When doctors at Hamilton General Hospital determined that a tumour caused the pain in Ligia’s arm and the lump on her neck, they immediately set to work. When they saw that the cancer was rapidly entwining itself around her spine, clavicle, ribs, and shoulder, they started moving mountains.

Ligia was rushed to start radiation therapy and then chemotherapy, aiming to shrink the tumour and buy time for a team of doctors from across Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) to devise a surgical strategy. The complexity of Ligia’s case demanded a coordinated effort from McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC), and The General.

“We’re one of only two hospitals in the province that could perform this surgery,” says Dr. Coroneos, a plastic surgeon involved in Ligia’s surgery. “It reflects all the things we do so well…We’re glad we have a capable team to care for people when they need it.”

“As a regional hub for surgical services, we often take care of patients with complex and rare conditions,” adds Dr. Pahuta the surgical lead for Ligia’s case.

Facing long odds with determination

Her doctors were compassionate and capable, eager to answer her questions, ready to use every resource and determined to see her through this. They were also honest about the severity of her condition. The team of surgeons would be essentially taking her apart and putting her back together. The cancer had spread so aggressively that they would have to remove parts of her bones, muscles, tissue and even her lung. There was a very real chance that she would not survive the surgery. Amputating her arm at the shoulder was one of the best-case scenarios she could hope for.

While the health care teams planned, Ligia prepared herself physically, mentally and emotionally for what was to come. Her loved ones rallied to support her in every way they could, and Ligia drew strength from their care and her fierce resolve to see her daughter grow up.

A marathon operation

On November 24, 2021, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses and other health care professionals in The General’s Spine Surgery Clinic, led by Dr. Pahuta, worked meticulously for 32 hours to remove the cancer and rebuild the parts of Ligia it had stolen. They had to remove half her clavicle and two ribs, along with significant muscle and tissue from her throat and neck. They were able to keep her arm but had to remove all its nerves, leaving her without any sensation from the shoulder down.

Waking up from the surgery was disorienting, but as Ligia realized that she was still alive, not paralyzed, and had her right arm, she felt joyous.

“I was feeling grateful. I was feeling happy because I would be seeing my family again.”

Ligia’s recovery journey was arduous, involving extensive physiotherapy, wearing a halo to support her neck for two months and adapting to life with some physical limitations. Still, every day, she grounded herself with gratitude for her life, for time with her daughter, family and friends, and for everyone at HHS – from the surgeons to the cleaning staff to the donors – who helped save her life.

The complex, interdisciplinary care Ligia received at HHS is only possible through the generosity of donors. Your contributions enable the hospital to push the boundaries of medical science and provide life-saving treatments to patients like Ligia. Donate now.

From before she was even born, Claire’s journey with McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) began. Now, at 18 years old, she is preparing for adulthood—something that once seemed uncertain. Throughout her life, one thing has remained constant: the expert, compassionate care she has received at McMaster Children’s Hospital, particularly from the hospital’s cardiology team. 

Leanne, Claire’s mom, first came to McMaster Children’s Hospital when she was pregnant. Her obstetrician in Guelph referred her to prenatal care at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire was growth-restricted, and they identified some abnormalities on ultrasound. It was a terrifying time, filled with uncertainty. But at McMaster Children’s Hospital, they found not only answers but also reassurance. 

From the beginning, the hospital’s cardiology team was at the center of Claire’s care. “We saw Dr. Mondal before she was born,” Leanne shares. “He always jokes that he’s known Claire the longest because he saw her on a fetal echocardiogram.” That early connection set the stage for a lifelong relationship with the cardiology team at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

Claire was born with mosaic trisomy 22, a rare genetic condition that affected multiple areas of her health, including her heart. She spent two months in the hospital after birth, undergoing countless tests and assessments. She was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary stenosis, conditions that would require multiple surgeries as well as lifelong monitoring and intervention. 
 

“Ever since I was little I would get excited to go to McMaster,” says Claire. “I was really seen as a person. They took time to answer me.”

“Every single step of the way has been amazing right from the very first appointment,” Leanne says. “They were so kind and took their time to answer all of our questions and reassure us as best as they could.” 

“Ever since I was little, I would get excited to go to McMaster,” says Claire. “I was really seen as a person. They took time to answer me. They prepared me and gave me the tools to understand so I could one day manage my health as an adult.” 

Over the years, cardiology remained a constant thread in Claire’s life. Dr. Mondal performed two heart procedures, and all of her monitoring, follow-up care, and treatment planning happened at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire had annual or biannual visits to cardiology where she underwent ECGs, stress tests, pulmonary tests and even sleep studies related to her heart. 

For Claire, having access to such comprehensive care in one place made all the difference. Her condition affected multiple systems in her body. Her care was complex. She also received care from ENT specialists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and developmental teams. Because of her heart condition, even things like getting her wisdom teeth out had to happen at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where they could manage any complications. 

“We’ve had countless appointments, countless encounters and hospital stays over the years,” says Leanne. “And I can’t think of one negative thing in all of those times. Never once did we feel rushed or that we didn’t get the attention she needed.” 

Despite the challenges, Claire has thrived. “She was very much at risk for developmental delays, but because of the care she got early she’s able to do all activities that other kids could do right through till now.” 

Today, Claire is attending college to become a social services worker. “I love working with kids and youth who have disabilities,” she says. “I just hope to inspire kids that have health conditions that going through what you’re going through is just a small part of you, not your whole identity. It does get better and that you can make the world a better place.” 

She’s also transitioning into the adult health care system, something that both she and her mom find daunting. “I don’t like it,” Leanne admits. “Neither of us do. We’ve known these people her whole life.” Fortunately, Leanne has also described the transition as “seamless” with Dr. Mondal is making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

As Claire moves forward, one thing is clear: the care she received at McMaster Children’s Hospital has given her a future full of possibilities. From fetal diagnosis to adolescence and now adulthood, McMaster Children’s Hospital has been there every step of the way, ensuring Claire’s heart—and her future—remain strong. 

“I’ve said many times that if we hadn’t needed McMaster, we wouldn’t have known how valuable they were. We could never pay it back in, a million years, and I think every donation to go towards the care for the kids like Claire is worth it. They all deserve that level of care and that support is so important.” 

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is expanding medical interpretation services for its patients and families thanks to a $900,000 commitment from the RBC Foundation. Medical interpretation platforms using on-demand video and audio services are currently being used to support patients and families in all in patient, emergency and diagnostic areas within the hospital. This donation will make it possible to expand this technology to over 300 ambulatory (outpatient and clinic) services across all sites, as well.

“This medical interpretation technology will help ensure that everyone involved can ask questions, resolve confusion, and have a clear understanding of the patient’s needs and plan of care,” says Maria Artuso, VP Commercial Services, Greater Hamilton, RBC. 

“Recognizing that approximately 27 percent of Hamilton residents have a first language other than English, this service is key to help provide inclusive health care for patients.” 

As one of Ontario’s largest and most comprehensive health-care organizations, Hamilton Health Sciences recognizes the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in delivering exceptional care to our diverse community of 3 million people. When it comes to interpretive services, Hamilton Health Sciences previously relied on in-person interpreters or phone services, however, these were time-consuming and often unavailable in a timely manner. This medical interpretation solution provides on-demand video and audio interpretation at the bedside – in less than 20 seconds on average – and in 240 languages, including American Sign Language. 

People are at their most vulnerable state when trying to access health services, and the inability to speak in their native tongue to clinicians is an incredibly challenging barrier,” says Anissa Hilborn, CEO of the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. 

“So, we’re extremely thankful to the RBC Foundation for this donation that will help us overcome this barrier and create a more seamless experience when accessing health care in our community.” 

Media inquiries can be directed to: 

• Wendy Stewart 
• Hamilton Health Sciences 
• stewartwen@hhsc.ca