Dr. Jillianne Code is a two-time heart transplant recipient, Canada Research Chair in Learner Agency, and Associate Professor at UBC. A former Harvard postdoctoral fellow and Co-Founder of HeartLife Foundation, she is a leader in patient engagement and health advocacy, keynote speaker, award-winning educator, and blogger at heartfailuretoharvard.com. Her journey was also the subject of the feature documentary My Broken Heart, which received an Honourable Mention at the Santa Monica International Film Festival.
Marc Bains is a heart transplant recipient, heart failure survivor, and patient advocate. He co-leads the Canadian Heart Function Alliance (CHFA), a national research network of more than 200 scientists, clinicians, and patient partners working together to transform heart failure care across Canada. Through HeartLife, Marc advances global patient advocacy and heart health access. He advises on national and international cardiovascular initiatives, is a frequent keynote speaker, and has been recognized with awards for his leadership and advocacy work.
Dr. Sean Virani is a heart failure cardiologist and healthcare leader in Canada. He holds key roles provincially and nationally, including with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. His work focuses on health policy, systems redesign and quality of care.
Jenny was diagnosed with heart failure at 23 and had her mitral valve replaced at 24. She now shares her journey to help others feel seen, supported, and hopeful through her advocacy work within her role with the HeartLife Foundation.
Jackie, diagnosed with cancer at 24, developed heart disease at 44 and heart failure at 47. She created a women’s Facebook group in 2017 and launched Life In Hearts e-magazine in 2024. She now collaborates with HeartLife to empower women.
The HeartLife Foundation is a patient-driven charity whose mission is to transform the quality of life for people living with heart disease by engaging, educating, and empowering a global community to create lasting solutions and build healthier lives.
Join our Help for Hearts closed Facebook group to get support and share ideas.
Have your voice heard. If you are a patient, family member or friend of someone with lived experience of heart disease or if you are a practitioner, allied health professional, not-for-profit or corporate partner, or simply a concerned citizen – Become a member – it’s free.
The HeartLife Foundation is proud to support Canadian women with medical heart issues Facebook group.
HL joins the mission of this group lead by Jackie Ratz to inspire and support women living with heart heart disease to Live Bravely & Love Boldly every day. You are not alone!
