Heart Institute President to Climb Africa’s Highest Mountain in Support of Heart Month
OTTAWA, January 23, 2017 – February is Heart Month, and Dr. Thierry Mesana, President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, will be climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in support of Heart Month, and as an opportunity to raise awareness on heart health.
As Heart Month’s Ambassador, Dr. Mesana and his daughter Laura chose to challenge themselves physically and mentally with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. They will walk 71 kilometres through their 8-day climb that will take them up to an altitude of almost 6,000 metres as they will reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
“As I will be reaching new heights, I’m challenging all Ottawa-Gatineau’s population to take their own Heart Month Challenge by getting up and moving throughout the month of February – and beyond! Walk, run, dance, swim or go to the gym: you decide! By taking your own Heart Month Challenge, you will make a difference by being good to your heart and supporting lifesaving cardiovascular care in the heart of our community,” said Dr. Thierry Mesana.
Heart Month at the Heart Institute encourages individuals, groups and businesses to raise funds and awareness for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. It’s giving that goes straight to the heart of care in your community. The Ottawa Heart Institute’s new building will be completed in the Spring of 2018 and there is an urgent need to purchase new cardiac equipment. This Heart Month, support the Ottawa Heart Institute while putting your heart together with generous community partners who support life-saving cardiovascular care in Ottawa.
To learn more about Dr. Mesana’s challenge, watch this video and visit ottawaheart.ca/kilimanjaro.
