When neuromuscular patients have 24-hour breathing issues, a hole is usually made surgically in their windpipe and a tube inserted that is hooked up to a ventilator, to help them breathe. However, the CANVent Program, developed at The Ottawa Hospital, uses nonsurgical, noninvasive ways to help patients breathe on their own.

Did you know that 20 percent of all breast cancers were noninvasive? Did you know that screening can help detect these cancers before they become invasive? One patient in particular knows all too well the importance of early screening.

Ashley Ruelland was driving to a bachelorette party in Mont Tremblant in 2015 when another car crossed the centre line and hit her head on. Her road to recovery included nine months in The Ottawa Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Trauma Unit and Rehabilitation Centre, and continues to this day.

Devon Larratt has held the title of World Armwrestling Champion since 2014. But even more impressive is that just 11 months before reclaiming his most recent title, he was undergoing surgery on the very arm that would eventually bring him glory.

You’ve heard of ‘rehab’ but what about ‘prehab’? More and more, patients are working with physiotherapists before surgery, rather than just afterwards, to improve their fitness and function so they recover faster.

Retired Master Corporal Mike Trauner has been breaking records at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre since 2009. Now he hopes to break some more at the 2017 Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured or sick military service personnel and veterans.