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37 |Thursday Decem ber 7, 2 0 1 7 | OAKVILLE BEAVER |www.insidehalton.com Health by Marta Marychuk Oakville Beaver Staff "Connected to yo u r CommunityK OTM H Pacemaker Clinic helping hearts for 35years Halton Healthcare recently celebrated a milestone with the 35th anniversary of the Pacemaker Clinic at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). "W hat an amazing milestone," said OTMH chief operating officer Carol Moore, during a celebration party with former patients and staff. All the faces of former patients are a testimony to the clinic' s success, said Moore. In f982, she pointed out Pierre was prime minister and not Justin. Compact discs had just been introduced. "Over the years, the commitment to this clinic has never waivered," Moore added. Dr. Mursalene Gafoor founded the Pacemaker Clinic at the OTMH legacy site in f982, after joining the staff at OTMH and Joseph Brant Hospital as a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. The clinic became the first of its kind between Hamilton and Toronto. Before the clinic opened, Gafoor said patients had to travel to Toronto for the pacemaker implant and follow up. "We started off small," said Gafoor. "It expanded rapidly." The clinic opened with approximately 50 patients. Now, Gafoor says the clinic serves approximately 2,000 patients across Halton region. Norm Favro, was one of the clinic's first patients. "I wouldn't even be here talking to you had it not been for my pacemaker and the meticulous care I have received from Dr. Gafoor and his team at the Pacemaker Clinic over the past 35 years," said Favro. "Their care has been nothing short of excellent. They saved my life and thanks to them I have been able to enjoy my family even the little ones," Favro added. The Oakville father of three had a long The pacemaker clinic at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital celebrated it's 35th anniversary. From left to right are Norm Favro, one of the first pacemaker recipients at the clinic, OTMH COO Carole Moore, Dr. Mursalene Gafoor, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, founder and medical director of OTMH Pacemaker Clinic and Marlene Mink, one of the clinic's nurses, cut the anniversary cake. | Graham Paine/Metroland career as a physics teacher at T. L. Kennedy High School in Mississauga. After retiring in 1994, Norm and his wife Mary Ann travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Europe. At the age of 81, Favro is able to spend time with his family -- including seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Having 35 years added to your life is a long time, Favro added, especially when he didn't think he was going to get any more time. "A falling heart rate left me with me with no alternative other than a pacemaker," Favro added. "Following the implant, I felt my energy and strength return almost immediately." Over the past 35 years, Favro said he has returned to the clinic for three subsequent pacemaker replacements and the one thing that has been constant has been the quality of service through the years, he added. "Collectively folks, God bless you all." C o m e a n d g e t y o u r f lu s h o t t o d a y Fabio De Rango Pharmacist/Owner Voted Oakville's Favourite Pharmacist & Pharmacy · Patient C ounselling · C om plete Diabetic Care · Hom e V isits · C onsultations · Free R X D e live ry D E R A N G O P H A R M A C Y IN C D E R A N G O P H A R M A C Y IN C 478 Dundas Street West 1905-257-9737 2501 Third Line 1905-465-3000 W S S B S i Canada Post Open 24 hours 17 Days a Week w w w .sh o p p ers d ru g m art.c a T H A N B O X IN G D A Y ! #107727 4K SMART LED TV a. 4K 60Hz · 3 HDMI/2 USB i VISIT US ONLINE AT BADBOY.CA!