Turning Recovery into Action: A Heart Patient’s Journey
A decade after surgery, giving back to support others at Sunnybrook
Jay Davis never imagined he would one day become a volunteer for the very program that helped him face a life-altering surgery. Ten years ago, he was a patient at Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Program, confronting a major heart surgery that took him completely by surprise. “When it was my turn to face heart surgery, I was in complete denial. I was petrified at the thought of having my chest opened and my heart operated on.”
The fear was real, but Jay was determined to face it. What he experienced during his recovery would shift his entire perspective. “Going through it myself, I realized how crucial it is for patients to hear from someone who’s actually been there,” he says. “I thought, if anyone could feel even a fraction of what I went through, they’d benefit from hearing a real-life account.”
Jay took it upon himself to make sure others weren’t left with the same fear he had. He asked his surgeon if there was a way to help educate future patients in a more compassionate and practical way. His efforts led him to become a volunteer with the program.
“Everything from getting out of bed on the first day to showering, even lifting just five pounds—there are so many little things people don’t expect,” Jay shares.
I show them photos from my recovery. The first day, you’re barely able to move. But by the second day, you’re sitting up, talking, and already feeling better.”
A decade post-surgery, Jay volunteers to reassure others that they are in good hands at Sunnybrook.
Today, online classes allow Jay to reach patients no matter where they live. “It’s powerful—connecting with people, helping them prepare, and giving them hope.” For Jay, it’s not just about volunteering; it’s therapy. “It’s helped me get past my own fear, my own denial,” he says. “And every time I share my story, it feels like I’m healing a little more.”
Through his experience, Jay has come to recognize the critical role the donor community in making life-changing care possible, emphasizing how donations—whether large or small—are crucial in sustaining the Hospital’s excellence. “Sunnybrook is state-of-the-art, and every dollar helps fund research, technology, and care. You don’t realize the importance until you need it, but once you do, you see just how vital every donation is in saving lives.”
To find out more about volunteer opportunities contact volunteer@sunnybrook.ca or to make a donation, learn more about ways to give.
