Cause for the 'Pause is changing the menopause story

The inaugural Cause for the ‘Pause event, Presented by Rogers, raised more than $630,000 in support of Sinai Health’s ongoing $50-million campaign to establish the new Centre for Mature Women’s Health.

Even though 47 million women enter perimenopause and menopause every year, mature women’s health is a woefully understudied and under resourced area of care. The co-chairs behind the Cause for the ‘Pause event, Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, Suzanne Rogers, and Victoria Webster, set out to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked health needs of women and raise crucial funds to improve access to menopause information and care.  

What was the result? An afternoon full of thought-provoking discussion, information sharing, and an irresistible rallying cry for women everywhere: “Women are raising their voices to end the menopause stigma. Together, we can change the future of menopause care.  Join the movement today.”

On October 30, more than 200 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel to raise funds in support of a more equitable and inclusive health-care landscape for women everywhere. Cheryl Hickey and Tracy Moore, CityTV Hosts, were the emcees of the afternoon program –which centered around starting conversations, sharing information, and dispelling myths about what women experience as they navigate menopause. The energy in the room was electric.  

One of the highlights of the event was an expert panel discussion featuring Dr. Wendy Wolfman, the inaugural Director of the Centre for Mature Women’s Health; Dr. Marie Christakis, an obstetrician & gynecologist at Sinai Health; and Grace Tong, an entrepreneur and patient advocate. The panel was moderated by Catherine Murray, a Canadian TV personality and member of Sinai Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. It was followed by a live Q&A session with the panelists and an energetic live auction, which featured tickets to a sold-out Taylor Swift concert.

Event co-chairs (left to right), Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, Victoria Webster, and Suzanne Rogers.

“We are incredibly grateful to Maxine, Suzanne and Victoria for the vision and energy they brought to Cause for the ‘Pause, to Rogers for their investment as a presenting sponsor, and to all the other sponsors that made the event possible,” says Louis de Melo, President & CEO of Sinai Health Foundation. “Events like this, that are organized by women for women with the goal of starting conversations and raising much needed funds, are essential as we seek to end the stigma and push the boundaries of menopause care.”

Cause for the ‘Pause builds on the momentum of Hot and Bothered™, a campaign that launched in early October with the objective of bringing attention to the challenges women face as they experience menopause and improve access to care by raising support for the centre.

CityNews was on location at the Four Seasons to cover the Cause for the 'Pause event and the broader campaign. Watch the coverage here.

Now, more than halfway to the $50-million fundraising goal, Sinai Health is closer than ever to its goal of establishing the multidisciplinary and integrated care Centre for Mature Women’s Health – which will be the most comprehensive of its kind globally. As the campaign reaches fundraising milestones, Sinai Health is focused on increasing access to menopause care, improving care through education and training, and changing the future of menopause care through research.

Sinai Health Foundation is grateful to event co-chairs Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, Suzanne Rogers, and Victoria Webster. We also thank our Presenting Sponsor, Rogers, and Gold Sponsors: Mantella Group, Maxine Granovsky Gluskin and RBC, as well as all Silver Sponsors, Copper Sponsors, and Bronze Table Purchasers. A special thank you to Lisa Rogers and Dream.