Patient pays it forward

In 2000 Brian Kelly suffered a major heart attack while at a curling game in Scarborough. He was rushed to Rouge Valley Centenary for treatement, launching his relationship with the Cardiac Rehab program.

After graduating from the program as a patient, Brian was asked to volunteer and has been doing so ever since, for almost ten years.

"I was scared and thought I was the only one with heart problems," says Brian. "But I soon learned that I was surrounded by people with the same experience. There's a comfort that comes from knowing you're not alone in your illness."

Joining the team of volunteers who had helped him through his illness proved to be a natural fit. Today, he hopes to pass on some of the strength he has received to others.