Established Memorial Funds

Anyone who knew Gary understood that he cared deeply about others and would make the time to reach out to see how they were doing. He was kind, compassionate, wise, and offered an unwavering solace and perspective that always left you feeling inspired and uplifted. Rather than “random acts of kindness,” Gary was all about daily acts of kindness. As a tribute to Gary Frederick, a bursary has been set up at NOSM University to offer financial support to students who exhibit the same values and who will no doubt do their part in making the world a better place.

The Gary Frederick ‘Daily Acts of Kindness’ Memorial Bursary is awarded annually to a full-time student at NOSM University who makes a positive change in their community. The recipient demonstrates and exemplifies the values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, and respect and acts as a friend to those who are most in need of one.

Donate now.

Sharon Fucile was a vibrant, compassionate individual who married her high school sweetheart, was the mother of three incredible children, a playful and dedicated grandmother, wonderful sister, and valued friend. Her life was all she had dreamt it would be, becoming a mother, working as an underwriter, and body building alongside her spouse.

Unfortunately, at the age of 24 health problems surfaced, which led to a lifelong road of searching for a diagnosis and involved too many health care providers to mention. In Rochester, MN she received the diagnosis of a relatively new autoimmune disease identified as Chronic Fatigue/Epstein bar. This was just the beginning of her health journey challenge. New symptoms surfaced and evolved over time. In her last five years, the illness caused such excruciating pain and was so debilitating that it impacted her ability to manage her everyday activities.

At the age of 56, she received a new diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that is difficult to detect and is characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of the body, but most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. The cause is unknown, but experts believe it results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance. There is no known treatment to address the complexity of issues endured.

Sharon was approved for MAID. On September 4, 2019, she died peacefully at her home on Lake Superior surrounded by her family and friends. Throughout her entire journey, she kept that beautiful magnetic smile on her face that drew so many people to her. Selflessly, she wanted her passing to be recognized in a way that would help others with a similar journey, who were also seeking responsive and compassionate care while awaiting an elusive diagnosis and treatment. With a giant leap of faith, she believed that there may eventually be a cure.

For this reason, the Sharon Fucile “Forget Me Not” Award was established for a medical learner interested in Internal Medicine. The award is given to a medical learner who understands how intimidating it can be for a patient trying to navigate the system across disciplines.

An inaugural family-friendly fundraising event was the fuel behind this bursary, bringing the people she loved together to assist a NOSM University learner in a small way.

To give you a glimpse about the type of person she was, we would like to share the last post that she delivered with her signature “SMILEY” grin, “Thank you for all the LOVE, the MEMORIES, the FUN, and NEVER could I have dreamt my life to be any better.” We thank you for your interest in achieving her DREAM.

Donate now.

At its heart, the Dr. Shannon Green Memorial Fund aims to support learners at NOSM University with a financial award to celebrate their successes in clinical training. It is with deep gratitude that we request donations in memory of Dr. Shannon Green, our colleague and friend.

Dr. Green’s friends, colleagues, and family members established the Dr. Shannon Green Memorial Fund in celebration of her life. The fund aims to honour Shannon’s life by supporting others, a principle Shannon embodied every day.

Donate now.

Anyone who ever met or interacted with Joe immediately knew he was a good person and a brilliant accountant. With his “can-do” attitude, Joe made everything possible. Joe is one of those rare individuals who is irreplaceable and we will all miss his kind and gentle approach. 

Friends and co-workers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have established a memorial fund in Joe’s honour. 

Staff may choose to make contributions via payroll deduction. 

Donate now.

Janet E. McElhaney, MD, September 29, 1954 – October 21, 2021

Dr. Janet McElhaney was an award-winning Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, a beloved member of the Health Sciences North medical staff, Scientific Director of the Health Sciences North Research Institute, and the Health Sciences North Volunteer Association Research Chair in Healthy Aging. Over the course of her career, Dr. McElhaney practiced clinical geriatrics in hospital settings and led research laboratories in inflammaging at the University of Alberta, the Eastern Virginia Medical School, the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and the University of British Columbia in addition to her work in Sudbury, Ontario. Her pioneering work in how the immune system changes as we age and the implications of those changes for how vaccines need to be modified to be effective for older adults was influential in both immunology and vaccinology on an international level.

Dr. McElhaney joined NOSM, HSNRI, and HSN in 2011. She developed and led several initiatives that continue to support HSN in becoming a more evidence-based senior-friendly hospital. She pioneered many programs to enrich inpatient and post-discharge experiences for frail seniors, through leveraging the power of strong collaborative practice teams.

Dr. McElhaney saw each geriatric patient as a valued individual deserving of quality care. She recognized that caring for the complex needs of older adults could be overwhelming and that it took teams of compassionate, committed, and hard-working people to provide the best care. Everyone she influenced—ward staff, patients, families, and the geriatric teams she built—knew they had a role to play and that she valued—indeed, depended on them. Her belief in the value that everyone brought to the care team was inspiring and motivating. Throughout her career, she leaned into the challenge of geriatric practice; through relentless clinical work, collaboration, and research, Dr. McElhaney developed simple and effective strategies to prevent frailty and maintain function in the face of life threatening and debilitating illness. She was a passionate program director and an encouraging mentor who led by example and openly shared her knowledge, wisdom, and experience. She was also keenly aware of the barriers to quality health care for special populations—for example, the older LGBTQ2S community, the homeless, and those with no families to support them—and underserviced communities—in particular Indigenous and rural and remote communities. Dr. McElhaney received many honours and awards throughout her career, from medical school through to the 2020 Jonas Salk Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability Prevention. This award, given for her research into vaccine-preventable disability, was presented to her just a few months before her untimely death. From 2011 when she arrived in Sudbury, she published 70 papers, gave over 80 invited presentations—most of them international—and secured more than $10 million in research funding.

From the beginning of her career, Dr. McElhaney recognized the devastating health effects of socially constructed inequities and made it her mission to serve the most vulnerable in our society. The student who receives this award should show a willingness to confront the many challenges faced by older adults interacting with our health care system today. For example, this may include service to those who live in underprivileged areas, belong to marginalized communities, or have experienced abuse, isolation, trauma, or poverty. The student should also demonstrate a commitment to collaborative practice based on genuine curiosity and mutual respect.

Donate now.

 

 

On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the NOSM community was shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Julie Pacifico, Admissions Officer. Julie joined NOSM in 2006 and was a key member of our Admissions Team for nearly 14 years. Julie was not only a member of the Admissions family but a close friend to many, and a highly valued employee. 

Julie was a force of nature with a great sense of humour, huge laugh, and a caring heart. Julie had a passionate nature and took pride in all that she did. She approached everything with the best interest of students in mind. Her desire to create the best experience for everyone who her work touched was paramount. For Julie, the School was more than just a job; the NOSM community was her family. 

Her work and belief in fairness and equity for everyone has helped to shape and innovate the admissions process not just for NOSM but for medical schools across Canada. With each admissions cycle, Julie sought feedback, evaluated the process, and worked to improve the experience for all who were involved. As passionate as she was, during a crisis Julie could step back, assess the situation, and enact a solution as if nothing was wrong. 

For as much as Julie loved her job, her family and friends were her world. Julie was a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the “rock” of the family. She had a heart of gold and always put her own needs last to ensure that everyone else was taken care of. Julie was a full-time, live-in caregiver to her parents and her greatest loves were her nephews Brandon, Jordan, Jacob, Matthew, and Lucas. 

Julie was outgoing and very social. She could always make you laugh with her great sense of humour and sarcasm. Many of us have experienced Julie’s energy and laughter at NOSM. She will be missed but never forgotten. 

Friends and co-workers at NOSM have created the Julie Pacifico Memorial Fund in her honour. These funds will directly impact the students that she was so passionate about. 

Staff may choose to make contributions via payroll deduction. 

Donate now.

Braden Peters attained his Hon. BSC in Applied Bio-molecular Science at Lakehead University and in 2017 was accepted at NOSM. Braden was well on his way to realizing his dream of becoming a doctor when he unexpectedly passed away. 

Braden faced many challenges because of his neurodiversity and worked hard to deal with whatever obstacle stood in his way, always striving to be the best he could be. 

Braden had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was intellectually gifted but what stood out most was his genuine passion for helping people. His mission statement was, “My passions for humanity and medicine are one and the same.” 

In keeping with Braden’s passion for helping people, this fund will help another student realize their dream of becoming a doctor. 

Braden’s family and friends have established The Braden Peters Memorial Fund, which honours his life. 

Your support will help to honour Braden’s legacy for years to come. 

Donate now.

From the early years of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the development of the MD program’s third-year Comprehensive Community Clerkship in Dryden, Chuck was eager to get involved. Over the years, he warmly welcomed hundreds of medical students, residents, and other health learners to the community and made them feel at home. A great mentor to physician recruiters and NOSM University’s SACs across the North, Chuck was always thrilled to share his wealth of knowledge.

The supportive environment Chuck created in his hometown enabled him to recruit many physicians to the Dryden Regional Health Centre and the Dryden Area Family Health Team. He was proud of the NOSM University graduates who chose to practise in the community, and of their commitment to health equity—particularly for the Indigenous, Francophone, and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Chuck dedicated himself to fostering community through his passion for sports. Beyond sports, he was a devoted family man who understood the importance of individual connections. He prioritized one-on-one family time, creating special moments tailored to each person’s interests. Chuck leaves behind an incredible legacy and lengthy list of accomplishments across the North. Chuck embraced every aspect of life with a genuine and infectious enthusiasm, always stating that life is a gift and that you only live once. Without a doubt, he changed our lives, and we are better for having known him.

Donate now.

The Haseeb Memorial Bursary was started by Haseeb’s mother and NOSM University alumna Dr. Jehan Zaib. The bursary will be paid out annually to a student with financial need who attends NOSM University. Haseeb Syed (March 5, 2002 – October 20, 2022) lived a very full life in his short 20 years. He believed that “True strength lies not in toughness but in simple acts of kindness.” Thank you to Dr. Zaib and her family for creating this bursary.

Donate now.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announced the sudden, unexpected passing of Dr. Annabella (Bella) Isabella Zawada on Thursday October 21, 2021. Bella firmly believed in the philosophies of “Love is Love” and “Equality for Everyone,” which led to her opening the Umbrella Sexual Health Clinic. Through the Umbrella Clinic she and her team touched many lives and always did it with a non-judgemental, open-to-everything attitude. Bella touched the lives of many people from all walks of life. She was a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, and most of all an amazing person that loved to help those in need. She will be missed by many.

The Dr. Annabella Zawada Memorial Award was established in 2021 to honour Dr. Annabella Zawada and her contributions to healthcare in Terrace Bay and Thunder Bay.

Your support will help to honour Dr. Zawada’s legacy for years to come.

Donate now.