DRIVES CHANGE
2026
Gordon MacDonald’s legacy of health
Gordon MacDonald had lived with headaches for much of his adult life, so when he developed a severe one over the Christmas holidays in 2022, he wasn’t overly concerned. Then, a few weeks later, everything changed. In January 2023, Gordon unexpectedly collapsed. His wife, Jennifer, called 911, and within minutes he was on his way from their home in Airdrie to Foothills Medical Centre’s emergency department. At first, doctors suspected a stroke, but treatments weren’t working. An MRI revealed something far more serious—a brain infection that required urgent neurosurgery.
Recovery was long and difficult. But Gordon was determined.
He spent hours in his hospital bed focusing on the smallest movements and then relearned how to walk. After six weeks, his hard work paid off. Gordon was discharged and sent home. Recovery did not end there. For three months, Gordon required daily antibiotics to clear the remaining infection. He and Jennifer made countless trips back to Calgary for scans and follow-up care. Throughout this whole health ordeal, Jennifer and their daughter were unwavering sources of support. Five and a half months after leaving the hospital, Gordon returned to biking, starting with just one mile a day. Today, at 74 years old, he bikes for an hour daily, rows every morning, and has even added yoga to his exercise routine. Grateful for the care that gave him his life back, Gordon has chosen to include a gift in his will to Calgary Health Foundation, supporting the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Foothills Medical Centre, with a special focus on neurosurgery. “I’m just so thankful,” Gordon says. “They treated me like gold. If people are able to give back, they should. Your donation could mean more equipment, more research—and one day, it could save your life, or the life of someone you love.” Through his legacy gift, Gordon is helping ensure that exceptional care, expert teams, and lifesaving moments are there for the next patient who needs them, just as they were for him.
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