Dream High, Aim High: Bruce's Story
Published Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Please support world-class Urology right here in Thunder Bay.
Every dollar you donate will be matched by Canadian Tire, up to $25,000!
I’ve dealt with the side effects of an enlarged prostate for decades. And, I’ve dealt with the side effects of the treatment as well. That is, until I met Dr. Hazem Elmansy and Dr. Walid Shahrour.
These two surgeons literally gave me my life back.
I’d like to tell you today how they did that, and why both Canadian Tire locations in Thunder Bay decided to match every donation to the Urology Fund up to $25,000.
One treatment for an enlarged prostate is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a painful procedure with side effects and a long recovery time. For years, I dealt with painful urination, bleeding, and scarring after the procedure. The scarring was so bad I couldn’t properly empty my bladder. Some nights I took four trips to the washroom. My life was an endless cycle of trips to the Emergency Department and more painful procedures.
What made it worse was that TURP isn’t a “forever” solution, which meant I’d have to go back for surgery again and again.
I’m relieved to tell you that today, all that has changed. Dr. Elmansy recommended a new laser treatment that has fewer side effects. It was much less painful and I recovered very quickly. But I still had scarring from the previous TURP procedures. That’s where Dr. Shahrour came in. He developed a new reconstructive surgery technique right here in Thunder Bay to reduce or possibly even eliminate that scarring.
Officially, Dr. Shahrour’s new procedure is still in testing. But I can tell you that since I had the surgery, I am pain-free with no blockages. Thanks to the skill and efforts of both these doctors, the difference for me is night and day – from constant pain, doctor appointments, and trips to the Emergency Department to going back to almost completely normal.
I want to make sure nobody has to feel the pain and embarrassment and frustration I’ve felt all these years. That’s why the two Canadian Tire locations in Thunder Bay are donating up to $25,000 in matching funds to the Urology Fund to support their outstanding program.
Dr. Shahrour and Dr. Elmansy bring world-class urology treatments to Thunder Bay. They are both internationally recognized urologists developing new and cutting-edge treatments right here in Thunder Bay.
Thanks to the support of past donors, we already have some of the most advanced treatment equipment available anywhere in the world. High-tech tools like the new MOSES laser and the new Trilogy unit, both used for safer, faster kidney stone removal. The MOSES laser can also be used for prostate treatments along with a new HoLEP laser system for larger prostates.
Most recently, the team introduced a new MRI targeting system to help pinpoint prostate cancer tumours for faster, safer biopsy. This technique is already improving care for many patients. They are also working with radiologist Dr. Radu Rozenberg at the Cancer Centre to develop a new minimally invasive kidney cancer treatment. Closer-to-home care in the region is important too. The urology program holds monthly clinics in Dryden with others planned.
So many improvements – but they can’t do all this without us! Will you help support their great work?
Your donation to the Urology Fund will go directly towards supporting cutting-edge programs like these. In some cases, you’ll be funding treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the province. We want as many people as possible to benefit from the treatments that changed my life.
Please, make your donation today, and our Canadian Tire locations will double it.
As Dr. Shahrour has said, we have to dream big and aim big. So far, the program has grown further and faster than I would have imagined, changing many lives. That includes the thousands of patients who would have had their surgeries postponed during COVID if they couldn’t have had it here.
Let’s support the dream together. All you have to do is return the enclosed donation form, call 807-345-4673, or donate online at HealthSciencesFoundation.ca/DoubleMyGift and we will double your gift.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Bruce Stone
Dealer, Canadian Tire, Arthur Street
Here's a photo with me and Dr. Walid Shahrour, one of the Urologists who changed my life! Thank you, Dr. Shahrour!
P.S. Our support of the Urology Fund is vital if we want to grow these world-class services. Right now, your gift is worth twice as much because for every dollar you donate, our Canadian Tire locations will match it up to $25,000! It’s easy to donate online at: HealthSciencesFoundation.ca/DoubleMyGift
P.P.S. If you suffer from any of the side effects of enlarged prostate or prostate cancer treatments, please contact your doctor for a referral to these outstanding urologists. They changed my life, which is why we are so committed to matching your gift dollar for dollar to support their work.