Heart and Stroke Foundation announces medal-worthy contributions to improving health in Canada

OTTAWA, April 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Heart and Stroke Foundation is pleased to congratulate 30 of its outstanding volunteers and employees who were recently awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of their contributions to the Foundation's mission.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians to their communities.

"We are honoured to recognize these remarkable Canadians, thank them and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime achievement," says David Sculthorpe, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Some have conducted medical research that impacts clinical practice. Some have dedicated their time to raising funds towards our mission, or guiding the management of the organization. Others have spent years helping Canadians improve their diet, change their lifestyle or learn the skills to save a life. Still others have shared their own stories of courage and perseverance that inspire us all."

Here are the achievements of just a few of these remarkable Canadians:

Dr. Allan de Caen (Alberta)
Dr. de Caen helped develop guidelines that have significantly improved childhood resuscitation survival rates in Canada and abroad.

Millie Graham (Ontario)
Millie's personal story about her devastating stroke in 1992 has motivated volunteers at the Foundation to move from thoughts and good wishes to action.

Liliane Larouche (Quebec)
Known as "the Heart Lady" in Quebec's North Shore region, Liliane began volunteering for the Foundation in 1979 and became a Foundation employee in 2000. Well into her 70s, she has no intention of stopping her work or her visits to volunteers, regardless of the distance.

Dr. Jim Thornhill (Saskatchewan)
Dr. Thornhill's dedication to furthering research to overcome the devastating impacts of stroke has benefitted all Canadians.

Peter Scott (British Columbia)
Peter has provided exceptional board leadership, and been instrumental in transforming key fundraising efforts. He helped turn the Heart of Gold Gala into one of the west coast's "must attend" events.

To learn more about the other HSF recipients from across the country and their contributions, visit the HSF Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal gallery at heartandstroke.ca.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke, reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. Heartandstroke.ca

SOURCE: HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION

For further information:

Media inquiries:

Jane-Diane Fraser
Heart and Stroke Foundation
[e-mail]
613-569-4361 x 273