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Josie & Jim’s Story

Josephine “Josie” Campanella  believed deeply in family, community, and giving back.  Josie was born in Hamilton in1920, the youngest of three children. From humble beginnings that included helping run the family market and apartment building after her father’s early death, Josie developed a spirit of resilience, generosity, and warmth that would define her life.

Josie and her husband, Jim, shared almost 60 years of marriage, filled with adventure, love, and unwavering support for one another. When Jim developed kidney problems, they moved from Guelph to Burlington to be near family. Jim required regular dialysis, and when the Burlington Dialysis Centre opened in 2009 at Joseph Brant Hospital’s Wellness House, he was proud to receive care in such a modern facility. The Campanellas recognized how important access to modern healthcare was and their generosity began in earnest.

Their support for Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation (JBHF) grew steadily over the years. Josie and Jim attended donor recognition events, celebrated milestones with staff, and proudly displayed photos from hospital events at their home. They saw firsthand the difference a well-supported hospital could make, and they wanted to be part of that legacy including  the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in their wills.

Jim passed away in 2013 at the age of 96, but Josie continued their tradition of giving with warmth and dedication. She enjoyed visiting donor recognition luncheons, meeting staff, and even inviting JBHF team members to her apartment to personally hand over her annual donation—often accompanied by tea and cookies. Her connection to the hospital was personal and meaningful.

When the new Michael Lee-Chin & Family Patient Tower opened in 2017, Josie attended with her family to see two rooms that bear the Campanella name. She was deeply proud, knowing that their support would continue to benefit patients and families for years to come.

Josie passed away in 2023 at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and a lifelong commitment to improving the care of others. Through their gifts, Jim and Josie Campanella ensured that future generations would benefit from the care they valued so deeply. Their story is a reminder that legacy giving is more than philanthropy—it is a lasting testament to the power of love, family, and community.

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Eileen Baggs

As a former nurse, Eileen Baggs has always been a person who asks a lot of questions, so when she was diagnosed with cancer, she wanted to have all the information.

“In dealing with cancer, it’s critical to know what’s going on, and the team at Joseph Brant Hospital answered all my questions,” she said. “I would go with my list of questions, and Dr. Phillips was so informative.”

In the summer of 2024, Eileen and her husband, Doug, moved from Ancaster to Burlington. The couple had always gone to Oakville for care because that’s where Doug worked, so it was home base. But when she discovered a lump in her breast, she was referred to JBH for her chemotherapy.

“I couldn’t have had a better experience,” Eileen said. “I got booklets and pamphlets, so I knew everything that was going to happen, and understood the protocol. Everyone was so informative and knowledgeable.”

She credits her support network for helping her stay positive throughout her treatment. Her family, friends, and husband were there to keep her positive, but the team at JBH were always there.

“They never failed to respond, and that’s what I found so amazing,” she said. “I’ve just had such a positive journey through all this.”

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Ken Goertzen

Ken has always lived life at full speed. A lifelong adventurer, he spent his career in physically demanding jobs and far-flung places including oil rigs in the Arctic, and gold mines in Guyana and construction in Yemen. Along the way came injuries, accidents, and more than 40 broken bones. “Memories do not make themselves, I’ve had a good run,” he says. “No regrets.”

At twenty years old, Ken faced his first major health battle when he was diagnosed with testicular and urinary tract cancer, and was treated with operations and experimental chemotherapy. It wasn’t until forty years later that he would learn that only half his heart had been working properly—his right coronary artery was completely shut down due to a gangrene infection between chemo visits. Even then, Ken felt well and stayed active, unaware of how serious the situation truly was.

Many years later, after a lifetime of wear and tear, Ken’s knee demanded attention. Multiple fractures and old injuries had left it bone on bone, making everyday movement painful. Like many people, he tried to push through it for as long as he could, adjusting his routine and delaying surgery out of concern for potential complications from infection.

When a close friend had a strong recovery from knee surgery, Ken was inspired to take action for his own knee issues and was referred to Joseph Brant Hospital and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jaroszynski. The care plan was thoughtful and cautious from the start, focusing first on non-surgical options, such as a scope to clear scar tissue. When the pain returned several years later, Ken didn’t hesitate to return. By then, he had complete trust in his care team at Joseph Brant Hospital.

“I felt comfortable. I felt safe,” he says. “I knew they were on their game and if anything came up, they could handle it.”

That trust proved critical. Ken’s care team noticed a heart anomaly. Although Ken felt fine, they kept him in hospital a few extra days after surgery to be safe. As he was preparing for discharge, his heart began shutting down. He was having a heart attack—without symptoms. Because of the team’s vigilance and seamless communication, the problem was identified immediately, and Ken was stabilized and transferred to the appropriate cardiac specialists.

“If I had gone anywhere else, I’m not sure I would’ve had the same level of attention,” Ken reflects. “I could’ve been driving when that happened. I might not be here today.”

Ken says he wouldn’t go anywhere else but Joseph Brant Hospital, and he knows the 22-minute drive from his home in Jordan station well.

From Emergency care to volunteers offering guidance, he’s consistently felt supported. Volunteers are always ready to help, and care teams consistently take the time to explain what’s happening every step of the way. In conversations with other patients, he’s heard the same thing again and again: no one is left wondering what comes next. “Education takes away fear,” Ken says. “When you understand what’s happening, you can handle it.”

Having worked in team-based environments his entire career, Ken is quick to recognize excellence when he sees it. “I know what it takes for teamwork to function well,” he says. “When you see how well the teams at Joseph Brant work together, how can anything go wrong?”

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Wynne Stewart

For the Stewart family, Joseph Brant Hospital has never been just a place to receive care. It has been a workplace, a constant presence through life’s milestones, and a source of comfort during some of their most difficult moments. Their connection spans generations—and at the heart of it is their mother, Winifred Stewart, whose career and values left a lasting imprint on both her family and the hospital she loved.

 

Wynne began her nursing career in Hamilton before finding her professional home at Joseph Brant Hospital. Nursing was not simply her job—it was her calling. She loved the night shift, thrived in fast-paced environments, and had a deep passion for patient care. “She was a nighthawk,” her son Jim recalls. “She loved the work, the challenge, and the people.”

After taking time away when her children were young, Wynne returned to nursing in the late 1970s, recertifying and stepping back into hospital life during a period of rapid change. She worked as a float nurse before settling into overnight shifts—her favourite—and was among the early nurses trained on new ventilator technology as the ICU evolved. She later transferred to the Emergency Department, where her calm leadership, decisiveness, and compassion made her a trusted presence for patients and colleagues alike.

“Nursing was just part of who she was,” says her daughter Jennifer. “Whether she was at work or at home, she was always helping people.”

Joseph Brant Hospital was also where the Stewart family returned many times over the years for care. Jennifer’s own children were born at Joseph Brant Hospital—another reflection of the family’s deep trust in the hospital across generations.

As Wynne and her husband Jim aged, the hospital became even more central to the family’s life. When Jim suffered each of his two heart attacks, the quality of care stood out immediately—especially the compassion shown by nurses who knew Wynne from her years on staff.

The care both parents received in their final stages of life left a lasting impression on the entire family. “The doctors and nurses in palliative care were genuine angels,” their son Jim says. “The care was outstanding.”

Wynne was immensely proud of that level of care. A lifelong volunteer and community builder, she believed deeply in giving back and supporting institutions that serve others.

In honour of their mother’s legacy and the exceptional care their family received over decades, all of Wynne and Jim’s children – Dave, Jim, Bill and Jennifer made a Gift of Gratitude to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Their gift recognizes not only outstanding medical care but also the empathy and humanity that defined their experience.

Their children wanted to express their deep appreciation with the donation. In their words, “Joseph Brant Hospital has been part of our lives for generations. Our gift honours mom, her career, and the people who cared for her and our father like one of their own.”

For the Stewart family, the Gift of Gratitude is a tribute to a remarkable nurse, a mother and father’s legacy of four children, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, and a hospital where care is delivered with excellence and heart.

 

Jim and Wynne

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Patricia Page

Patricia Page has spent much of her life caring for others. A retired music and drama teacher with a master’s degree in therapy, she has devoted her time to offering free counselling to those who couldn’t afford it—supporting others quietly and generously.

But earlier this year, Patricia found herself in need of care after a fall. Not long after, she experienced severe sciatica in her left leg and called an ambulance. She was brought to Joseph Brant Hospital, where she spent several nights under close care.

“The doctors, nurses, and physio team were just incredible,” Patricia says. “They were so encouraging and attentive—right on top of everything. The night nurse had such a good sense of humour – we shared a lot of laughs.”

During her stay, hospital staff discovered a blocked bowel Patricia hadn’t known about. Thanks to their thoroughness, she was able to get treatment before things became more serious.

“They made sure I was always comfortable and treated me with such dignity,” she says. “I truly felt cared for.”

Now back on her feet, Patricia says she’s grateful for the exceptional care and support she received at Joseph Brant Hospital.

“Honestly, my stay felt more like a holiday than a hospital visit.”

 

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Doug & Jodi Harrison

Doug and Jodi Harrison know the value of community. For them, giving back isn’t just a gesture — it’s about bettering the place they call home. Joseph Brant Hospital has been a cornerstone for their family—from the birth of their daughter to caring for the everyday bumps, scrapes, and broken bones that come with raising children. Their connection runs even deeper today, with their son and daughter-in-law proudly serving as healthcare professionals.

“The care we’ve received has always been outstanding,” says Doug. “We’re so fortunate to have a hospital like Joseph Brant right here in our community.”

Their commitment to the hospital goes beyond gratitude. Over the years, they’ve supported the hospital in annual campaigns and with initiatives like Artscape, a 2021 event that raised $35,000 for mental health services and a new MRI machine. “That project showed how powerful it is when people come together,” Jodi says. “You could see exactly where the money went — the equipment, the programs, the care. Your money is going to something real, and you can see the results.”

Inspired to make a lasting difference, the Harrisons decided to make a legacy gift to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation — a way to ensure future generations have access to the same exceptional care their family has relied on.

“Legacy giving allows the hospital to plan for the future,” explains Jodi. “It’s ongoing support that helps meet changing needs — whether that’s new technology, mental health services, or more specialized care.”

Doug adds, “We’re lucky to have such excellent healthcare close to home, but we all share in the responsibility to help it grow. A healthy community is a strong community.”

When asked what they’d say to others considering a legacy gift, the Harrisons encourage everyone to think about what matters most. “For us, that’s healthcare,” says Doug. “Supporting the hospital means helping our neighbours and our families. We’ve chosen to make Burlington our home, and we want to help keep it a healthy one for generations to come.”

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Shishee Dhillon

Throughout her life, Shishee had developed a passion for the outdoors and a strong interest in fashion. But like many, the pressures of life—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—eventually became too much for her to manage alone.

“I hit a point where I knew I needed a timeout,” she shares. “Things had been building for a while, and after the pandemic, I understood I couldn’t keep going the way I was. I needed to deal with the root causes and get myself back on track.”

That decision led her to the Mental Health Unit at Joseph Brant Hospital. What she found was more than just care—it was a lifeline.

“I truly valued the expertise,” she says. “The care was clear, direct, and free of judgment.”

Shishee continues to navigate her recovery, understanding now that healing takes time and ongoing support. Therapy through JBH’s outpatient clinics has been essential to that process, helping her stay grounded and connected to her progress.

When asked what she’d say to someone thinking about seeking help, her advice is heartfelt:

“Be open to becoming a better patient by really advocating for yourself. Understand what supports you need, and trust that Joseph Brant Hospital is here to help you through it. You are not alone—and you don’t have to feel hopeless. Help is available, and it can truly change your life.”

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Jan Jaroszynski

Jan never imagined that a deeply personal journey through mental illness would lead him down an entrepreneurial path. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early twenties, Jan spent years trying to understand what was happening in his mind — mistaking long periods of depression and bursts of energy as “normal,” even as those patterns slowly took a toll on his life and relationships.

“I had my first full psychotic episode in my mid-20s,” Jan recalls. “I couldn’t be around people. I didn’t feel safe. I thought people were following me.”

After a frightening episode, his father — a surgeon at Joseph Brant Hospital — helped him access care. Jan was admitted to the hospital and later received inpatient treatment at an intervention clinic. Those weeks, spent under close observation, were difficult.

“Being held against your will is terrifying,” he says. “I didn’t trust anyone. But slowly, things started to stabilize.”

It wasn’t a quick fix. It took months of trial-and-error with medications, and years of rebuilding the confidence and mental strength that psychosis had eroded. But eventually, with support from peers who had lived through similar experiences, and a treatment plan that worked for his body, Jan began to feel like himself again.

He opened GoFloat in 2018 — a float therapy studio that aims to help people reduce anxiety and reconnect with themselves through deep sensory rest. While the launch came at a time when he was still struggling, the business became part of his healing.

“At first, I didn’t even feel proud. I couldn’t enjoy the success,” he says. “But I kept going. And eventually, things started to lift.”

Today, Jan manages his mental health with regular therapy, consistent medication, and maintenance practices like yoga, playing competitive pool, fishing, and — of course — floating.

“Floating helps quiet your mind. When everything else is turned off, your body can finally let go,” he says. “It’s one small improvement that can contribute to your overall well-being.”

Jan has decided to give back to his community by supporting the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

“Even though I wasn’t treated at JBH specifically, my father works there. I know how important mental health resources are — and how deeply they affect people and their families,” he explains. “Supporting the hospital means supporting real improvements for people in Burlington going through the same things I did.”

To Jan, giving back is about more than gratitude — it’s about creating access. “

We have the technology, the knowledge, and the resources now. We just have to make sure the right people can get to them. And that takes community support.”

Jan hopes his story will remind others that healing is possible — and that the more we talk about mental health, the more likely we are to make space for recovery.

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Liz McFadden

Liz was a vibrant, optimistic person who lived life on her own terms. Born in Glasgow and proudly Canadian for over 40 years, she built a beautiful life with her beloved husband Mike. She embraced her role as stepmother to Christopher and Patrick, and cherished her daughter-in-law Joanne. With deep friendships that spanned continents and decades, Liz’s life was rich with love, laughter, and community.

In October 2014, Liz was diagnosed with advanced-stage inflammatory breast cancer—a rare and aggressive form of the disease that appeared suddenly, despite her healthy lifestyle and lack of risk factors. It was a shocking and frightening moment.

“I decided to accept my fate, get back to being the optimistic person I’ve always been and fight the greatest challenge of my life,” Liz said.

She faced her diagnosis with courage and dove into treatment. After ten intense months, she was blessed with four and a half cancer-free years. During that time, Liz and Mike embraced life to the fullest. They travelled, hosted friends, laughed often, and savoured every moment, always aware that each day was a gift.

In March 2020, the cancer returned—this time as stage 4 metastatic disease in both lungs. Even then, Liz met the challenge with strength and grace. She focused on joy, found beauty in everyday moments and remained grounded with the help of her care team at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH).

Liz often credited her JBH medical team—doctors, nurses, and support staff alike—for helping her maintain hope and positivity even on the toughest days. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to treating her as a whole person, not just a diagnosis, gave her confidence to face each treatment cycle. She leaned on their guidance, trusted their advice implicitly, and was uplifted by the genuine warmth and empathy they showed.

“Keeping a positive attitude didn’t stop the disease from progressing,” Liz once reflected, “but it helped me find happiness, joy, and appreciation in every new day I lived.”

In true Liz fashion, she decided to give back. She created Pink Power—a vibrant, humorous, and heartfelt blog she used to share her journey. She reminded others to live boldly, love deeply, and never stop fighting.

Liz’s family is deeply grateful for the vital, and compassionate care she received at Joseph Brant Hospital and wants every patient to have access to that same level of treatment and support. In her honour, Liz’s step-daughter-in-law, Joanne, is giving back through her gourmet cookie company, SnaxCo, donating a portion of sales from pop-up events at the hospital to support its most urgent needs.

“By supporting the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, we honour the doctors, nurses, and programs that made a difference in Liz’s journey, and we help ensure future patients receive the same high-quality care,” says Mike, Liz’s husband. “These contributions fund cutting-edge research, patient services, and enhancements to the hospital environment – so that no one faces cancer alone. Through this support, we aim to strengthen our community’s resilience, inspire hope for new breakthroughs, and keep Liz’s spirit alive in every life the Foundation touches.”

Liz believed in living boldly, laughing often, and finding gratitude even in hardship. She often reflected on the Dr. Seuss quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Her legacy is one of courage, positivity, and generosity of heart. As you remember her, raise a glass to the adventures she cherished, the friendships she nurtured across oceans, and the countless lives she brightened simply by being herself.

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Bilo Sabra

For Bilal (Bilo) Sabra, his career as a mental health nurse begins and ends with one core fascination: people. He is constantly in awe of their ability to struggle, overcome, and endure life’s most difficult moments—and still find space for love, art, and connection.

These reflections stretch back to his childhood, when he and his family left Beirut, Lebanon, eventually landing in Detroit before settling in the Greater Toronto Area after several moves along the way. The diversity of people and how differently they responded to hardship left a lasting impression. “The vast difference in people—how they acted and reacted to their circumstances—was captivating,” Bilo shares. “I understood that I wanted to work with people, and nursing afforded me that in a very unique way.”

While studying nursing, Bilo joined the McMaster Student Outreach program, working with unhoused individuals in Hamilton to provide food and help them connect to services. That experience, along with his clinical placements, deepened his interest in mental health and helped him build meaningful connections with those facing challenges.

After graduating, Bilo began his career with The Salvation Army in Hamilton, later moving to Windsor to work with the Program for Assertive Community Treatment. He then joined Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) as part of the Early Psychosis Intervention program. It was during this time that the PHAST (Priortizing Health through Accute Stabilization and Transition) program was being developed—a unique, community-wide initiative that focuses on early, integrated mental health care. Bilo was encouraged to apply and has since led the team with passion and purpose. “Each role has been a privilege, and each has stretched my knowledge and comfort zone in a different way,” he says.

Of course, mental health work is not without its challenges. “Sometimes the biggest need isn’t clinical—it’s material,” he explains. “People are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and clothing. We do our best to connect them with support, but the reality is, those resources often fall short. These financial stresses can either contribute to or be a result of mental health challenges—but either way, we need to start by meeting people’s basic needs.”

Despite these obstacles, the rewards are profound. “For sure seeing people get back on their feet and find a new way forward after a difficult time—that’s the coolest thing you can see in this world. I also think the relationships we build amongst each other here are a special part of the work we do.”

Looking ahead, the upcoming redevelopment of JBH’s Mental Health Unit offers renewed hope and excitement. “Having an updated space with functional areas for group therapy and skill-building will create a more supportive and rehabilitative environment,” he says. “The move to a space with natural light has already made a huge difference in our day-to-day experience. Now, gaining more room and a more inviting atmosphere will reflect the level of care we strive to provide.”

The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is raising funds for its For All Minds Campaign, which will support the transformation and expansion of the Mental Health and Addictions unit. An early works project to prepare the new space is set for late spring/early summer 2025. For more information and to find out how you can support our For All Minds campaign, click here.

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