MEDIA

Press Release:

Television Presenter Sandra Rinomato invites all to attend the 2nd Annual Horse & Boogie FUNdraiser at Woodbine Entertainment Complex this May. The event raises money for University Hospital Network, specifically the two doctors largely responsible for saving her life and maintaining her health. Funds raised from Horse & Boogie will support research of two deadly diseases: heart failure and a lung condition called pulmonary hypertension. The two conditions are often related, as patients who have pulmonary hypertension must cope with serious heart conditions as well. Fortunately, Toronto General Hospital is a leader in the treatment of these two complex diseases. You are supporting the work of Dr. Robert Cusimano who specializes in the surgical treatment of heart failure at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, as well as Dr. John Granton who is Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at TGH.

Sandra Rinomato, Host of Property Virgins, Author of Realty Check, Realtor and Founder of the Horse&Boogie Fundraiser, credits the vision of this event to the work of Dr. R.J. Cusimano and Dr. John Granton, both esteemed doctors at Toronto General Hospital.

In June 2004, Dr. Cusimano saved her life by performing open-heart surgery with extraordinary expertise. She continues to receive top-notch ongoing care from Dr. Granton who controls her Pulmonary Hypertension allowing her to take up the challenges of juggling family, business and TV. “Without these doctors, the excellent staff at TGH, and the Canadian Health Care System I wouldn’t be here today,” claims Rinomato.

Sandra is organizing this event in a gesture of gratitude for both of these renowned doctors and hopes that the Horse and Boogie Fundraiser will increase awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension and in turn help save lives.

“Right now we are asking for sponsorships and donations. With everyone reigning in spending, our job of raising money is even tougher this year but I know that there are many people out there that have benefited from our great hospitals and these programs. We rely on fundraising to continue these world renowned programs that save Canadian lives every year and every donation makes a difference.” Sandra Rinomato

Funds raised from Horse and Boogie will support research of two deadly diseases: heart failure and a lung condition called pulmonary hypertension. The two conditions are often related, as patients who have pulmonary hypertension must cope with serious heart conditions as well. Fortunately, Toronto General Hospital is a leader in the treatment of these two complex diseases.

UHN has a great tradition of impressive outcomes and medical firsts. Through its research institutes - Toronto General Research Institute, Toronto Western Research Institute, and the Ontario Cancer Institute - UHN continues to expand the frontiers of science and contribute to the advancement of medical care in Canada and around the world. Visit www.uhn.ca for more.

Rinomato says, “The event is a lot of fun, very casual with lots to do. Comedian Paul Smith is our MC, there is a disco band and dancing, live horse racing, simulcast racing, live and silent auctions, live goldfish races, excellent buffet and more.” For event program, tickets and donations visit www.horseandboogie.ca