Born and raised in Newmarket, Jane Stiles has deep family roots in the community and at Southlake – long before it was even called Southlake. In the 1950s, Jane’s father had his appendix removed at Southlake. In the 60s, her mother had cancer surgery and went on to live another 30 years, before passing away at the age of 89. And ten years ago, it’s where Jane herself was referred for cardiac care after developing atrial fibrillation – an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that is one of the major causes of stroke, blood clots and heart failure.
She was told she needed surgery and was referred to Southlake to see Dr. Atul Verma, a leader in Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services. Today, Dr. Verma is one of the few doctors in the world to use pulsed field ablation, a novel approach that uses electrical fields to destroy the atrial fibrillation without the risk to surrounding tissue.
Jane made a drastic change in her lifestyle, losing 50 lbs through exercise and diet. The change was enough that her condition can now be managed through medication alone, and she no longer needs the surgery.
To help stay in shape, Jane walks anywhere from 5-15 km a day with her rescue dogs, and power walks in about 20 races every year – including the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake. For her, this is the one that means the most.
“Newmarket is home to me. And supporting the hospital is so important, you just have to,” said Jane. “Giving back to Southlake is giving so that other families can benefit the same way yours has, the same way mine has for decades.”
Jane herself was a volunteer at Southlake in the 1970s when it was still known as York County Hospital, donning the traditional pink-and-white striped candy-striper uniform and all while she helped make sure the patients were comfortable and had everything they needed.
Though she now lives in Orangeville, she remains in the larger surrounding area that Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program serves. It’s why she’s been participating in this event for the last three years, and why she plans to keep the spirit of the event alive.
Jane will be mapping out a 5 km route that starts and ends with the hospital in sight, even planning to travel past her family’s old farm-house where she grew up.
The 2021 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake is a four-week virtual challenge, from April 12 to May 9. Each week will focus on a different aspect of your overall health (nutrition, consistency, endurance, distance) to help you work towards completing your own customized distance goal during the final week. Do it your way – walk, run, bike, swim, or even summersault – whatever activity you choose!
To join Jane in the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake Virtual Challenge, making your health a priority and helping support Southlake’s most urgent needs, register today at runforsouthlake.ca.