It seemed like a good idea

The plan seemed quite straightforward: to start a fund to support doctors who wanted to conduct research at the Health Sciences Centre.

Dr. Jessie Lang remembers the day well.“It was really Bill Gardner’s idea,” she said. “We had heard that other hospitals were doing this, and thought that we should do it as well.”

That was 27 years ago, and William Gardner’s idea was indeed a good one. More than $90 million has been raised by and for the HSC Foundation, a testament to the vision of those first volunteers, and the many generous donors who have followed in their footsteps.

Jessie - she says she doesn’t go by “Doctor” much any more - is still passionate about the cause after all this time. As part of the Foundation’s Honourary Directors Circle, she is still looking for ways to help support vital research, innovative technology and complex care at HSC.

This past year, Jessie was recognized for her dedication and commitment to HSC at a luncheon attended by her family, friends and former colleagues. The event raised nearly $6,000 for multiple sclerosis research at HSC.

As a member of the Foundation’s Andrew Bannatyne Legacy Society, Jessie is excited about the future of HSC.

“If people have it to give, I think supporting young doctors in their work for the benefit of future generations is as important now as it was all those years ago,” she said. “Look how far we’ve come!”