
Shane and Ellen Ottens have seen their four boys go through their fair share of bumps, bruises and broken bones over the years. However, nothing prepared them for the diagnosis their son, Spencer, would receive in the fall of 2017.

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Second Chance: Don’s song for the people who saved his life
Making music has always been a big part of Don’s life, so when the staff and doctors at The Ottawa Hospital saved him from the brink of death, he could think of no better way to thank them.
A land acknowledgement that honours the land and the medicines it provides
Visitors to The Ottawa Hospital are now greeted by a prominent land acknowledgement, which has been installed by the main entrances at each of our three main campuses. It is paired with artwork by Simon Brascoupé and his daughter, Mairi Brascoupé, both from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.
After a life-altering bike crash, this group of volunteers proves that friendship and community are powerful medicine
In September 2021, a visiting professor woke up in our ICU completely alone. He admits that he wouldn’t have made it through the first few months without support. But he didn’t have to, thanks in large part to a group of caring volunteers who came to his side during this difficult time—and have been there ever since.
A special video message for International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8, we recognize International Women’s Day to celebrate how far we have come with equal rights and opportunities for women, and to acknowledge how far we still have left to go. This video is a short-but-sweet reminder that the women who work for our organization are driven, caring, innovative and powerful.
“My craft is to make people happy”
As a shuttle bus driver at The Ottawa Hospital, Bill Nauffts knows that staying on schedule could literally be the difference between life and death—but it’s what Bill does during his break that brings him and others the greatest joy.
Former patient seeks out the man behind “the voice”
During a vulnerable time in his recovery from leukemia, Gary Davis found comfort in the most unexpected place—the voice on our recorded telephone system. Five years later, he set out on a mission to find and meet the person on the other end of the line.
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