John Daniels taps his chest and says, “I exist here with six stents, which keep me alive.” His heartfelt connection to cardiac care, coupled with his more than 30 years as a Mount Sinai Hospital board member, inspired Mr. Daniels, founder and CEO of Daniels Corporation, and his wife Myrna to support research into the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. That inspiration touched the whole family, for when they learned of their parents’ $5 million donation, the couple’s five sons decided to join in. Together, Robert, Peter, David, Zev and Mark Daniels are contributing a further $3 million.

Research is a particular interest for Mr. Daniels, who says, “I wouldn’t be here if not for all the research that was done in the area of stents and cholesterol.” The John H. Daniels Cardiac Research Centre will support the clinical research activities of our Division of Cardiology, conducted within a complex of research catheterization, physiology, exercise and sleep laboratories unique in North America. Our research into heart and blood vessel function, and how these are influenced by sleep disturbances, diet, exercise, drugs, and implanted heart stimulators already has had an impact on the well-being of Canadians.

For example, the research team of Drs. Doug Bradley, John Floras, Gary Newton and John Parker discovered a link between sleep apnea and heart muscle disease, and provided the first clinical trial evidence that treating obstructive sleep apnea can improve heart function during wakefulness. Research conducted by Dr. John Parker, Head of Cardiology, revealed how nitroglycerin can best be used to treat chest pains caused by angina or to counteract heart failure.

Some 400,000 Canadians suffer from heart disease each year, and many more are not yet aware that the disease is developing silently. The Daniels’ contribution will make a tangible difference, by supporting investigators focused on translating research findings into improved treatments for patients.

“If I can improve the quality of life for others, that’s important,” says John Daniels, for whom giving back to the community has mattered throughout his long and successful career. That all of his children are lending their own financial support to Mount Sinai is eloquent proof that the power of philanthropy reaps rewards from generation to generation.