Why Edward Mooney was inspired to give back

In 2013, shortly after completing the 800-kilometre Camino de Santiago trail walk in Europe for the second time, Edward Mooney asked his doctor for an MRI.

He had no reason to request the test—other than intuition.

“My doctor laughed and told me I was his fittest patient, but he signed off on a stress test anyway,” says Edward.

It would save Edward’s life. The stress test indicated a potential heart issue, and additional testing showed that three of his arteries were 100% blocked. His heart had developed a “subway system” of vessels in an attempt to heal itself, explaining why he was able to complete the Camino trek without issue.

Edward was referred to St. Michael’s Hospital, where he underwent bypass surgery in 2014. 

The surgery was so successful that Edward returned to the Camino in 2015. When he crested the Pyrenees—the mountain range between France and Spain—he cried with gratitude for the new life St. Michael’s had given him.  

It was that life-saving experience that inspired Edward to become a volunteer at the hospital. He’s now been a regular presence in the neurotrauma and orthopedic units for more than a decade.

Every Thursday morning, Edward visits with patients, helps clear their breakfast trays, and brings coffee or newspapers. But his most important duty of all is simply being a friendly face, especially for patients who may be too far from their family or friends for visitors.

“A lot of people receiving care at St. Mike’s come from other parts of Ontario, and they’re often alone here,” he says. “It’s a relief for them to have someone visit them who’s not asking medical questions, who’s simply there to chat and lend a helping hand.”

Edward recalls a patient he visited regularly for six months while she recovered from an illness. When Edward visited her on the day she was discharged, she burst into tears.

“She said I helped save her life during that time,” says Edward. “It is rewarding beyond words to have the privilege to be at this hospital and chat with patients like her.”

Edward believes not enough people know about the opportunity to volunteer at St. Michael’s, or how flexible it is.

“A lot of people think that to volunteer, you have to be there every single week without fail,” he says. “But volunteering is a commitment you make based on your own time. If you’re away or need to take a break for a while, you can do that.”

In addition to being a volunteer, Edward is grateful for his own ongoing care at St. Michael’s, now with leading cardiologist Dr. Kim Connelly.

“Every time I leave a volunteer shift or one of my own appointments, I am full of gratitude and admiration for all of the medical and administrative staff at St. Michael’s,” he says. “It’s a wonderful place. And it needs more volunteers!”