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HAMILTON — Sept. 9, 2026 — Illuminight, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy, returns on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, with a new home at Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton. The event offers attendees a night of hope, legacy and support for world-class cancer care and research at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC).

Since 2018, Illuminight has raised more than $1 million to support the highest-priority needs at JHCC. With a 2026 goal of $225,000, funds raised will help advance patient care, research, education and equipment so that people across south-central Ontario can access exceptional cancer care when they need it most.

“Illuminight is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in support of people affected by cancer,” said Anissa Hilborn, chief executive officer of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF). “Every registration, donation and fundraising effort helps strengthen care, comfort, and hope for patients and families.”

The new venue will welcome a growing number of participants who come together each year to honour loved ones and support patients and families currently facing cancer. Guests will enjoy a 2.7 km night walk through the forested landscape, featuring the tribute bridge as a meaningful highlight, along with immersive light installations in the village centre, comfort food, live music, family-friendly activities and the return of the event’s beloved drone show.

Serving as Illuminight’s patient ambassador, Leea, a mom, teacher and coach, will share her story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020. After receiving treatment at JHCC, she was declared cancer-free in July 2023. “I’m fundraising so more stories like mine have a second chance,” said Leea. Read her full story here.

Illuminight is designed to welcome attendees of all ages and abilities. For guests who prefer not to walk the route, a tractor ride will be available through the village.

HHSF invites individuals, families, community groups and workplaces to register, donate or volunteer in support of Illuminight. For event details or to get involved, visit illuminightwalk.ca.

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About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation

Celebrating 50 years of supporting excellence in health care, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces and support the education and training of health care providers.

As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.

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HAMILTON — Aug. 25, 2026 — Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) is set to host its second annual Breakthrough Bash, an exciting fundraising event bringing together more than 400 community members, local business and health care supporters for an unforgettable evening in support of personalized medicine research at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). Personalized medicine represents the future of health care, using an individual’s unique genetics, biology, lifestyle and environment to guide more precise prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Taking place on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Breakthrough Bash promises an unforgettable evening of discovery, connection and celebration. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, interactive experiences, a one-of-a-kind silent auction, exceptional food and an opportunity to connect with people and learn what is driving the future of health care in our region.

The evening will feature an exclusive culinary experience with Top Chef Canada winner, Erica Karbelnik and Top Chef Canada finalist, Josh Karbelnik. Together, they will host a live culinary station where guests can watch culinary artistry in action, interact with the chefs, take photos and enjoy the unique, immersive dining experience.

“Breakthrough Bash is about bringing people together for an evening of connection, inspiration and impact,” says Anissa Hilborn, chief executive officer of HHSF. “Every guest who joins is helping advance personalized medicine research, innovative technologies and exceptional patient care.”

Last year, Breakthrough Bash raised over $640,000 to advance cancer research. These funds have supported Breakthrough Awards for six HHS clinician-researchers to accelerate promising cancer studies and an international visiting fellowship in cancer research.

“HHS is one of Canada’s top five research hospitals,” continues Anissa. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, researchers and clinicians are advancing discoveries that transform how we prevent, diagnose and treat illness, bringing better care and outcomes to patients across every HHS site.”

The Breakthrough Bash Silent Auction returns this August, offering an exciting lineup of exclusive packages, experiences and unique items available for public bidding. Open to everyone, the online auction offers a meaningful way to make an impact. Visit Breakthrough Bash – Silent Auction to learn more and place your bids.

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About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation:

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces and the education and training of health care providers.

As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.

HAMILTON – Aug. 20, 2026 – Beginning on Aug. 17, 2026, Hamilton commuters will notice something new after dark. As part of Illuminight, the annual event held in support of Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC), Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) and Pattison Outdoor are launching Hamilton’s first glow-in-the-dark billboard at Concession Street and Upper Sherman Avenue.

As Canada’s leading out-of-home advertising company, Pattison Outdoor used its expertise to bring to life the Foundation’s idea for a one-of-a-kind billboard that reflects Illuminight’s mission of shining a light on cancer. “We’re proud to be working alongside HHSF on this new initiative,” said Cam Milne, vice-president and general manager of Pattison’s central region. “Illuminight presented a unique opportunity to develop the Foundation’s creative vision into an innovative format that will bring greater visibility to an event that means so much to cancer patients, their families and supporters throughout the region.”

For patients at JHCC, the installation will be visible from their hospital rooms, with the hope of providing a light to help brighten the days of those who need it most.

“Every light represents a story, a loved one and a region standing behind those facing cancer,” said Anissa Hilborn, chief executive officer of HHSF. “Thanks to Pattison Outdoor’s steadfast partnership, this installation will serve as a visible reminder of the hope and strength of patients on their cancer journey, and the world-class care that supports them at JHCC.”

Illuminight, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy, will be held on Sept. 25, 2026, at Westfield Heritage Village. Attendees will enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun while coming together to honour loved ones and support life-saving cancer care at JHCC.

 

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View photos here: Illuminight Billboard 2026

About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation:

Celebrating 50 years of supporting excellence in health care, HHSF provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces and the education and training of health care providers.

As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.

About PATTISON Outdoor

PATTISON Outdoor Advertising, a division of The Jim Pattison Group, is Canada’s largest Out-of-Home advertising company. PATTISON Outdoor helps brands and businesses harness the power of Out-of-Home advertising by providing the most comprehensive range of products, markets, insights and customer support services. With its roots reaching back to 1908, PATTISON has been providing innovative solutions for Out-of-Home advertising opportunities with products ranging from traditional billboards to transit, digital, airport, office and street level formats. PATTISON is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with over 25 sales offices across the country, providing advertisers unmatched reach and coverage with products available in over 200 markets coast to coast.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hamilton, ON – [Wednesday, July 22, 2026] – As Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) celebrates 50 years of inspiring philanthropy, it is also celebrating the people whose generosity has helped transform health care across south-central Ontario.

For donors like Joan McLaughlin, supporting Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has never been about a single gift. It has been a lifelong commitment.

“It’s just a place that pulls you in and keeps your heart,” says Joan.

Joan made her first gift to the Foundation in 1985 after beginning her career at Hamilton General Hospital. Over the years, HHS became part of both her professional and personal life. All three of her children were born at McMaster Children’s Hospital, and when her son required care in the neonatal intensive unit, Joan experienced firsthand the compassion and expertise that continue to define HHS today.

Those experiences inspired a lifetime of giving. Even after moving away from Hamilton, Joan continues to support the Foundation, having witnessed how philanthropy has helped advance research, fund leading-edge equipment and strengthen patient care.

“I’m probably a drop in the bucket,” Joan says. “But at the end of the day, a lot of drops can fill a bucket.”

Joan is only one of over 550,000 donors whose generosity has helped shape the Foundation over the last 50 years. Since 1976, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation has generated more than $800 million in support of health care in our region through community philanthropy and careful stewardship of donor funds.

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re reflecting on an incredible legacy built by generations of donors who believed in the power of giving to transform health care,” says Anissa Hilborn, CEO of the Foundation. “Joan’s story reminds us that philanthropy is deeply personal. Every gift, regardless of its size, helps create better outcomes for patients and families.”

“This milestone is also about looking ahead. The next 50 years of health care will demand bold research, new technologies, innovative models of care and continued collaboration between our hospitals and our community. Together, we’ll continue shaping the future of care for generations to come.”

As HHSF marks its 50th anniversary, it celebrates not only the milestones achieved but the people behind them – donors like Joan McLaughlin, whose generosity continues to make extraordinary care possible.

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About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation:

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces, and the education and training of health care providers.

As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Make every DQ Blizzard® count on Miracle Treat Day in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital

HAMILTON – [Wednesday, August 5, 2026] – A sweet summer tradition is returning on Thursday, August 13 as Dairy Queen’s annual Miracle Treat Day gives the community an opportunity to enjoy a Blizzard® Treat, while making a meaningful difference for local children and families.

On Miracle Treat Day, participating Dairy Queen locations across Hamilton and the surrounding area will donate net proceeds from every Blizzard® Treat sold to McMaster Children’s Hospital.

“Miracle Treat Day is a wonderful example of a how a simple act can have a lasting impact,” says Anissa Hilborn, CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. “Every Blizzard Treat purchased helps support the exceptional care, groundbreaking research and specialized equipment that children and families rely on at McMaster Children’s Hospital.”

Last year, Miracle Treat Day raised over $168,000 from 42 Dairy Queen locations in support of McMaster Children’s Hospital. This year, organizers hope to inspire even more people to stop by their local participating Dairy Queen and turn a frozen treat into hope for families.

Funds raised during Miracle Treat Day fuel a broad range of initiatives at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including:

  • Enhanced patient care: creating more comfortable spaces and support services
  • Medical research and education: driving innovation to improve outcomes for young patients
  • Redevelopment programs: modernizing facilities to meet growing community needs
  • Priority equipment purchases: ensuring cutting edge tools are on hand when every second counts

Community members are encouraged to visit a participating Dairy Queen on Thursday, August 13, to purchase their favourite Blizzard® Treat and help support the future of healthcare for children throughout our region.

 

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McMaster Children’s Hospital
McMaster Children’s Hospital, as part of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre and McMaster University Medical Centre. The Foundation inspires and motivates gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces, and the education and training of health care providers.

McMaster Children’s Hospital is the second largest provider of inpatient pediatric services in Ontario. The Hospital is home to Canada’s largest neonatal intensive care unit including supportive maternal care, the largest pediatric mental health program in Canada, and the only inpatient pediatric cancer program in south-central Ontario.

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation is thrilled to announce a landmark $5 million gift from The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation, propelling forward the major revitalization of the Emergency Department (ED) at Hamilton General Hospital (HGH). This extraordinary contribution ensures that the region’s busiest emergency department will be able to meet rising demand, expand patient areas, and give more than 50,000 patients each year access to faster, safer and more comfortable care.

The Emergency Department revitalization is a transformative project for south-central Ontario, expanding capacity, reducing wait times, and creating a state-of-the-art environment for both patients and care teams. HGH is a regional leader in trauma, cardiac and vascular care, and this support from The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation will leave a lasting impact on countless lives.

“The Foundation believes that giving back to health care is one of the most meaningful ways to support our community. For over a decade, we have been thrilled to see the impact of our partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences, demonstrating time and time again what can be achieved when we work together to build a brighter future for patients and their families,” said Nancy Clark, from The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation.

Alongside their extraordinary support for the Emergency Department, The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation also recently contributed $1,395,000 to bring cutting-edge cancer care technology to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC). This gift will help fund the acquisition of a new PET/CT scanner at JHCC, empowering oncology teams to diagnose and monitor cancer more quickly and effectively.

This donation will also fund magnetic seed therapy—a breakthrough in breast cancer surgery. This innovative, non-radioactive technique uses a tiny magnetic seed to precisely mark the location of a tumor, allowing surgeons to remove cancerous tissue with greater accuracy while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. For patients, magnetic seed therapy means a safer, less invasive and more comfortable surgical experience, with fewer procedures and better outcomes.

Anissa Hilborn, CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The support of exceptional partners like The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation plays a critical role in funding revitalized spaces, cutting-edge equipment and enabling innovative treatments and therapies that truly make a difference in the lives of patients.”

Including these latest donations, the Caledonia-based Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation has provided more than $13.6 million in funding to Hamilton Health Sciences, supporting high-impact projects like the construction of the Ron and Nancy Clark Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit at JHCC. Their remarkable generosity continues to move health care forward for families throughout south-central Ontario.

About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides fundraising support for Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospital. The Foundation is a registered charitable organization, committed to improving the health of people in our region by raising funds for capital projects, leading-edge equipment, and innovative research initiatives.

About The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation

Established in 1994, The Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation is a private charitable family foundation committed to making a difference in communities locally, nationally and internationally. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives in healthcare, education, community development, human services, agriculture, the environment, recreation, disaster relief, and arts and culture.

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