Annual Journey to Conquer Cancer breaks fundraising record
More than 2000 participants of all ages raised a record $1.75 million at the 12th annual Journey to Conquer Cancer presented by Starlight Investments, supporting life-saving cancer research at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Beginning the day at University of Toronto's Varsity Stadium, participants heard from cancer survivors and celebrated the collective fundraising impact of the Journey, then headed out on one-kilometre, three-kilometre or five-kilometre routes through downtown Toronto.
"Each step taken helps transform outcomes for cancer patients, across Canada, and around the globe," said Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "We are grateful to the walkers and runners of all ages, who came together to fuel more breakthroughs at the Princess Margaret and help create a world free from the fear of cancer."
Participants enjoyed live entertainment along the route and had a moment to reflect as they passed by the Princess Margaret, one of the world's leading cancer research and treatment centres. Fun activities continued back at Varsity Stadium after the walk and run with Journey's mascot "Hope" the dog, a kids run and outdoor games.
Funds raised at the Journey will help Carry The Fire for cancer patients and their families.
While each participant has their own reason for stepping forward, the entire Journey community advances our philanthropic priorities in early detection, innovative treatments, and comprehensive support, which hold the greatest potential to revolutionize cancer survival rates and the experience of this often-devastating disease.
"A member of my family was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, and thanks to The Princess Margaret, and the funds raised at the Journey, they are living in remission," said Julie Stewart-Binks, award-winning sportscaster, proud Princess Margaret supporter, and host of the Journey opening ceremonies. "It was incredible to see thousands come together to support The Princess Margaret."
'Joy in Work' retreats are inspiring TeamUHN
In healthcare, burnout, disconnection and low morale continue to be real challenges.
At UHN, one initiative is helping to shift that energy.
"The Joy in Work" retreats are giving members of TeamUHN the opportunity to reconnect, reflect and reignite the passion they have for their work.
"Joy isn't a luxury, it's fundamental to our success,” says Silvi Groe, Clinical Director at UHN's Schroeder Arthritis Institute, who has spearheaded the initiative. "When we find meaning in what we do and connect with those around us, it creates joy, makes our teams engaged, more productive and more fulfilled.”
The retreats, which have taken place across various UHN departments, began last fall. The latest session is planned for UHN's Division of Orthopedics in July. After a short presentation introducing the workshop, teams participate in group exercises and engaging discussions about their workplace.
"The workshops were an innovative way of bringing forward happiness and joy in the workplace by amplifying the voices of every individual in my team,” Indira Gobin, Clinical Manager on Unit 9A Orthopedics at UHN's Toronto Western Hospital, says of a recent session. "I enjoyed being alongside my staff who really liked being part of decision-making, feedback and bringing forward main topics they want to see a change in.
"The thing that stood out to me the most is the importance of integrating joy and engagement in the workplace, and how having it at the centre of our team positively impact the quality of care that we deliver.”
For Silvi, the concept of "Joy in Work” is not just a theory, but a practice rooted in tangible outcomes, such as personal growth, resources and support, and team connection. She and her team work to make the sessions a safe space where staff can share, reflect and co-create solutions together.
"We all have the ability to create joy,” Silvi says. "It's about mentoring and inspiring others.
"It's amazing how people will contribute when they feel they belong, feel seen and feel valued.”
UHN's KITE Research Institute named to Forbes' Accessibility 100 list
UHN's KITE Research Institute has been named to Forbes magazine's Accessibility 100 list, recognizing its leadership in the field.
The list features the best organizations worldwide working in accessibility and disability, alongside notable groups such as Apple, Nike and Google.
"KITE's hundreds of scientists and trainees have devoted themselves to improving accessibility through their research and innovations,” says Dr. Milos R. Popovic, KITE's Director. "It's an honour to be recognized for our impact through the Forbes' Accessibility 100 alongside other prestigious institutions."
This is the first year Forbes has created
an Accessibility 100 list. It announced who made the list earlier in June during a live panel at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
"[The groups on this list] are revolutionizing how people get around, learn, communicate, work, play sports, travel and so much more,” says
Alan Schwarz, Forbes Assistant Managing Editor. "Their impact on people's lives is monumental - and will only be getting more so soon.”
To determine who to include, Forbes conducted more than 400 interviews and sought feedback from an expert advisory board.
"Emphasis was placed on breadth of true impact across the widest landscape,” Forbes says in an article about the new list. It described KITE as a place where products are "put through the wringer by the people they're actually designed for (as well as more than 200 scientists and graduate students).”
KITE is one of only six Canadian organizations on the list. The others from Canada are AccessNow, Trexo Robotics, Humanware, Fable and All Access Life.
In an accompanying feature story, Forbes highlighted "the curb-cut effect,” where changes meant to help disabled people, such as curb cuts or inventions like electric toothbrushes, end up being helpful to people without disabilities as well. Several prominent companies are promoting that kind of universal design on the Accessible 100 list, including Procter & Gamble and Apple.
It also shared the business potential in this area.
"Accessibility has been an ignored space from investment capital,” Paul Kent, managing partner of the Disabled Life Alliance, says in the piece. "It's been thought of as a small market, which is ridiculous. There's a massive return associated with this.”
Michener Institute Convocation introduces next wave of healthcare professionals
The next wave of healthcare professionals were officially introduced to the world at the recent Michener Convocation 2025.
This year's convocation for The Michener Institute of Education at UHN took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Koerner Hall. A capacity crowd of friends and loved ones were in attendance to witness and celebrate the more than 400 graduates of the Class of 2025 as they officially embarked on their healthcare careers.
The ceremony included inspirational speeches from Dr. Kevin Smith, UHN's President & CEO, Dr. Brian Hodges, Executive Vice President and UHN's Chief Medical Officer, and a moving address from Zaeem Qureshi, Michener's 2025 Valedictorian.
"We're graduating in a time where our role as healthcare professionals has never been more critical,” Zaeem told the audience. "A time where the world needs our compassion and our commitment to equity and excellence.
"Let's go forward with courage, lead with empathy and carry what we've learned here at Michener into every clinic, every hospital and every conversation. Because the world doesn't just need more healthcare professionals, it needs you.”
Michener's academic programs address areas of need across the health system, and that fact is clearly reflected by the number of Michener graduates who cross the stage and immediately enter the workforce.
Every year, more than 80 per cent of Michener graduates receive job offers before convocation day arrives. Qureshi himself says every graduate of this year's respiratory therapy program had already secured employment.
Congratulations to the graduates of Michener's Class of 2025 and thank you for choosing healthcare. We all look forward to the positive impact you will make on the health system.
