How WITH MSH is shaping the future of care

Women in our community are coming together and using their unique perspectives to make an impact on patient care at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).

Last year, MSH Foundation launched WITH MSH (Women Inspired To Help MSH), a dedicated initiative for female philanthropists who share a passion for advancing health care close to home. Government funding alone is not enough to meet every priority need at MSH. Through collective philanthropy, WITH MSH raises awareness and invests in programs and services that support health issues that matter to women.

The inaugural year of WITH MSH brought together 46 visionary philanthropists and community leaders who collectively invested $460,000 in innovative programs and services for the hospital. This generous support helped fund our hospital’s priority needs in breast health, gynaecology, and youth mental health.

“WITH MSH was created by women, for women, and is dedicated to shaping the future of our community’s health. Members have the opportunity to use their voting power to determine where their support will make a meaningful and lasting impact for our hospital,” says Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation.

Returning after a successful debut, MSH Foundation will host Thrive WITH MSH on Thursday, September 24. This networking lunch will unite more than 300 women leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, advocates and health care experts for an inspiring afternoon of meaningful conversation and connection.

The event will feature a fireside chat with Canadian icon Jeanne Beker, moderated by CBC’s Angie Seth. Beker, a well-known TV personality and fashion editor, will share how she cultivated the drive, resiliency, and tenacity needed to fuel her incredible career, as well as the courage to face life’s challenges.

The lunch also features Dr. Jeya T. Nadarajah, whose wellness talk, What’s Your Gut Telling You?, will explore health from the inside out.

“Every day, we see opportunities to improve patient care through technology and new programs. This initiative gives donors the unique experience to hear directly from physicians about our hospital’s priorities and be an active part of making them a reality,” says Dr. Nadarajah, Infectious Disease Specialist at Oak Valley Health.

This year, MSH Foundation has set a goal of reaching 100 WITH MSH members and raising a cumulative total of $1 million. Members receive exclusive opportunities throughout the year to network, learn about the hospital’s evolving needs, and participate in The Final Pitch on March 3, 2027 — a Dragon’s Den-style event where they will award their collective giving to a compelling need at MSH.

Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, grateful patient or passionate about giving back, there’s a place for you in WITH MSH. To become a WITH MSH member or purchase tickets for Thrive WITH MSH on Sept. 24, visit mshf.on.ca/with

Photo: Spotlight speaker Jeanne Beker, Canadian TV personality and fashion editor, will be the highlight of this year’s Thrive WITH MSH on Sept. 24.