Mary Watts never would have imagined that a fall would lead to open-heart surgery.
After tripping over the edging in her garden and breaking her hip, Mary was admitted to the hospital. While being assessed, a nurse noticed she had a heart murmur. From there, she was quickly connected with Dr. Matthew Valdis and the cardiac care team at University Hospital. Further testing revealed that Mary’s heart was not pumping properly, placing her at high risk for cardiac failure.
From their first meeting, Mary felt Dr. Valdis’s genuine compassion. He patiently guided her through her options for open-heart surgery, and although the diagnosis came as a shock, Mary knew she was in good hands.
Mary underwent surgery in August 2024 and the procedure went well. After spending time in the ICU, she was moved back to her hospital room, where a nurse brought her a small red cardiac pillow.
“They said every time you cough, grab your cardiac pillow and hug it,” Mary recalls. “It was a fantastic thing—it really did help with the pain.”
When Mary was discharged, the pillow went home with her. She kept it close throughout her recovery, even bringing it along on her walks, just in case she needed it. Now, more than a year later, Mary has recovered, but she still holds onto the pillow. “I don't need it anymore, but I put it on my bed,” Mary says. “Whenever I see it, I think just how lucky I am and how precious life is.”
Mary was especially touched to learn that the cardiac pillows are sewn by volunteers and funded through donor support. “They’re little pillows, but they sure do a big job,” Mary explains. “The pillows take time to make, I'm sure of that. Small or large donations are definitely appreciated.”
Since the 1980s, handmade heart pillows have brought comfort to individuals recovering from cardiac surgery at LHSC. Sewn by dedicated volunteers, more than 1,500 pillows are made and distributed each year. The volunteers generously cover the $5,000 annual cost of materials themselves.
That’s why London Hospital Linen Service is matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $2,500, until February 28, 2026, to help fully fund this year’s supplies.