Since this interview was published, Lori has made a career change. We wish her all the best and hope you enjoy her interview!

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m Lori, the Manager of Marketing and Communications at Humber River Hospital Foundation.  I just celebrated my 8 year anniversary so I’ve seen massive transformation in my time here.  Just after my first year at Humber, we celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Hospital…and today, I get to come to work in this beautiful, bright, modern building!  I still feel proud as I walk through the doors, knowing I played even a small role in helping this dream become reality.

In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

“From being born at the Finch site, to the many happy births I’ve celebrated with friends on our 4th Floor, to the gentle care and compassion shown to my 93 year old Nonna while she battled pneumonia, to the lifesaving rapid response to my father’s heart failure – for all this and more, I am forever grateful.” says Lori.

Together with my talented team, I tell the stories of the people, places and innovation at Humber that compel people to give, show donors the impact of their giving and build brand awareness for our Hospital.

Is there a Program of Care you have a personal connection to?

Many friends and family members have received care at Humber and I was even born at the Finch site! But the department I feel the most connected to is the Emergency Department. About 3 years ago, before our new Hospital was open, the nurses and doctors in the Finch site ED rushed to save my father’s life one harrowing night. As my mother and I watched in disbelief, the team stopped a massive heart attack from taking my dad’s life.  That was probably the worst moment of my life, but also one of my most proud – I couldn’t believe what my colleagues at Humber did to save my dad.  After bypass surgery, rehab and many doctor’s visits later, my father celebrated his 70^th birthday this year.  I still see those nurses and doctors in the hallways here at the Wilson Site – they will probably never know how much they mean to me and my family, but they always put a smile on my face.

What are the three most interesting pieces of technology at Humber?

1. STERIS RealView – Being able to get text message updates on loved ones while they are in surgery is a complete game-changer and helps make a stressful situation a bit more comforting.
2. IBT’s – It may sound silly, but one of my favourite features of the IBT’s in our patient rooms is the ability to choose meals (planned by a dietician according to a patient’s condition).  What you eat is such a personal choice, and I’ve seen firsthand how this empowers patients and boosts their spirits.
3. The Command Centre – The next time you or your loved one visits Humber, you may not see the Command Centre (it’s under strict security, I can’t even get in!), but you’ll feel it.  Staffed 24/7, this mission control helps clear bottlenecks in the Hospital and increase the speed at which patients receive the tests, care and discharge they need.

Do you have a favourite project?

The recent video series we did highlighting our Maternal Child Program is my current favourite. Our approach was to really bring the emotional connection to Humber front and center, but this required new thinking, different scripts and a completely new way of filming.  I loved the concepts for the videos right from the very beginning, but I remember I didn’t sleep the night before we filmed because I was so nervous.  Thanks to our incredible team at Central Station, our internal Foundation support and the trust from our Maternal Child Program staff, the videos are amazing!  I dare you to watch “Baby Driver” and not cry.

What is one awesome thing you’ve done in the last year? 

Last fall I travelled to London, England for my friend Steph’s wedding.  It turned into a bit of a reunion with my university friends who, although we keep in touch, I rarely see since we all live in different parts of the world.  Once we were all together and realized how long it’s been since university we all went to the bar for another drink and made a toast to life’s interesting twists and turns!

What inspires you?

My memories of Humber inspire me.  From being born at the Finch site, to the many happy births I’ve celebrated with friends on our 4^th Floor, to the gentle care and compassion shown to my 93 year old Nonna while she battled pneumonia, to the lifesaving rapid response to my father’s heart failure – for all this and more, I am forever grateful.  My hard work is fuelled by this gratitude and my belief that Humber is our hospital and it’s only as good as we make it.