The 2008 Ottawa Hospital Gala was a tremendous success raising $130,000 for The Ottawa Hospital. With more than 500 people in attendance, the evening celebrated the achievements of three local researchers who are making a difference in health care. All proceeds of the event will go to the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) – the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital and an affiliated institute of the University of Ottawa.

“This evening is about inspiration,” said Susan Doyle, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. “Not only are we surrounded by some of the most talented Canadians in the field of research, but we are also graced by the generosity of many of our corporate and community leaders.”

The Ottawa Hospital Gala presented by MDS Nordion is an annual black-tie affair that has raised more than $600,000 for the OHRI in the past five years.

“We are thrilled to be part of such a successful event,” said Steve West, President of MDS Nordion – presenting sponsor of the 2008 Ottawa Hospital Gala. “As a world leader in global-life sciences, MDS Nordion is honoured to be part of such a significant event in support of ground-breaking research.”

The following researchers were honoured at tonight’s Gala:
• Dr. Antoine Hakim – Dr. J. David Grimes Research Career Achievement Award
• Dr. Dean Fergusson – Dr. Michel Chrétien Researcher of the Year Award
• Caroline Breitbach – Dr. Ronald G. Worton Researcher in Training Award

About The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is a multi-campus, academic health sciences centre, serving 1.5 million residents of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, both in English and French. It provides care for more patients than any other hospital in Canada, and boasts specialty centres in cancer, heart, kidney and vision care, as well as rehabilitation services. For more information, visit The Ottawa Hospital Web site at www.ottawahospital.on.ca.

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s mission is to inspire and enable people to support the highest quality health care at The Ottawa Hospital and lifesaving research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. For more information, visit The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Web site at www.ohfoundation.ca.

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital and is an affiliated institute of the University of Ottawa, closely associated with the University’s Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences. The OHRI includes more than 1,300 scientists, clinical investigators, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff conducting research to improve the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human disease. For more information, visit the OHRI website.

-30-

For more information, please contact: