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“When I think of PACE, the first words that come to mind are 'family' and 'love'. ”

When I think of PACE, the first words that come to mind are “family” and “love”. Without fail, visiting PACE continually proves to be the best part of my week. The PACE creates an inviting environment that makes you want to come back. In fact, I continuously find myself coming to PACE outside of my scheduled hours because I miss the positive atmosphere. Our members are a truly inspiring group of individuals and their optimism, drive and loving spirits are contagious in nature.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor”

In October 1989, I received a heart transplant at London Health Sciences University Hospital six days after suffering a massive heart attack. Following three months of treatment as an outpatient including six weeks of physiotherapy sessions, I was discharged and returned to Hamilton. I vowed to take better care of myself in consideration of receiving this second chance at life. Since regular exercise plays an important role in a healthy lifestyle and after attempting to exercise unsuccessfully at home, I decided to look into facilities in the community. In February 1991, I became aware of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at McMaster University and entered the program shortly thereafter. That was over 27 years ago and since then I have become a dedicated member of the MacCardiac Program exercising regularly in a bright, well equipped facility under the supervision of attentive, qualified staff. Many other men and woman of like needs attend and over time a spirit of camaraderie has grown. There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor; one who has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

“I was struck by and pleasantly surprised at the cheerful, empathetic and helpful welcome I received from the excellent professional staff.”

On my first day at PACE Seniors several years ago I was struck by and pleasantly surprised at the cheerful, empathetic and helpful welcome I received from the excellent professional staff. Also, the on-going support from the staff, student volunteers and other participants in the program was unexpected. The very pleasant social atmosphere is a bonus and the opportunity to connect with the volunteer students an added dimension. Nothing, except the arrival of some excellent new equipment (!), has changed.