![Woman in winter coat carrying five Heart Hug mugs](https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Heart_Hug_Mugs-The_Ottawa_Hospital.jpg)
Caring for patients with acquired brain injuries can sometimes take a heavy toll. This work often involves supporting families as they adjust to the new reality that the brain injury has taken away the person they once knew. Before COVID, the team at the Acquired Brain Injury Inpatient Unit (ABI) at The Ottawa Hospital’s Rehabilitation Centre would find comfort in coming together to talk after a tough day – and to share the occasional hug.
When the pandemic hit, social distancing protocols prevented staff comforting one another in the same way. They could only lend an ear to one another from six feet apart – a far cry from a warm hug.
Stacey Smith, a behavioral therapist who has worked at The Ottawa Hospital for 19 years, recently wrote to Christina Stapper, potter and owner of CMS Pottery, with an idea.
![Woman in winter coat carrying five Heart Hug mugs](https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Thenks_for_Heart_Hug_Mugs-1024x1024.jpg)
“I thought, what if I could gift my colleagues with a handmade hug mug – something as beautiful and unique as they are to show what they mean to me and what they bring to the table – something to show that while we may be physically-distanced, we are not alone,” says Stacey.
Touched by Stacey’s letter, Christina launched the ‘Heart Hug Mug’ Campaign at CMS Pottery on February 1. She created 40 specially-designed mugs featuring red 3D hearts. Each mug was unique – just like the people they were made for.
![Photo collage of staff from The Ottawa Hospital displaying their Heart Hug mug](https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The_Ottawa_Hospital_staff_enjoy_heart_hug_mugs.jpg)
For each Heart Hug mug purchased by the public, CMS Pottery would donate one mug to ABI unit staff. Heart Hug mug sales and support soared; 40 mugs were sold in the first 39 minutes of the campaign. Now, all 40 members of the ABI unit have their very own Heart Hug mug, thanks to Stacey.
![Two hospital staff sitting at a table holding their Heart Hug mugs.](https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Heart_Hug_Mugs_and_hospital_staff-1-1024x456.jpg)
Stacey wrote this special note to each ABI Heart Hug mug recipient: “When you wrap your hands around your mug, know that I have my arms around you.”
Sending you all the hugs, Ward C!
![Comment](https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/wp-content/themes/toh/images/structure/Comment-EN.jpg)
Support patient care and research at
The Ottawa Hospital
You might also like…
“It’s about giving them hope and purpose”: Ottawa Inner City Health’s Block Leaders program marks one year serving the community
Seven days a week, Block Leaders head out into the ByWard Market to help fellow members of their community who are unhoused or use drugs. They provide support to people in distress, respond to overdoses and even clean their neighbourhood — all with the goal of creating a safer and healthier community for everyone.
Baby on board: Nurses jump into action to help deliver baby during flight
When a woman went into labour in the middle of a seven-hour flight, Eunice and Lindsey immediately volunteered their services. The two neonatal intensive care nurses had to rely on their experience — and a little improvisation — to help deliver and resuscitate a baby girl.
We’ve got you covered: The Ottawa Hospital now offers bandages for a variety of skin tones
Whenever you’ve scraped your knee or had your blood drawn, odds are your bandage was the same colour every time. Peach has been the default hue for over a century — but no longer at The Ottawa Hospital.
The power of community @ TOH
Last year, Registered Nurse Macrina Valcin created an intricate display on her unit for Black History Month, transforming the unit’s bulletin board into a powerful celebration of Black people, culture and history. This year, thanks to the warm support and encouragement from a newly formed inclusive community, Macrina is showcasing her passion project to a much larger audience.
New gender-affirming surgery clinic now accepting patients
The Ottawa Hospital’s new gender-affirming surgery clinic is truly one of a kind. Launched in September 2023, it’s the only clinic in Ontario to offer trans and non-binary patients facial, top and bottom procedures. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nicholas Cormier and his team are happy to announce that they are now accepting patient referrals from physicians.
These volunteers turn chocolates and stuffed animals into MRI machines
We all know that a gift has the power to bring a smile to someone’s face. But did you know that the gifts you buy at our gift shops also have the power to help us buy important medical equipment? Our shops are run by a group of fundraising volunteers and staff from The Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary. Here are some other ways their efforts help make meaningful change.
Comment on this post