Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/668395
featured prominently, Jordan says. When it was all said and done, participant teams presented products that are - or soon will be – commercially viable to help people with dementia. This is a prime example of the way Baycrest is thinking about its work in the 21st century and how technology will have a profound impact on care and research into brain health. But it is the precept of infusing dignity into every action – technological and otherwise – that drives the Banks family in their mission to promote brain health. For her part, Faith is closely involved with Baycrest. As one of Toronto's only pet hospice-care providers, Faith is on the committee for Baycrest Foundation's annual Dogs on the Catwalk fundraising event, in support of pet therapy and the volunteer department. It is a program near and dear to her heart. "I see the impact pets make on people, families and also on complete strangers. They bring joy, relaxation… decrease stress. Pet therapy at Baycrest is such a wonderful program. Baycrest has an amazing reputation in the community," she says. "To be able to have volunteers who bring their therapy pets in and spend time with residents, allowing them to get enjoyment from a pet, is really incredible." Jordan concurs: "When I consider all that we do at Baycrest, the one thing that never wavers is our commitment to lead with dignity in a world where it's easy to take shortcuts… because it's sometimes more efficient or economical to do so. I'm so proud of the work we do, in creating a dignified experience for the patient and their families. "Baycrest is a complicated organization. It has a lot of moving pieces and a variety of constituents we serve. Our family has had the good fortune of being exposed to many facets of the organization. Whether it was my bubby volunteering, my sister working there, my board work and Faith's fundraising – we've had this incredible experience of seeing the totality of Baycrest. Most people, including our family, who are exposed to the magic of Baycrest have it become part of their DNA. It's a special and beautiful place." BrainMatters SPRING 2016 9 "Baycrest leads with dignity in a world where it's easy to take shortcuts."