KAWARTHA LAKES-In 2018 Sue Junkin was told she would have to have aortic valve replacement surgery.
Told she must do 12 weeks of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Ross Memorial, Sue didn’t want to. She didn’t think she needed it. Talking to her now, you can tell she’s had a change of heart. “They made me ride the bike. It was all I could do,” Sue remembers. “I was afraid after my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands.” From the physical to the mental health benefits, Sue is now a champion of the program, volunteering by providing encouragement and helping patients to feel safe and comfortable.
“Keep positive and keep your strength,” she says.
Sue says she is looking forward to supporting the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program even further by participating in Ross Memorial’s Thankful Hearts Fundraising Walk on October 1.
So is former patient, Les Hebbard. Two years ago, Les was suffering from a lack of energy. Then he fell. He was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and referred to the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program to participate in safe, monitored exercise. Les enjoyed exercising with a group of five or six, walking and building strength on the stationary bike.
Most of all, he appreciated “how dedicated Ruth and Lindsay are and how they kept us going all the time.” At 84 years old, Les says he is much better now and still does the exercises that physiotherapist Lindsay Churcher and physiotherapy assistant Ruth Hopkins taught him. Asked if he would recommend the program to others, he doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely. Go try it and you’ll be going back.”
Throughout Kawartha Lakes, people credit their improved cardiac and pulmonary health to the timely care and rehabilitation they received thanks to Ross Memorial Hospital. The annual Thankful Hearts Walk raises both awareness of this important service and funds for Ross Memorial’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program.
The Thankful Hearts Walk takes place Thursday, October 1. Participants may register from 1:30-2:00pm in the RMH Cafeteria. The warm-up begins at 2:00pm and walkers set off at 2:15pm for a 2km walk. A shorter route is also an option.
Donation/pledge forms are available through the RMH Cardiac Rehabilitation program and the RMH Foundation. Those wishing to fundraise online for the Thankful Hearts Walk can do so at justgiving.com/campaign/rmhthankfulheartswalk2026.
Source RMH
