Jasper Martin appreciates the simplicity with which a kind gesture can transform one’s experience. That is something he and his mother always found at Mount Sinai Hospital, and one of the reasons he has chosen to make Mount Sinai an important part of his philanthropic plans.

Jasper Martin (right) with his partner, John Mongiello

"My mother and I lived steps away from Mount Sinai for years, which means we had our choice of the finest hospitals in Toronto," says Jasper. "When my mother required medical care, we spoke with many people and did our research. We decided to make Mount Sinai our hospital of choice, and we’ve never looked back."

They both had family physicians at Mount Sinai, and while they received outstanding medical care, their devotion to the Hospital goes deeper than that. "It’s not just the physicians. Each person I encounter, from the receptionists, to the nurses, to the custodial staff – they have all treated us with such respect and consideration. It is the simple things like always saying thank you, meeting my eyes when we speak, tending to small details – those are the things that make a big difference to me."

Two events stand out in Jasper’s mind that exemplify Mount Sinai for him. The first was the way the Hospital handled the AIDS epidemic in Toronto. "There were so many misconceptions about the disease and those who had it. However, it was obvious to me, despite the controversy, that the top priority for Mount Sinai was to provide the best care possible to all those impacted by the disease, which is exactly what they did."

The second was the end-of-life care his mother received at Mount Sinai. "Everyone took such good care of her, for which I was so grateful. And when she got really sick, I remember them taking care of me too." He also recalls that when the time came, she wanted to die at home, and her physicians were very respectful and accommodating of her request. "They respected her wishes, which meant so much to both of us."

Leaving a legacy gift to Mount Sinai is an important decision for Jasper and it’s one that he feels quite strongly about. In his opinion, legacy giving is of paramount importance to the success of Mount Sinai, and he knows he has benefitted from those who have left legacies before him. "It’s important that there is no weak link in the chain of legacy giving. I am paying back for all those who paved the way for my mother and me, and hope to impact those families who come after me," says Jasper.

Jasper and his partner, John, plan to marry in the near future, and John is committed to ensuring that Jasper’s Mount Sinai legacy is carried out. "I know how important this is to Jasper, and that makes it very important to me," says John. "I didn’t know his mother, but I do feel I know her in spirit. This is a way of honouring her memory too."

While it’s been the simple things that have endeared Mount Sinai to Jasper, his gift is a profound one. His legacy is one of kindness, tolerance and exemplary care, and one that will live on at Mount Sinai for many years to come.