Celebrating champions in our community with hearts of gold.
Heart Heroes pulsed by Stewart McKelvey celebrates champions in our community who have made transformational contributions to the hearts and health of Atlantic Canadians.
2019 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Danny Chedrawe
As a QEII Foundation Trustee and heart health champion, Danny has played an instrumental role in advancing cardiac and vascular care at the QEII.
Through his volunteer work with the Foundation, Danny’s passion for the cause has led to help securing a transformational $1-million donation to establish The Beth Medjuck Heart Rhythm Laboratory. A leading electrophysiology (EP) lab, The Beth Medjuck Heart Rhythm Laboratory opened to its first cardiology patients in 2011; a testament to Danny’s efforts as a dedicated volunteer and true heart health champion.
Years later, Danny experienced his own heart health issues and suddenly found himself relying on the QEII’s care team and heart health facilities to help save his life. A visionary business leader who champions many causes within the community and throughout the province, Danny is truly the epitome of giving back and his story is one that will inspire many.
2019 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Stewart Allen
Stewart holds a special place in his heart for Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. At the young age of 17, Stewart joined a bottling company as a helper on a beverage delivery truck. Ten years later, he sat in the vice president seat of sales and marketing. Over the years, his leadership in many companies has fueled economic development, here, in Atlantic Canada and around the globe – and his commitment to giving back shines through the countless lives he’s touched through his generous spirit.
A self-made business leader and visionary philanthropist, Stewart’s areas of interest are education and heart health. In 2018, Stewart made an extraordinary donation of $1-million to the QEII Foundation in support of Atlantic Canada’s first hybrid operating room (OR).
The new hybrid OR – which will be named The Stewart E. Allen Hybrid OR in his honour – will play a pivotal role in the full spectrum of education and training for tomorrow’s residents and healthcare leaders.
Stewart’s inspiring generosity further demonstrates his unwavering commitment to building healthier communities in his home of Nova Scotia and giving back to those in need in a region near and dear to his heart. Stewart currently resides in Toronto, O.N.
2018 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Jack Flemming
A former colleague. A business leader. A champion of many causes. A cherished friend and family member.
Jack Flemming has dedicated four decades of his life to building a strong community in this province. His work is exemplified as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. Jack’s leadership was instrumental in bringing together the Maritime Heart Centre and the QEII Foundation in our shared vision to advance cardiac and vascular care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
2017 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
The Boyd Family
The Boyd Family brings an entire community comes together to honour Jordan Boyd at the Jordan Boyd Celebrity Hockey Tournament presented by CIBC and raise funds for the QEII’s Inherited Heart Disease Clinic.
Jordan was an incredible young man who touched the lives of everyone he met with his passion for life.The Boyd Family was honoured in 2017 for their extraordinary dedication and leadership in making an impact on the thousands of Atlantic Canadian families facing an ARVC diagnosis, who now have access to the most innovative and evidence-based care at the QEII’s Inherited Heart Disease Clinic.
Jordan Boyd, 1997-2013
2017 Heart of Gold Champion Award Recipient
Dr. Rex Dunn
Dr. Rex Dunn has dedicated his career to advancing vascular surgery and improving care access for patients in Cape Breton – and throughout Atlantic Canada.
In 2017, Dr. Dunn participated in his fourth-annual volunteer surgical mission to Guatemala. He and a team provided life-changing surgeries for individuals who need, but cannot afford, medical treatment.
2017 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Dr. Martin Gardner
Dr. Martin Gardner was one of the first heart rhythm specialists in Canada to recognize the importance of genetics in heart rhythm abnormalities. He founded the QEII’s Inherited Heart Disease Clinic in 2004; the first clinic of its kind in Canada.
Dr. Gardner has discovered inherited heart disease in thousands of patients who otherwise would not have been diagnosed – and continues to save the lives of those families touched by heart disease.
2015 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Eric Banks
Amateur golfer, Eric Banks suffered a major setback to his budding golf career when doctors discovered he was living with an atrial septal defect. The surprise diagnosis temporarily sidelined Eric from competitive golf as he underwent open heart surgery at the QEII.
Eric credits his cardiac surgeon, Dr. Hancock-Friesen, for saving his life – and enabling him to work towards his dream of establishing a pro golf career.
Eric frequently used his public image and influence to help elevate awareness of preventable heart disease and the importance of early detection and medical screening, especially for young athletes.
2015 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Pamela Davidson
After her mother and cousin both passed away from aneurysms, Pamela Davidson and her family learned they have an inherited predisposition to aneurysms. Several of her family members received cardiac care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre where their aneurysms were monitored, repaired and successfully removed.
Inspired by her family’s experience and personal connection with their cardiac surgeons, Pamela shared her expertise and played an integral role in the Maritime Heart Centre’s integration with the QEII Foundation. A dedicated and passionate community volunteer, Pamela’s incredible support has helped transform heart health services throughout the Maritimes.
2015 Heart of Gold Award Recipient
Dr. Howard Wightman
A leading clinical cardiologist, Dr. Wightman has been practicing in Kentville for 24 years. A leader in cardiac health, Dr. Wightman has advanced disease prevention throughout the province.
He co-founded the Extended Warranty II program, a 10-week, cardiac rehabilitation program which offers supervised exercise, cooking classes and presentations around heart disease, stress management and nutrition.
Dr. Wightman also formed the Valley Cardiac Rehab Society, and together with the Town of Kentville created LifeCycle – a community event celebrating and promoting the health benefits of exercise and healthy living.
Dr. Wightman has dedicated his career to improving heart health and has played an integral role in improving the health of his community.
Always an innovator, his expertise, incredible passion and commitment to his patients and community are commendable. Dr. Wightman has touched the hearts of many in our province.
