Michèle Gannon-Goldenberg wants to ensure that no one experiences the physical and emotional pain she has endured due to endometriosis, a common but challenging disease. With a vision for benefiting future generations, she and her husband, André, have decided to bequeath their estate to the Endometriosis Education Fund at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. Their legacy gift will provide crucial support for research into new therapies and for increasing awareness of an illness that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus begins to grow outside the organ, damaging the nearby ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvis. This tissue buildup can result in severe discomfort and fertility issues. Despite affecting nearly 10 percent of Canadian women, a historical lack of research and education funding means that many healthcare providers do not fully understand or quickly recognize the illness. As a result, the average woman may wait a staggering seven to ten years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Even then, effective treatments can be elusive.
Michèle knows this reality all too well. At one point in her life, she found immense joy and accomplishment in her profession as an interior designer. She loved the challenge of designing floor plans and creating beautiful, thoughtfully considered spaces that delighted her clients. Although she experienced intermittent pain, she continued working because it was her passion.
At the time, Michèle did not know she had endometriosis. Initially, she believed she was simply experiencing severe menstrual cramps – a common misconception. As time went on, the pain intensified. Sadly, as she and her husband were trying to start a family, she also suffered the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages. Each loss was a devastating blow, shattering their hopes of having a family. And her pain eventually became so severe that she had to give up the interior design career she loved.
"Endometriosis has taken away my career, the possibility of becoming a mother, my health, and my energy," says Michèle. "This disease destroys lives."
Despite these unimaginable hardships, Michèle has shown remarkable resilience and has eventually found a silver lining. Her quest for treatments and specialists included the typical hurdles: long waitlists, misunderstandings about the illness, and procedures that either didn't work or worsened her condition. However, her quality of life improved significantly after she met Dr. Sony Singh, Chair and Professor in the Faculty's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a recognized leader in endometriosis research.
"I was fortunate to meet Dr. Singh," says Michèle. "From my first contact with him and his team, I finally felt understood in my pain."
Dr. Singh offers personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of his patients, which may include pain management, fertility improvements, or both. “Effectively treating endometriosis requires understanding and dedication,” explains Dr. Singh. “There are medications and surgery options, but it takes time to consider all factors to create an individualized treatment plan that suits each patient.”
The ongoing support and personalized care from Dr. Singh and his team have not only helped Michèle manage her symptoms but also restored a quality of life she thought she had lost. She is now looking forward to pain-free, bright future.
“Dr. Singh's work has changed my life. It has given me hope and relief.”
Michèle Gannon-Goldenberg
In gratitude, Michèle has chosen to turn her legacy into the promise of better outcomes for future generations of women with endometriosis. Her generous legacy donation, specified in her estate planning, will support the Endometriosis Education Fund. The fund aims to provide women with this devastating disease with a future of dignity, healing and opportunity. Originally started by a generous $25,000 contribution from Marites and Rodney Steiman, it continues to grow to support knowledge translation, education, and research.
“With millions affected across the country,” says Dr. Singh, “the University of Ottawa can now use this funding to educate medical students, clinicians, physicians, and the general public. It's an opportunity to put endometriosis on the map where it should be.”
Michèle is proud to play a part with a donation in her will. "We are certain that Dr. Singh and experts like him will continue to make important breakthroughs in the fight against endometriosis,” she says. “We want our donation to make a difference and believe it will.”
The Goldenbergs’ act of generosity is part of a philanthropic tradition that views planned giving as a means to ensure a lasting impact. Donations like theirs enable institutions to undertake ambitious, long-term research projects essential for advancing science and developing new therapeutic solutions.
In a world where medical challenges abound, gestures like the Goldenbergs' illuminate the path to discoveries and treatments that will improve the health and well-being of many women. Their message is clear: together, we can transform challenges into opportunities to give, support, and hope for the future.
If you would like to contribute to the Endometriosis Fund and support the work of Dr. Singh and his team, please click here to donate.