On October 17, the eve of World Menopause Day, almost 200 changemakers from our community gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel for an engaging afternoon of learning, conversation and connection at the second annual Cause for the ‘Pause, presented by Mantella Corporation. The event raised more than $410,000 to support equitable care for women through the Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health at Mount Sinai Hospital.In fall 2024, three women took an icy plunge. Not for the thrill of it, but for something far greater — to raise awareness for the health challenges women face across their lifespan.
This event is more than just a moment – it’s a movement to raise awareness for the often-overlooked gaps in mature women’s health and create meaningful changes in the ways care is delivered to women throughout their lives.
Co-chaired and hosted by Sylvia Mantella and Victoria Webster, this year’s event shed light on how historic gaps in women’s health research impact women throughout their lives – especially in the years leading up to and after menopause. Under the rallying cry, “It’s Time for Answers”, participants explored the impact these gaps can have on women’s health – and the ways Sinai Health is working to accelerate research specifically aimed at improving women’s health and understanding sex-based differences in disease, aging and long-term outcomes.
“We were so excited to build on the momentum of last year’s event and create a space where women’s voices can be heard,” say co-chairs Sylvia and Victoria. “Women’s health has been treated as an afterthought for too long, and it's inspiring to see a room of people who are all committed to addressing these gaps and transforming care for generations of women to come.”
Drs. Paula Rochon and Wendy Wolfman, in an engaging discussion moderated by Catherine Murray.
After an elegant lunch, guests had the chance to participate in an exciting live auction – bidding on enviable prizes like a Dior experience in Paris and a Hermès handbag. They also enjoyed an engaging panel discussion featuring Dr. Wendy Wolfman, menopause expert and Director of the Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health and Dr. Paula Rochon, healthy aging expert and Director of Research for the Centre. The panel and the live Q&A period that followed were moderated by Canadian TV personality and Sinai Health Foundation Board member, Catherine Murray.
“Our generous community continues to bring this movement in support of women’s health to new heights. Cause for the ‘Pause is an example of what is possible when women come together with a commitment to help women everywhere to get the answers they deserve,” says Louis de Mello, President and CEO of Sinai Health Foundation. “We’re deeply grateful to Sylvia and Victoria for their incredible work bringing this event to life, as well as to Mantella Corporation and all of our other sponsors for their support.”
As guests arrived, a notable display featured mannequins wearing red bikinis, drawing attention to the term “Bikini Medicine”. This term refers to the outdated idea that women’s health can be reduced to what a bikini covers, leaving the rest of the body overlooked in research and care. This display sparked conversation by drawing attention to the historic focus that research has had on women’s reproductive organs while neglecting the rest of women’s health, like heart, brain and bone health.
This bold activation mirrors a display that appears in the windows of the historic Hudson’s Bay Company building, at the corner of Bay and Queen, until November 2. Part of the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign, it aims to inspire more action to address these critical gaps and investments that can help us move beyond just Bikini Medicine. Learn more about the campaign here.
Sinai Health Foundation is grateful to event co-chairs Sylvia Mantella and Victoria Webster. We also thank our Presenting Sponsor, Mantella Corporation, our anonymous Gold Sponsor, our Silver Sponsor, Maxine Granovsky and Ira Gluskin, as well as our table purchasers. Finally, we wish to share a special thank you to The Willie and Mildred Fleischer Charitable Foundation and Dream Community Foundation.
Event Co-Chairs Sylvia Mantella and Victoria Webster shone, serving as co-hosts for the luncheon program.
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