In fall 2024, three women took an icy plunge. Not for the thrill of it, but for something far greater — to raise awareness for the health challenges women face across their lifespan.
Meet Patty, Reshmi and Alysha, three of more than 90 individuals across Ontario who participated in Sinai Health’s Cold Plunge Challenge. From jumping in the lake to taking an ice bath or hosting a conversation 'over ice', this fundraising initiative saw participants get creative in the ways they wanted to make a splash for women's health. It’s all in support of the Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health.
Menopause became a topic of interest for Patty Hargreaves in 2013, when she wrote an essay titled “My 12-year-old son is not ready for menopause”. It was published in the Globe and Mail, where she reflected on how the puzzling upheaval of menopause could shake an entire family.
“It's like watching a sapling when a tornado is coming in. There is a breakdown looming on the horizon and nothing can stop it. My young son is not ready for this. He is not ready for menopause. And, truth be told, his mother isn't ready for it either,” she writes.
For Patty, 2013 was a bold moment. Almost a decade later, and after hearing about Sinai Health’s Cold Plunge Challenge to raise funds for mature women’s health, she wanted to be bold again. She set out in October to swim 250 meters in Lake Ontario, without a wetsuit, twice a week.
“I was inspired by all the women I've known, of a certain age, who suddenly stopped what they were doing to fan themselves, found themselves wide awake at two am, or were confused by their own unexpected blustery behaviour,” says Patty. “Now, I am inspired by the potential for mature women to learn more about their health with this Challenge.”
Just two hours north of Toronto, Reshmi Bisessar took a cold dip into Lower Buckhorn Lake as part of her fundraiser in support of mature women’s health.
“I was a little nervous but realized that by making a small sacrifice, I’d be contributing to support the creation of a world-class centre for mature women’s health at Mount Sinai Hospital,” says Reshmi. “I believe Sinai Health will be a leader in mature women’s health and will assist women in proactively managing their health.”
Reshmi completed the Cold Plunge Challenge alongside two of her friends. She recalls how much easier it was to complete the challenge together.
“Women who are currently experiencing perimenopause and menopause just suck it up and keep going,” says Reshmi. “But you are not alone. It’s time to advocate for women’s health and have conversations about things that may make us feel uncomfortable!”
For Alysha Champsi, women’s health was rarely discussed in her household. Instead of staying silent, it motivated her to speak up.
“As a South Asian woman who grew up in a community where women’s health was rarely discussed, I’ve always felt compelled to change that reality,” says Alysha. “Too often, women delay in seeking the care that they need. Beyond personal health, this silence has a ripple effect on a woman's relationships, career and the economy as a whole.”
The Cold Plunge Challenge at Sinai Health was her way to help to bring conversations about women’s health into the open and advocate for better, more inclusive care. She committed to doing a lake swim for four weeks at the crack of dawn.
“Challenge was more than a cold plunge, it was a way to honour that mission of speaking up about what women go through,” says Alysha. “By raising funds for mature women’s health, I hoped to support access to care and raise awareness for the millions navigating perimenopause and menopause without the information or support they deserve.”
To this day, she remembers swimming out at sunrise, with her mom cheering her on.
“I did it for her, for my ancestors who had no roadmap and for the ones after me who deserve better,” says Alysha. “It was freezing, yes, but also energizing, empowering and a powerful reminder of how strong women are when we show up for one another.”
We are grateful to Patty, Reshmi, Alysha and all the Cold Plunge Challenge fundraisers and donors who are making a splash in support of mature women’s health. Feel inspired? Sign up and take the plunge this year.
The Weston and O’Born Centre for Mature Women’s Health builds upon the legacy of The Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women's and Infants' Health — Canada's largest academic centre for women's health and one of the top five in the world.
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