A smiling multigenerational family stands together in a bright hospital corridor.

A lifetime of compassionate care

For the Sachi family, Markham Stouffville Hospital has stood by them through some of life’s biggest moments, including its most challenging ones.

Growing the family tree

Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) has played a part in three special beginnings for the Sachi family. Daughter Kyra, age seven, and son Myan, age five, were both welcomed in The Stollery Family Centre for Childbirth & Children. However, youngest daughter Kayal, age three, had other plans.

“Kayal arrived early,” says mom, Keerthika Logendran. “She was born at our house with the paramedics before we got to the hospital. Although I guess on paper, she was born at MSH, too.”

While raising three children in a busy, multi-generational household, having a community hospital they can trust has made an impact on the entire family’s care. From routine procedures and specialized care for their grandparents, to visits to the hospital's paediatric clinics for the children, the Sachi family has relied on MSH through every stage of life.

“I think across my parents, my wife, myself, and the kids, we’ve all used the services,” says dad, Sen Sachi.

“It’s like home,” adds Rajes Sachi, Sen’s mother. “I always think that even though it’s a big hospital, everybody’s always smiling when they see you.”

Hope in uncertain times

Sen’s confidence in our hospital is defined by one of the most difficult chapters the Sachi family has faced. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, Sen and his father, Sachi Kathiresu, received life-saving care at MSH.

“My dad was in a 90-day rehab program at a long-term care home. I brought him home early due to pandemic concerns, unaware that he had COVID,” Sen recalls.

Sen’s father was admitted to MSH where he was closely monitored. Soon after, Sen began experiencing symptoms and was also admitted. When Sen's oxygen levels dropped, he had to be intubated and put on a ventilator in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“It’s kind of blurry,” Sen says. “It was nerve wracking in the ICU. My doctor was Dr. Subarna Thirugnanam. She told me, ‘Don’t worry, we got you. The doctors here are amazing.’ It was the last thing I remember aside from talking to my family.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the early days of the pandemic and the severity of their illness, both Sen and his father made a full recovery. “Coming out of it, the nurses were wonderful. Big shout out to the nurses,” says Sen.

‍

There's a history there with our family, and just that confidence we'll be taken care of.

Every season of care

Sen’s father would return to the hospital four years later, this time for cardiac care. After an ECG — a test that records the heart’s electrical signals — it was discovered that Sachi also needed an angiogram. Thanks to the connected care Oak Valley Health provides through its network of partnerships, he was transported to a nearby hospital for the procedure, then returned to MSH for continued monitoring.

By her husband’s side every step of the way, Rajes echoes her son’s appreciation for the many teams who helped facilitate their seamless care. "Everyone took such great care of us — the doctors, the nurses, and especially the cleaning staff, who don't always get thanked," she notes.

Rajes also found the treatment she needed at MSH in September 2025 when she underwent surgery for her knee. The procedure with Dr. David Santone, Orthopaedic Surgeon, was a success and her recovery process went smoothly.

“I had many people around me, many helpers,” shares Rajes. “The next morning, I woke up in the hospital, and the physiotherapist was ready to start my exercises.”

Today, Rajes enjoys regular exercise with a walking group and swimming at the Cornell Community Centre. “My parents are busy,” Sen comments. “They’re super active.”

Giving back through Aram

As active members of the community, the Sachis hope to help build a stronger future for health care by sharing their tapestry of stories to raise awareness for the hospital. Their commitment to MSH is rooted in their practice of aram — a Tamil philosophy centred on kindness, generosity, and doing good for others.

“For me, aram means that if you have something, then you can share with others,” says Rajes.

Taking his mother’s lesson to heart, Sen chose to carry it with him permanently by getting it tattooed. “My mom was there and I asked her to give me just one word to remember in 30 years,” he explains, proudly showing the tattoo on his arm.

The spirit of aram connects MSH Foundation’s extended community of supporters. Every donation, no matter the size, helps bring new equipment, services, and opportunities for better care closer to home for more families like the Sachis.

“I think this is one of the best hospitals and I would love to see it continue to grow,” says Sen. “We’re super thankful and appreciative to the foundation and its donors who make that possible.”