EDUCATION
Gail La Chapelle
Gail La Chapelle was a nurse in the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Emergency Department, a mother of four, wife, student, and champion of fundraising efforts to support cancer research and treatment. Gail returned to school at the age of 32 to get her RPN designation and kept on taking courses while working, parenting four children, and eventually fighting pancreatic cancer. She successfully completed her Registered Nurses’ designation in 2002, and worked tirelessly in the GBGH ED until she lost her battle with cancer in 2006.
In her memory, her husband Gerard, family, and friends turned her passion for family, learning, and her chosen profession – nursing – into a legacy they have shared with the GBGH community. “The Family and Friends of Gail La Chapelle Education Fund” is committed to investing in the future of nursing at GBGH. Each year, up to $6,000 is awarded to nurses to help with their financial costs of education ($5,000 in education grants and a $1,000 bursary).
If you would like to learn more about making a donation to support the continuing education of our nursing teams, please contact Jen Russell, Director, Communications & Engagement or visit our donation page, and let us know that you would like your donation to support the Gail La Chapelle Education Fund.
FOR GBGH Team Members:
If you have successfully completed an eligible course between January 1st and December 31st, 2025, you may be eligible for course funding!
Application Instructions:
- Carefully read the information and complete the application form.
- Provide evidence of applying for other available sources of funding (where applicable).
- Provide proof of payment.
- Submit to the GBGH Foundation Office (Captain’s Cottage building) or email Jen Russell by January 19, 2026.
