FHC at 50: Stories of impact and engagement

Noel’s Journey: Care, Community & Giving Back 

When Noel arrived in Canada in October, 1974, he could never have imagined a single decision would become a cornerstone of his life for the next five decades. A newcomer from the Philippines, he shared a modest apartment with his brother on St. Dennis Drive, paying just $113 a month in rent. Waiting for the bus near the Ontario Science Centre, he took in his new surroundings.  

Within a few months, on January 27, 1975, Noel walked into the newly opened Flemingdon Health Centre for his very first appointment. “We used to call it ‘Flemo’ back then,” he recalls with a smile. “It was easier to pronounce!”  It didn’t take long for Flemo to feel like home. 

Fifty years later, Noel is still with FHC – still as a client and as a volunteer Board Member. “I’ve lived in five Toronto suburbs since then,” he says. “I never left Flemo because Flemo never left me.” 

Noel describes FHC with one word: consistency. Through every chapter of his life – from his early days building a new life in Canada, to his career as a Chief Information Officer with national and eventually global organizations, to raising a family, and now, in his retirement, FHC has been there. “I’ve only had three family doctors in 50 years,” he notes. “That’s rare. I feel incredibly fortunate. FHC has always been my home base for healthcare.” 

For 28 years, Dr. Andrew Pedery was Noel’s physician. “He didn’t just ask, ‘What’s wrong?’ He always said, ‘What’s new, Noel?’ He knew me. He knew my job, my family, my lifestyle. Being Filipino, he also had a pretty good idea about my diet.” It was that personal connection and deep understanding that likely saved Noel’s life.  

During a routine visit, Dr. Pedery noticed something subtle and referred Noel to a cardiologist. At the time, Noel was doing 50 push-ups every morning and had no symptoms. Still, tests revealed he needed a bypass. “I was a ticking time bomb, but they caught it in time. FHC’s care team supported me throughout my recovery, and they’ve been by my side ever since.” 

Noel’s story is one of comprehensive, integrated, team-based care. From physicians and nurses to nutritionists and health educators, the care team at FHC worked in harmony to meet all his needs. “There’s a full circle of care here,” he explains. “When my doctor had concerns about my weight gain, he referred me to a nutritionist. She asked me to track everything I ate for two weeks. She highlighted where I could make changes, and I lost 18 pounds in a few months. I also joined FHC’s diabetes prevention classes. I am forever grateful for that education because it changed me. Today, I’m feeling healthy, still engaged in activities, playing doubles tennis four to five times a week.” 

As Noel’s retirement from his full-time position was approaching, he found himself at another crossroads. “Dr. Catherine Yu, who was my doctor suggested I consider joining the Board,” he recalls. Noel decided it made sense to give back to the place that’s given him so much. Eight years later, Noel is finishing his final term with FHC’s Board of Directors. “It’s rewarding. I’ve gained a new perspective on the challenges the centre faces and the incredible work it does.” 

Noel is especially proud of FHC’s role in developing the HUB model of care delivery, which recently opened in Thorncliffe Park. The Thorncliffe Park Community Hub (TPCH) hosts FHC alongside multiple community partners, offering healthcare, social supports, and community services, all under one roof. It continues to be a beacon for the diverse and fast-growing community it serves.  

As Noel looks to the future, his experience and expertise in technology fuels his optimism for innovations in virtual care that can expand access for more individuals, much like the virtual services that flourished during the pandemic. 

Reflecting on his five-decade relationship with FHC, Noel calls it a lifelong one, as though he was raised at Flemo. “It’s been part of my life since before I got married. It’s a relationship I cherish deeply.” His message to others is simple: “You can be happy. You can be lucky, but you must be healthy first. At FHC, there’s a whole team ensuring you have access to the care and services you need.” 

By sharing his own story, Noel is encouraging others to be part of FHC’s journey. “FHC has been a consistent, reliable, and compassionate part of so many lives for 50 years, but they can’t do it alone. Whether you volunteer your time, make a personal donation, or champion the value and impact of community-based integrated care, you’re helping to ensure care is here for the next newcomer, for the next 50 years.” 

After all, as Noel says, “The need is here, and the care is here.”