“I’m still walking today thanks to Dr. Warren Latham,” says Melanie Tennant, reflecting on the skilled care she received during several complex foot surgeries at Scarborough Health Network (SHN). This deep sense of gratitude for the hospital’s expertise and care is what led Melanie to leave a gift in her Will to SHN.

Melanie’s connection to SHN runs deep, though she’s never actually lived in Scarborough. Her sister, an RN, spent nearly 40 years caring for patients at SHN’s General Hospital, and her family doctor always refers her and her loved ones to SHN specialists. But it was the care her mother received in her later years that left the most profound impact on Melanie.

For years, her mother was in and out of SHN’s hospitals. In her final five weeks at SHN, Melanie saw a level of kindness, skill, and empathy that she believes every patient deserves. “She got the care and the concern and the compassion,” Melanie shared. “It was so touching for me, and it was so meaningful for us to see.”

Moved by the amazing care she and her family received, Melanie decided to leave a gift in her Will to SHN. “I really feel we owe it to society to find a place where we can leave money or do some good,” she shares. For Melanie, SHN is the perfect choice, representing the values she holds dear. “How you take care of your seniors and vulnerable populations is the mark of a fine hospital,” she says. Her bequest is a way to give back to the institution that has been a pillar for her family, helping to ensure that SHN can continue to provide exceptional care for future generations.

Melanie hopes her story will inspire others to consider supporting SHN, even in a small way. “There should be room in your heart and in your Will to leave something of a legacy to a good work,” she says. For her, it’s about leaving a meaningful impact on a community that has touched her life deeply, knowing that her contribution will help Scarborough families for years to come.

To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, please visit our Legacy Giving page or contact Verna Chen at vchen@shn.ca.