When Wendy Robinson was diagnosed with a rare neuro-endocrine cancer, her world shifted overnight. Over the next seven years, the care she received at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) guided her through treatment and inspired her and her husband Joe to give back.

For decades, Wendy and Joe Robinson have trusted Scarborough hospitals with life’s most important moments, from welcoming both of their sons at Scarborough General, to relying on care at Centenary Hospital for their serious health challenges.  

Dr. Jason Wong, General Surgeon, first identified Wendy’s neuro-endocrine cancer (cancer of the nervous system) and removed it by performing a small intestine resection (removing a damage or diseased part of the small bowel). Oncologist Dr. Arnold Tepperman continued to support her for years alongside her care team until he retired. “These doctors saved my life” says Wendy.

Joe also relied on Scarborough hospitals for serious health challenges, including a gallbladder removal, a hernia repair and two bouts of sepsis. After his recovery from sepsis, he was referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation by Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Ricci as a preventative measure, an experience that came full circle when he went on to become a dedicated volunteer in the cardiac rehab program, where he has volunteered to help patients like him for six years now.

Through each experience, one thing stood out.  

“We have received nothing but excellent care and kindness. Everything has been just wonderful,” Wendy shares.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as they updated their Wills, the couple decided to give back to SHN. “We felt that you can’t change the world, but you can add a couple of drops to make it better,” Wendy shared. “We wanted to support the hospitals that had been front and foremost in our care… if someone takes care of you, you need to take care of them.”  

Their gift to SHN will support the Emergency Department at Centenary Hospital, an area they know firsthand is always in high demand. “When you go in there, it’s a really busy place and the triage nurses are second to none,” says Wendy. “So, we thought anything we could do to support making that process better.”  

This Leave a Legacy Month, Wendy and Joe’s story is a powerful reminder that even a single gift can help ensure future patients receive the same compassionate, exceptional care.