In this edition of UHN On The Go:
UHN Foundation raises $4.6 million at 21st Grand Cru event
UHN Foundation hosted the 21st UHN Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival last month, raising $4.6 million in support of UHN.
The two-day event brought together world-renowned chefs, wine producers and leading medical experts to support UHN's programs, namely the new surgical tower currently under construction at Toronto Western Hospital.
Grand Cru remains a signature event on the Foundation's calendar, uniting philanthropy and culinary excellence in support of the organization.
The festival began with an opening celebration at Casa Loma where guests enjoyed exquisite food, rare vintages, live entertainment and a World Series game viewing.
The weekend's highlight was the Grand Cru Wine and Dine Experiences, where 12 private homes across the Greater Toronto Area hosted exclusive dinners prepared by chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Jason Bangerter and Massimo Renzi.
Todd Halpern, the Founder of Grand Cru and a UHN Trustee, hosted a dinner with his wife Ellen, where guests raised $1 million for a collaborative art piece by Jane Waterous, Healing Hands, which will be displayed at a UHN site.
Since its inception, Grand Cru has raised more than $174 million to advance groundbreaking medical research and care across UHN. With support from sponsors including Grand Touring Automobiles, BMO and Miele, Grand Cru continues to highlight the impact of community generosity and the enduring power of philanthropy that shapes the future of health care in Canada.
Researchers, media gather for second annual science jam
Research teams from the
Krembil Brain Institute ,
Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute convened Oct. 28 for the second annual
Krembil Science Jam, an event designed to share emerging scientific work in a TED Talk-style format.
Hosted by journalist Mary Ito, the program featured ten presentations on topics including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, mental health and vision loss. More than 130 attendees took part in the event.
For the first time, presenters competed for a share of $250,000 in research funding. Dr. Mark Reed received first place for his work in drug development, while Dr. Valeria Ramaglia and Dr. Melanie Cohn were recognized for research in multiple sclerosis and cognitive assessment.
The Krembil Science Jam successfully fostered dialogue across disciplines and highlighted research that may inform future approaches to complex health challenges.
Experts warn of ‘human crisis’ in global cancer care in Lancet Oncology
A new review from The Lancet Oncology Commission warns of a growing “human crisis” in cancer care, as health systems worldwide fail to provide holistic, compassionate support for patients and families.
Despite advances in treatment and rising survival rates, psychological and social needs remain largely unmet. Health care professionals are also facing burnout and moral distress, particularly in resource-limited and conflict-affected regions.
The Commission — co-led by Dr. Gary Rodin, Director of the Global Institute for Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC) at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Professor Richard Sullivan of King's College London — published its analysis in Lancet Oncology on Nov. 3 as the Commission was launched at the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer conference in Hammamet, Tunisia.
The review highlights systemic challenges, including underfunded palliative and psychosocial services, fragmented health systems and narrow definitions of success in treatment outcomes, leaving many patients feeling "unseen and unheard."
The Commission urges a shift in the balance between biomedical and technological advances and human-centred cancer control. Scalable, cost-effective interventions — such as early palliative care, financial protection and culturally sensitive mental health services — remain underutilized throughout the world.
The review makes seven recommendations, including redefining success metrics, ensuring equitable access, reforming medical education, and aligning technology and policy with compassionate care principles.
Read the report.