How Every Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope Teaches Me Something New
Published Monday, November 2, 2026
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
We all know that we live in a pretty special place, but I got a surprise reminder of that this month. I had the great pleasure of chauffeuring The Weather Network's Kim MacDonald, keynote speaker at this year's Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope presented by Alterna Savings.
Of course, we hit all the Thunder Bay highlights – or, at least, as many as we had time for. My wife Maureen and I along with Glenn and Laura Craig took her to an incredible dinner the night before at Bight restaurant overlooking the Sleeping Giant. The next morning before the event, we went to Hillcrest Park, Boulevard Lake, and the Terry Fox Monument. After the Luncheon, we took a quick ride out to Kakabeka Falls and a light bite at The Eddy. That time of day, we were the only ones in there – it was like we booked the whole restaurant just for VIP Kim. Then, it was off to the airport, and our whirlwind tour was over.
Such a remarkable woman, both as a speaker and in person. To hear her tell her own personal breast cancer story was deeply, deeply moving. It's hard to reconcile – she is so full of life, yet her vivacious laugh covers the years of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy she endured. She personified the Luncheon of Hope perfectly: someone who doesn't shy away from the pain of her past but still embraces hope for the future. In her words: Stand Strong, Seek the Light, Be a Sunflower.
I was also struck by how approachable Kim is. After the formal part of the Luncheon, she entertained everyone who came up and talked with her. About 350 people packed the Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre that afternoon, so she shook a lot of hands! I've been to several Luncheons of Hope over the years – it's a true classic – and I can honestly say that each one is special. This year we can thank Kim in large part for that (and I did). I also want to thank the incredible staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation for their hard work to make this day another success.
Looking forward, we're on the verge of another record-breaking grant season. On November 12, 2027, Glenn Craig and I will be announcing exact numbers. All I can say right now is that the rough dollar amounts are blowing me away. We may not have the biggest hospital in Ontario, but clearly our donors and supporters have the biggest hearts. Wherever the exact amount falls, it is only because of your generosity, your commitment, and your vision for better healthcare in Northwestern Ontario. So, thank you in advance for that.
Until next month and the big announcement, then!
Dr. Stephen Adams