Donor Support Fuels New Kidney Cancer Treatment at OTMH

At Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH), innovation is more than a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. And thanks to our donor community, we’re proud that OTMH is one of the first hospitals in the region offering a game-changing treatment for kidney cancer that’s already transforming lives.

This minimally invasive procedure, called cryoablation, uses extreme cold to destroy cancerous tumours in the kidney without surgery. The result? Less pain, a shorter recovery time, and preserved kidney function. It’s cutting-edge care, right here in our community.

For patients like Ronald Wessels, that made all the difference.

After previous surgeries, I needed weeks to recover,” he says. “But after cryoablation, I was home with a band-aid, no pain meds, and back on my feet almost immediately. It was incredible.

Cryoablation is typically only available in larger academic centres like Toronto or London—but now, thanks to $40,000 in funding, it’s available right here in Oakville.

“This procedure targets just the tumour, which means we can preserve more of the healthy kidney,” explains Dr. Samuel Xu, Radiologist at Halton Healthcare. “That can significantly reduce the long-term risk of kidney disease for many patients.”

Behind every breakthrough like this is a generous community—people like you—who believe in making exceptional care possible, close to home.

Thank you for being part of this story. You’re helping bring the best care to our neighbours, families, and friends.