (CAD) identifying plaque type ( fatty versus calcified) amount and location, determining the likelihood of blockages ( stenosis) and reduced blood flow ( ischemia) for personalized treatment.

How wonderful it would be, if Canadian medical treatments included this option!!