Running in memory of Michael Rooney

RUN FOR ROON fundraises on behalf of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute

“Life is good”, Michael Rooney would always say.

“He was the greatest dad in the world. His sense of humour was certainly spirited,” says his daughter and Run for Roon participant, Sarah Rooney.

Michael Rooney was a husband, a father of 3 and a Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs. He was also a patient at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for more than 15 years. Michael passed away suddenly on November 21, 2011 at the age of 52, after a lifetime of heart problems. 

“He was born as a blue baby. He had a very complicated and complex heart problem. His parents were told it was unlikely that Michael would live, but he surprised everybody and lived for 52 years,” says his wife and run organizer, Jane Rooney.

Since 2012, the Run For Roon Team has been running in Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend to raise funds for the Endowment Fund established in memory of Michael Rooney. To date, they have raised more than $80,182 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. 

“With the stress that people are feeling it’s all the more reason why it’s important for people to be, you know, really understanding of the work and contributing to the work of the Ottawa Heart Institute…Before I knew it, we’re the largest team we’ve ever been!” 

“Your donations through the Team Heart initiative can be leveraged up to 7 times with early stage research, going on to secure national grant funding to conduct larger studies,” says Jessica Dubé, Event Coordinator, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity of many, the Heart Institute will be making discoveries that will change the life of all future heart patients.”

“I know he’s smiling down on us when the sun’s shining,” says Sarah, “We take that as a sign that he’s there, that he’s with us. It feels good.”

You can support Run for Roon’s fundraising efforts for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge! Every dollar goes directly to the Foundation!