Helping Others is “About the Humanity in All of Us”

Lisette Kingo knows a thing or two about the importance of health care. In addition to being a patient of Hamilton General Hospital, she is the founder of a charity called the Angel Project.

“We assist with purchasing important items like wheelchairs and speech computers when patients cannot cover their portion of the expenses,” explains Lisette. “We also assist with basic needs such as providing soap and shampoo for patients in need.”

In 2016, Lisette was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which weakens the body’s connective tissues. Numerous surgeries were required at Hamilton General Hospital when her EDS caused extensive bleeding in her digestive tract.

“My surgeon, Dr. Samir Faidi, saved my life, and he is truly one of my heroes,” she says.

Lisette was also diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a blood-circulation disorder that results in dizziness and fainting. She was referred to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit at The General because it specializes in testing for this rare disorder, and a pacemaker was implanted to help control her condition.

“I’m forever grateful to Dr. Juan Guzman and his team in the clinic for the amazing care I received.”

As a way of giving back, Lisette gave a generous gift of $12,000 to the Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit. The gift is in honour of Dr. Faidi and Dr. Guzman.

“It’s important to help others in need,” she says. “It’s about the humanity in all of us.”