Inside this edition, we hope you feel inspired, we show how we're transforming breast cancer surgery, we offer a health check, and showcase hockey legend Lanny McDonald.
MORE FIRSTS
Transforming breast cancer surgery HEALTH CHECK Protect your cognitive health at any age INSPIRE Addressing the need for complex continuous care
PLAYING WITH HEART Hockey legend Lanny McDonald champions access to excellent cardiac care
CEO’S MESSAGE
Fall 2025
PUBLISHED FOR Calgary Health Foundation
1500-333 11 Ave. S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2R 1L9 givehealth.ca Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Calgary Health Foundation. CALGARY HEALTH FOUNDATION EDITORS Shannon MacMillan Kimberley McNeil PRESIDENT & CEO Paul Rossmann Calgary Health Foundation is a community-based charity that raises funds to advance healthcare. We find opportunities to invest in excellence across the entire healthcare system, all to enhance outcomes and improve lives.
PUBLISHED BY RedPoint Media Group cSPACE Marda Loop 1721-29 Ave. S.W., Suite 375 Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7 (Letter mail only) Tel: 403-240-9055 Toll free: 1-877-963-9333 Fax: 403-240-9059 info@redpointmedia.ca PM 40030911 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Colleen Seto
The Calgary Health Foundation team moved to a fresh office earlier this year. Our new space is special — one that nudges us to stand a little taller, polish our shoes a touch brighter, and steam our clothes a tad deeper. Set in the heart of downtown Beltline, our new location brings us closer to our donor community, one distinguished by a fusion of people. People are at the centre of Calgary Health Foundation’s work, and our donors share our belief that investing in the betterment of our citizens ensures a stronger, more vibrant city. With donor help, we invest in the health of people across Calgary. Donor Days are one way we say thank you to our donors for their steadfast commitment to healthcare. These exclusive donor-only events provide a behind-the-scenes look at the projects they make happen. In this latest edition of Breakthroughs , we chronicle several donors whose investments, big and small, are changing the healthcare landscape of Calgary. From a modern community care centre in Bridgeland-Riverside and an endoscopy unit made possible by a couple’s legacy, to the personal drive of one man to advance cardiac care across the city, the stories will uplift you. The work of Calgary Health Foundation would not be possible without our community. You are part of it, whether as a user of our healthcare system, as a donor, or both. I invite you to read on to learn how fellow Calgarians give back. Lastly, I welcome you to visit us at our new office. We hope it nudges you to stand taller and join our community of donors.
ART DIRECTOR Veronica Cowan STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jared Sych CONTRIBUTORS Kendra Horosko, Fabian Mayer, Kimberley McNeil, Mateusz Napieralski, Ashley Oakley, Olivia Piché CEO, CO-OWNER Roger Jewett PRESIDENT, CO-OWNER
2
Käthe Lemon DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & CONTENT Meredith Bailey
Paul Rossmann
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
CONTENTS
09 04
04 Health Check Learn how to protect your cognitive health at any age. 06 Innovation A new endoscopy unit expands capacity and reduces wait times. 07 Heroes in Health Registered nurse Heather Moore has a legacy of compassionate care. 08 Impact Your donations in action. 09 From 11-and-a-Half Minutes to a Lifetime of Gratitude Hockey legend Lanny McDonald advocates for heart health awareness after his cardiac arrest.
3
14 More Firsts Sentimag, a groundbreaking pilot project using magnets, transforms breast cancer surgery for the better. 16 Giving Back Calgary Health Foundation donors share their stories of resilience
and gratitude. 18 Inspire
On the Cover: Lanny McDonald photo by Jared Sych
16
A new facility helps fill the growing demand for complex continuing care.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
It’s a misconception that cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc, an academic geriatrician at the University of Calgary and the academic lead of the Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, says that some small declines in cognition do happen as we get older, but that large changes should not necessarily be expected. “There are some subtle changes that happen. People may have declines in certain areas, but our lived experiences and larger knowledge bases often compensate so that typically, as we age, you shouldn’t see huge changes in cognition with normal aging,” Holroyd-Leduc explains. While aging does not make serious cognitive decline inevitable, the risk of developing age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia does increase as we get older. Today, about one in four Canadians over 85 has been diagnosed with dementia while the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to grow to nearly one million by 2030. Healthy aging is becoming ever more important as the general population ages, with the number of seniors in Canada expected to rise 68 per cent over the next 20 years. RISK FACTORS FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE The exact causes of cognitive impairment are not fully understood. However, researchers have identified numerous risk factors that increase an individual’s chances of developing cognitive disorders as they age. Some of these are related to lifestyle — for instance, it’s best not to smoke, limit alcohol use, and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. But it’s not just about what you put into your body, it’s what you do with it too. Staying physically active, especially as we age, is one of the most important things a person can do to maintain their cognitive health. “What’s good for the heart and body is also good for the brain. It doesn’t MAINTAIN YOUR BRAIN How to protect your cognitive health at any age. By Fabian Mayer | Illustrations by Mateusz Napieralski
have to be super vigorous exercise. Walking, particularly on a bit of an incline, is great,” says Holroyd-Leduc. “It’s not about going to the gym for 30 to 60 minutes and then sitting down the rest of the day. It’s about a healthy lifestyle, moving, doing things, walking, staying active throughout the day, trying to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.” Holroyd-Leduc says that the earlier healthy habits are formed, the better, but stresses that it’s never too late to start. She also encourages seniors not to let societal expectations about age stop them from living full physical and social lives. NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE HEALTHY CHANGES “We live in a society in North America that tends to be ageist, and there’s a relationship between ageism and poorer health outcomes. It’s not just ageism
4
that’s directed towards an older adult but can also be internalized ageism,” says Holroyd- Leduc. “You can be ageist against yourself and start limiting what you do physically, what you do cognitively, your social interactions — all those things are really important for cognitively aging well.”
Give toward programs that support brain health. Donate here:
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
FOUR WAYS TO HEALTHIER COGNITIVE AGING
WORK OUT YOUR BRAIN It may not be quite as simple as “use it or lose it,” but keeping your mind engaged is one of the easiest ways to protect the brain. Luckily, this can be as simple as continuing to practice activities you’re already doing — the morning crossword or sudoku, reading, learning something new, hobbies like knitting, woodworking, or even playing cards, anything that stimulates the mind is beneficial.
BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE There is a relationship between vascular health and the risk of developing certain
cognitive disorders as we age. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc says something as simple as walking on a slight incline can be a low-impact way to help protect your cognitive health.
ASSESS YOUR HEARING One of the biggest risk factors for dementia is hearing loss. Individuals with untreated hearing loss in middle age are 90 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those without. Getting assessed and fitted for hearing aids as soon as possible after noticing hearing impairment is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from cognitive disorders later in life.
5
STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED Research indicates a link between social isolation and cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Loneliness can become a bigger problem with age as familial and social relationships diminish. Staying in touch and meeting up with friends and family is highly suggested to help boost mental health and cognitive well-being.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
A brighter space, state-of-the-art technology, and a more comfortable experience — that’s what Albertans can expect from a new and expanded endoscopy unit at Rockyview General Hospital. The Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit addresses the rapidly growing need for endoscopies, and aims to reduce wait times and improve overall patient and staff experiences. Endoscopies use long, thin scopes inserted into the body to examine and potentially treat organs and other internal structures. Used primarily for colonoscopies, but also for scoping the upper gastrointestinal tract and lungs through bronchoscopies, the unit expands the number of endoscopy suites at the hospital from four to five. Planning for the unit began in 2021 as a response to the increased need for capacity, especially for colonoscopies. Alberta’s growing population and a rise in the incidence of THE SCOPE OF THINGS A new endoscopy unit expands capacity and reduces wait times. By Fabian Mayer
inflammatory bowel disease mean that demand for endoscopies has increased between two and four per cent annually, according to Dr. Misty Watson, facility medical director at Rockyview General Hospital. “We expect we’ll be able to do about 4,000 more procedures per year with the space now fully up and running,” Watson says. “Besides just the volume of patients we will be able to see, it’s also much more spacious, so there’s a lot more privacy for patients. All the equipment is high tech and a lot easier to use for the physicians and the staff, and also a lot more comfortable for patients.” IMPROVING PREVENTATIVE CARE The unit was built in part with the help of Calgary Health Foundation donors who contributed $10 million to the project. Watson says the previous unit was considerably smaller, adding that the new facility will not only make visits more pleasant for patients and staff, but will also lead to better health outcomes by increasing earlier detection. “Probably the most important thing is preventative healthcare,” says Watson. “A lot of bowel cancer is easily treated if it’s caught early, so being able to see patients in a timely fashion, and being able to see clearly when they’re in for their scope, is so important. For example, identifying precancerous polyps and getting them removed can prevent people from developing more advanced cancer, but also just catching cancer more quickly and starting on treatment at an earlier time can make a huge difference.” The unit makes use of improved scopes and incorporates AI technology that will make diagnosing issues easier and more accurate. There is also an expanded break room for staff and a new education room where endoscopies can be streamed for doctors and technicians to learn about the procedures. The unit officially opened in August of 2025, and is fully operational.
6
The Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
Heather Moore provides excellent care as a registered nurse and has done so for 40 years and counting. Today, Moore works in the Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit at Rockyview General Hospital, and her story is about more than longevity. It’s about presence, compassion, and a relentless commitment to making difficult moments feel less frightening for her patients. LIFE IN THE ENDOSCOPY UNIT Moore’s day begins long before an endoscopy procedure does. She admits and prepares patients, inserts IVs, and answers the questions many are too anxious to ask. “A lot of people come in scared,” she says. “They don’t know what to expect. It’s a vulnerable moment. I just try to meet them there and walk them through it.” Afterwards, she provides recovery support and discharge teaching — another chance to connect with a patient. “There’s something powerful FOUR DECADES OF COMPASSION Meet Heather Moore: Registered Nurse, Endoscopy Unit, Rockyview General Hospital By Kendra Horosko
Heather Moore
Heroes in Health is an initiative that invites patients and their families to acknowledge their healthcare heroes and donate to Calgary Health Foundation in thanks for the care they received. THE DRAMATIC IMPACT OF DONOR SUPPORT Support from Calgary Health Foundation donors is changing the GI landscape. The recently opened Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit is a brand-new, state-of-the-art space, outfitted with the latest scopes, top-of-the-line communication systems, new nursing stations, and — for the first time — natural light. “Our old space was small and windowless. This new unit is going to be a game changer — not just for how we work, but for how patients experience their care,” Moore says. “We couldn’t have done it without the Foundation and its donors. It’s going to allow us to offer better care.”
about seeing someone who arrived nervous and seeing their shoulders relax when you’ve reassured them. That’s the part that stays with me.” The Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit sees up to 60 procedures a day and treats a wide range of conditions, from diagnosing cancers to managing urgent, even life-threatening,
“If I’ve helped even one person feel a bit more comfortable or cared for, that means everything.” —Heather Moore
7
GI bleeds. But she thrives amidst the quick pace and unpredictability, crediting her colleagues for making it all possible. “We really have the most incredible team — physicians, nurses, support staff. Everyone brings so much dedication.” A TRUE HERO IN HEALTH This past summer, Moore was recognized as a Hero in Health. “It’s a huge honour,” she says, “because what matters most to me are the patients. If I’ve helped even one person feel a bit more comfortable or cared for, that means everything.” Calgary Health Foundation is proud to be able to recognize Heroes in Health, healthcare staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. Patients who have received excellent care — or families of those patients — can name their Hero in Health when making a donation to Calgary Health Foundation.
If you or a loved one received excellent care, donate and nominate your healthcare hero.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
A record 5,000 of you took part in the 47th Annual Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Wheel . The family-friendly event raised over $56,000 for Calgary’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), vital resources for our littlest patients. Foundation donors and the help of her team, she’s working to advance women’s cardiac care, research, and advocacy . The bi-annual Talk Health speaker series aims to thank, educate, and inspire donors, engage the public, and recognize healthcare excellence in our city. The sold-out spring edition showcased the work of Dr. Roopinder Sandhu , a Calgary-based cardiac electrophysiologist and researcher. With support from Calgary Health YOUR DONATIONS IN ACTION Your donations make more healthcare innovation possible, so there can be more first trips more first celebrations more recoveries more memories made In summer 2025, the new Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit opened at Rockyview General Hospital. This unit, made possible thanks to $10M from Calgary Health Foundation donors, gives more patients access to endoscopies and non-surgical procedures that require a scope to explore internally. Calgary Health Foundation, in partnership with O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary Public Library, and the Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub, hosted a free Women’s Health Symposium at the Central Library on International Women’s Day. Emceed by Global News’ Leslie Horton, the event attracted over 300 attendees. The second edition of Heroes in Health launched in 2025. Part of the Grateful Patient initiative, the program asks patients and their families to donate to Calgary Health Foundation and to recognize their healthcare heroes at the same time as a way to say “thank you.” Donations fuel innovation, advance technology, and develop leading-edge spaces that empower care teams.
Total funds disbursed to advance healthcare
$26M
2%
17%
52%
29%
Disbursement by type
Capital projects & equipment Programs & education
Research* Other organizations
*Includes disbursements to the University of Calgary
In June 2025, an impressive number of you braved wind, cold, and a deluge of rain to participate in the Shoppers Drug Mart™ Run for Women . Your dedication raised over $240,000 in support of women’s mental health, specifically the Calgary Eating Disorder Clinic and women’s mental health programming in Alberta. More than $40,000 was raised by over 200 generous donors in the spring of 2025. That money will help establish the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic at South Health Campus — the first of its kind in Alberta — dedicated to the treatment, research, education, and rehabilitation of female-specific heart concerns. Last fiscal year, Calgary Health Foundation received 15 legacy gifts from community members worth just over $5 million . These estate gifts supported innovative Carewest healthcare programs, pilot projects at hospitals, and helped move medical advancements forward. Make more firsts happen in healthcare and in people’s lives. To learn more and get involved, email fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca. This year’s Legacy Circle Luncheon focused on seniors’ health and wellness. Keynote speakers, Dr. Margaret McGillivray, MD, and Paige Guinn, BSN, MN/NP, shared the benefits of geriatric-specific units in emergency departments. The South Health Campus Geriatric Emergency Pod , supported by Calgary Health Foundation, is a real-life example of how donors can help make these units a reality in Calgary.
8
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
Icons have a certain magic about them, and they can seem invincible. That’s certainly how hockey fans view Lanny McDonald, a true hockey hero who also happens to be incredibly kind and approachable. After surviving a cardiac arrest, hockey legend Lanny McDonald now champions access to excellent cardiac care for all. By Kimberley McNeil | Photography by Jared Sych FROM 11-AND-A-HALF MINUTES TO A LIFETIME OF GRATITUDE
9
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
“I will be forever grateful for those who jumped in that day when Ardell and I desperately needed them.” —Lanny McDonald
10
But that invincibility would prove untrue. On February 4, 2024, McDonald experienced a cardiac arrest that would nearly claim his life. He had just returned to Calgary after attending the NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto when he collapsed at the Calgary International Airport. His heart had stopped. “I started to get a rubbery feeling in my legs, and I couldn’t keep up with Ardell, [his wife of 50 years], and a friend. They weren’t walking that fast, but I knew I was in trouble,” McDonald recalls. “The next thing I knew, I could feel myself going down and that was the last thing I remember until I woke up [in hospital].” Thankfully, Rajdeep Cheema, and a pair
of nurses, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck, were nearby when McDonald collapsed. They recognized the situation as a medical event and ran to his aid. Shortly after, Jose Cives, a Calgary police officer, joined in to help. Together, they worked tirelessly to reestablish McDonald’s heart rhythm. Ardell remembers the day this way: “Lanny made it three quarters of the way to heaven.” For 11-and-a-half gut-wrenching minutes, the officer performed chest compressions on McDonald, breaking his sternum and multiple ribs in the process, a common side effect of CPR. “I’ve asked Jose many times why he didn’t give up,” McDonald says, fighting back tears.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
“He told me, ‘After about five minutes, I knew you weren’t there. Then, you reached up and grabbed my arm.’” That was the sign Cives needed not to give up. Incredibly, the group was able to bring McDonald back to life and stabilize him enough to be transported to hospital. “I will be forever grateful for those who jumped in that day when Ardell and I desperately needed them.” BEATING THE ODDS The former NHL right winger was transported to Foothills Medical Centre (FMC), Calgary’s epicentre of cardiology. McDonald was in critical condition when he arrived and was quickly put under the care of the cardiac care unit, which took him to one of the hospital’s six cardiac catheterization (cath) labs. Cardiac catheterization is a set of minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures that use a long, narrow tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or the arm and then guided up to the coronary arteries. From there, cardiac teams can view and assess the health of the blood vessels, valves, and muscle of the heart. In the cath lab, McDonald underwent a coronary angiogram that ultimately diagnosed him with coronary artery disease. The former Calgary Flames captain would need quadruple bypass surgery to repair his heart — a surgery he would receive four days later under the care of cardiac surgeon and aortic specialist, Dr. Holly Smith and her team. When asked about McDonald’s life-saving surgery, Smith says, “It’s a great privilege to take care of every patient that comes under our care in the cardiac surgery unit. Knowing that Lanny McDonald is so beloved in the community certainly added to that, but it truly is a privilege to care for each and every person that we meet.” Eight days after his quadruple bypass surgery, on February 16 — McDonald’s 71st birthday — he required a second surgery to receive an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a battery-powered, smartwatch-sized device that is placed under the skin just below the collarbone. Used to continuously track his heart rhythm and detect electrical problems, McDonald’s ICD would also function as a
pacemaker to reestablish his heart’s normal rhythm if needed. Cardiac electrocardiologist Dr. Roopinder Sandhu and her team performed the implantation. “Before she operated on me, Dr. Sandhu said, ‘I see from your chart that it’s your birthday,’” remembers McDonald. “She then turned to her team and said, ‘Well, we can’t operate until we sing Happy Birthday.’ And so, they did. It was one of the coolest things that happened during my time in hospital.” McDonald cannot express his gratitude enough for his medical teams. “I was very fortunate to have had great doctors and people who gave me advice and attention along the way. I would not have gotten better without their help. And they do it each and every day. I owe so much to everyone for finding a way to get me back on my feet, so Ardell and I could celebrate our 50th anniversary a year and a half later.” McDonald considers himself very lucky. Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more than 50,000 Canadians every year. According to Statistics Canada, heart disease is second only to cancer as the leading cause of death in Canada and accounts for approximately 17.7 per cent of deaths in the country every year. For women, this risk is even
higher. Heart disease claims the life of a woman in Canada every 16 minutes. It is the number one preventable killer of Canadian women — one in five will die of cardiovascular disease. To help change
11
these odds, there are determined cardiac specialists and resolute citizens in Calgary who recognize the need for greater resources in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease.
“It’s a great privilege to take care of every patient that comes under our care on the cardiac surgery unit.” —Dr. Holly Smith
DR. HOLLY SMITH Cardiac surgeon and aortic specialist
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
ON THE PULSE OF THE PROBLEM One of Calgary Health Foundation’s key organizational priorities is cardiac healthcare. It partners with donors and cardiac specialists to ensure Calgary has the most state-of-the- art technology, comprehensive programs, and patient care efforts available for the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. One such effort is the Catheterization Lab Redevelopment Project. In 2021, Calgary Health Foundation committed to raising funds to renovate Calgary’s six cath labs. Through the support of donors, the first cath lab renovation was completed in 2023. This is the same lab where McDonald’s cardiac team performed his angiogram and diagnosed his heart disease. Now the Foundation is raising money to renovate the next lab. Dr. Bryan Har, director of the FMC Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, explains the role of the labs. “We use cath labs to diagnose and
DR. BRYAN HAR Director of the Foothills Medical Centre Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
treat a host of conditions, including coronary disease, electrical issues with the heart, and heart valve abnormalities. Calgary’s cath labs, particularly at FMC, have a long history. We were the first centre in Canada to do angioplasty on coronary arteries as well as the first to perform interventional cardiology.” The opportunity to champion a program that offers dramatic advances in both heart and surgical care, another of Calgary Health Foundation’s priorities, meant the decision to support the Catheterization Lab to complete the project won’t be easy. At the time of publication, the cost to renovate a single lab was close to $4 million. But the return on that investment is clear. Har is quick to emphasize improved patient care as the main driver of the project. “As time goes on and there are advances in technologies and procedures, it’s crucial we stay on top of our cath lab renovations,” he says. “With renovated spaces, we can do newer procedures that weren’t available to us previously and improve the safety, accuracy, and speed of existing procedures.” Updated cath labs also help improve the patient experience through shorter hospital stays, shorter procedure wait times for outpatients, less invasive treatments, and faster recovery times. Redevelopment Project was easy. However, the fundraising needed “I feel like the luckiest guy you can imagine.” —Lanny McDonald
12
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
THE HEART BEHIND THE MUSTACHE “I think he’s looking now to see how he can give back,” Ardell told SportsNet in a March 2024 interview, a month after her husband’s cardiac arrest. And she was right. The Hockey Hall of Famer, hockey executive, humanitarian, and family man is searching for ways to repay his good fortune, starting with raising awareness for cardiac care in Calgary. “It’s important for all of us to give back,” encourages McDonald. “In my case, having gone through everything I have, you realize how fortunate you are to be given a second chance. If you can help one more person, then you’ve done a good deed. And I had so many good deeds done to help me get better.” Not all icons would be as benevolent; a fact not lost on those whose work will be positively impacted by his advocacy. “Lanny’s graciousness in sharing his stage to build heart health awareness is another example of his kindness,” says Har. “His generosity will ensure a critically needed diagnostic tool will remain available to our community — one that will directly improve patient outcomes and empower more people to live longer, healthier lives.” Smith adds that through collective effort, spurred on by a terrible thing that happened to McDonald, we can maintain the city’s first-class healthcare. “Lanny’s story is extraordinary, and it represents what many other families go through when faced with a medical emergency,” she says. “Donor funding is essential for providing excellent care to the cardiac patients we serve, and is very appreciated by everyone who works within the healthcare system.” When reflecting on what we can learn from his brush with death, McDonald has this wisdom to impart: “No one believes they’re going to be the next one. I was walking four to five miles a day, thinking I was in great shape, until I went down face-first at the airport. You think you’re fine until reality sneaks up and hits you like a sledgehammer. “If you have the opportunity to give back and donate, you should because you never know, it might be someone in your family next. You’ll be so happy knowing you’ve played a part in their care.”
Behind the scenes with McDonald during the photo shoot.
hockey legend. “More importantly, we take our healthcare for granted. Then suddenly you need it, and you realize how lucky you are to have access to the kinds of qualified people like the ones we have in Calgary.” Since his health scare, time has taken on a new meaning for McDonald. He confesses that in quiet moments, he catches himself timing 11-and-a-half minutes. “It feels like a lifetime,” McDonald says. “I look back and realize how fortunate I am to be able to sit here with Ardell and spoil our kids and grandkids. I feel like the luckiest guy you could imagine.”
13
Help more patients like Lanny make their own comeback. Scan the code
to donate today to the Catherization Redevelopment Project and other cardiac care initiatives.
ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES “We take our health for granted,” states the
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
MAGNETIC MAGIC
Dr. Jeanie Kanashiro uses magnets to treat breast cancer. She and nine other Calgary surgeons are part of Sentimag, a pilot project set to make breast cancer surgery less invasive, stressful, and time-consuming. Sentimag aims to show the efficacy of an all-in-one breast cancer technology of the same name that uses magnetic localization to detect and improve the accuracy of tumour removal. With Sentimag, a radiologist implants a magnet called a Magseed at a tumour or lymph node site. A surgeon then uses a magnetic- sensing probe to locate the site to remove the cancer. The implantation can happen at biopsy, before cancer is even diagnosed. This means greater surgical accuracy. And for patients, Sentimag also means fewer medical visits, fewer invasive procedures, less pain and stress, and the removal of less breast tissue. Sentimag, a groundbreaking pilot project using magnets, transforms breast cancer surgery for the better. By Kimberley McNeil
A Magseed magnet is similar in size to a grain of rice.
So far, the project clearly demonstrates this approach works well. Kanashiro and her team surpassed their allotted number of Magseeds in year one of the three-year pilot — a development that took them by surprise. “We based our estimates on prior wire usage,” she explains. Hook wires, devices that protrude from the breast, have been used as standard of care to mark cancerous lesions for decades. “We’ve far surpassed that number due in large part to the technology’s versatility. It’s useful in more scenarios than we anticipated, plus patients who wouldn’t have chosen seed implantation before are now asking for it.” Magseed is ideal for challenging cases where multiple tumours are present. Three tumours typically meant the implantation of three hook wires into the breast. Or the patient could opt for a full mastectomy, a much more drastic approach to cancer removal. Now, thanks to Sentimag, women can avoid wires altogether, experience a less stressful surgery experience, and see their breasts preserved. “The technology is phenomenal. Not only does it allow a surgeon to more accurately locate and remove cancer lesions, but it also allows more women to keep their breasts,” proclaims Kanashiro. The Sentimag team can also offer reconstructive surgery to avoid any breast lopsidedness, a common result of breast cancer surgery. “We can match the look of the healthy breast to the affected breast,” explains Kanashiro. “Imagine a person who wouldn’t have otherwise had a reconstruction as a private procedure due to the cost or the required downtime. Now she can have everything addressed at the same time.” With Sentimag’s success, Calgary is now the leader of the technology in Western Canada. Thanks to the pilot, Winnipeg and hubs in British Columbia have since started to offer magnetic localization breast cancer surgery. Made possible through the support of Calgary Health Foundation donors and a significant gift from Alberta Cancer Foundation, Sentimag is set to transform breast-preserving cancer surgery. As Kanashiro affirms, “to have donors help us to enact a new standard of care for patients, that’s powerful.”
14
To support the Sentimag project, contact fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca.
Dr. Jeanie Kanashiro
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
SERENDIPITY AND SENTIMAG Learning about a pilot project changed the trajectory of a woman’s breast cancer journey. By Kimberley McNeil When Mona Hunter’s husband, Derrick, came home from work one day in the spring of 2024, he was abuzz with excitement. “Hey, look at this!” he exclaimed. “Have you heard of this?” Derrick showed her an article about Sentimag, a new pilot project that uses rice-sized devices to mark cancer tumours. The Calgary-based pilot showed how tiny markers called Magseeds, along with Sentimag, the system used to implant them, promised to offer breast cancer patients a better surgery experience. “I need that,” Hunter said after reading the piece. She had been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer only the month prior, and would require surgery. Traditional breast cancer surgery involves having an uncomfortable hook wire implanted at the tumour site. After insertion of the wire, the patient must then drive to a surgery centre that same day to have the tumour removed. Patients have to be careful not to move or dislodge the wire while in transit. Hook wires protrude obtrusively from the breast, making them vulnerable to displacement. If moved, the wire’s position may need to be reset and the surgery rescheduled, creating added stress for the patient and delays in the medical system. The news of the pilot was serendipitous. Hunter advocated to be included in Sentimag. It worked. She was among the first women to undergo Magseed implantation in Calgary. Hunter considers herself immensely fortunate. Already a Calgary Health Foundation donor and patron of health initiatives in the city, she suddenly found herself in the unique position of patient. She could speak to the need for improved women’s healthcare from a deeply personal place. “Sentimag is better for the patient,” asserts Hunter. “When you’re going
Mona Hunter
through breast cancer, you don’t realize the emotional toll it takes on you. I can’t imagine having an invasive wire hanging out of me all the while trying to drive myself to a different location to undergo stressful surgery. Then to manage the nerves around the surgery results. Anything that makes the patient more comfortable and is more effective through that process is invaluable.”
15
Thanks to donors like you, more women like Mona will have their surgery experience transformed and their breasts preserved. Donate today to Calgary Health Foundation.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
GENEROSITY BLOOMS A resident green thumb helped cultivate praise-worthy outdoor gardens. By Kimberley McNeil
Robert Ziebarth enjoyed the gardens he made possible at the Carewest Colonel Belcher.
It started with squirrels. When the mischievous rodents ravaged the vegetable gardens at Carewest Nickle House, former resident Robert Ziebarth was compelled to fight back. As he volunteered to breathe life back into the gardens, Robert built a special relationship with the landscaping crew, husband-and-wife team Diana and Lonnie, who helped him grow his love for plants. Robert’s grandmother loved gardening and instilled in him a passion for turning bland spaces into horticultural gems. He did just that, first at Nickle House and then at Carewest Colonel Belcher, where he moved in March 2022. Coincidentally, Robert’s grandfather, a WWI veteran, had lived at the Colonel Belcher where Robert would visit him as a young boy. Within a year after Robert moved in, he, Diana, and Lonnie were renovating the courtyard gardens. Beyond his sweat equity, Robert also donated funds towards the restoration. “The gardens needed love,” he said. He recruited his son, Andrew, to join the efforts and together with Andrew’s family, they devised a multi-stage plan that included cleanup; planting of perennials such as bleeding hearts, snapdragons, and phlox; building trellises, arbours, arches, and flower beds; and maintenance. Now, during summer, at both the Nickle House and Colonel Belcher gardens, you’ll see walls and arches of beautiful flowers including clematis, a purple climbing vine. It always featured prominently in Robert’s
In early 2024, Steve Magus got an earache. He went to urgent care, but then his vision became blurred, and he developed a terrible headache. He was diagnosed with a severe ear infection, prescribed an antibiotic and sent home. Late the next morning, Steve’s wife, Sonya, found him still in bed, slurring his words and delirious. “I couldn’t stand on my own. I didn’t know what was happening. My wife had to call 911,” Steve recalls. He was rushed to Foothills Medical Centre, where he was put into a medically induced coma. He had contracted Group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis, a serious and deadly condition that causes swelling of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. Steve underwent emergency brain surgery and was given a 50/50 chance of survival. A week later, still in a coma, he showed no signs of improving. A CLOSE CALL A serious illness sparks Steve Magus’s drive to give back. By Ashley Oakley grandmother’s planting, and he made sure they were included in the garden rejuvenations. “Clematis will always hold a place in my heart. Their creeping vines are nostalgic,” shared Robert before his passing in May 2025. “Besides, squirrels hate them.” Are you a resident, client, or family member who would like to plant your own seeds at Carewest? Email us at philanthropy@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca, and we’ll be happy to help.
16
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
IN LIEU OF GIFTS A community-driven way to say thanks. By Kimberley McNeil Born at 23 weeks and four days, Tatum Gore came into the world almost four months premature, weighing only 1.5 lbs. Tatum took her first breaths at the Foothills Medical Centre Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the highest- level of NICU offering critical care to the smallest, most precarious newborns, and babies with medical conditions requiring precise pediatric care. Fortunately, Tatum’s a fighter, and is now a bubbly toddler whose bright smile brings even bigger ones to those who meet her. “Our [healthcare] teams were the best,” shares Tatum’s mom, Hayley. “We had the same rotation of neonatologists and charge nurses looking after us throughout Tatum’s stay. This also included a network of four amazing primary nurses. Together, they saved her life.” To thank the healthcare team who saved their baby girl, the Gore family hosted a fundraiser for the Foothills Medical Centre NICU to celebrate Tatum’s first birthday. They wanted to organize something uncomplicated with the potential for a big reach. They decided to use peer-to- peer fundraising. “We searched Google for the best way to give back to our healthcare team and discovered Calgary Health Foundation,” recalls Hayley. “They helped us to set up a simple fundraising page to raise money in honour of Tatum’s birthday.” To invite people to give, they sent out simple birthday
Tatum Gore at age two.
invitations asking for donations in lieu of gifts and posted the link on social media. This one simple act resulted in huge impact. The secret to their success? Community. “We live in a small town outside Calgary,” explains Hayley. “Most of the people in our community had heard of Tatum’s shaky start to life and wanted to help.” Their community rallied, raising an impressive $8,000 for the Foothills Medical Centre NICU.
“One of the surgeons told Sonya she should get my affairs in order. They changed my prognosis to a 30 per cent chance of survival,” recounts Steve. Thankfully, 24 hours later, Steve started to respond. He was brought out of the coma and taken off the ventilator. He had to learn to walk again and how to use the washroom. He struggled with his short-term memory. But he worked tirelessly on his recovery, and after 22 days in hospital, he was discharged. The moment felt triumphant. “Since then, I’ve been able to walk my daughter down the aisle and golf over 80 games,” Steve says. “I’ll never take my health for granted again and will be forever grateful for a second chance at life.” His message to others is simple: “Keep giving back if you can. When I made the donation to Calgary Health Foundation, I wanted to give it to all the people who were involved in my care. Without them, my recovery would not have been possible.”
17
Steve Magus and his wife, Sonya.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
When it opens in 2027, the BRCC will help foster connection.
MEETING COMPLEX COMMUNITY NEEDS The Bridgeland Riverside Care Centre will help fill the growing demand for continuing care. By Olivia Piché
There’s a significant need for complex care spaces in Calgary. A new facility is being built to help meet this need. In spring 2027, the newest Carewest location, Bridgeland Riverside Care Centre (BRCC), will welcome adults of all ages with continuous and complex care needs. Young adults with complex cognitive and physical disabilities and mental health concerns, seniors, and individuals who require support after a hospital stay will now have a spot to call home on either a permanent or temporary basis. The beautiful new space in the community of Bridgeland-Riverside will feel more like a home than a care centre. BRCC will allow more people to access continuing care sooner, relieving pressure on the healthcare system and freeing up beds at hospitals. BRCC will accommodate nearly 200 live-in clients.The residence will offer trauma- informed, world-class, mental health programming for people facing cognitive challenges, such as a brain injury, mental illness, addiction issues, and developmental disabilities, as well as traditional long-term care for elderly residents. BRCC’s innovative programming will improve mood, decrease feelings of isolation, PATIENT-CENTRED SERVICES AND PROGRAMMING
and contribute to the overall well-being of all of its residents. Calgary Health Foundation donors will fund the implementation of evidence-based therapeutic programming to support the overall wellness and mental health of residents. Based on best practices, the facility- wide initiative will promote socialization and recreational activities, and engage residents in self-directed activities of daily living. Programming will include trauma-informed yoga, creative arts, virtual reality, and horticultural therapy. Senior services include a fall-prevention clinic, a geriatric mental health clinic, and support for those with medical, cognitive, and mobility impairments, as well as residential care. The facility will also provide senior day programs and outpatient services. “Opening this new centre is more than just adding care spaces. It is about improving the quality of life for seniors and those living with complex care needs,” says Yaro Kiselev, director of operations at Carewest for several centres, including BRCC. The centre was intentionally designed with the patient’s experience at the forefront. It incorporates outdoor pathways, seating, and gardens, as well as plenty of natural light throughout the building. By creating a home-like space and enhancing engagement through innovative programs, BRCC will directly impact the health of residents. “This new facility represents a commitment to compassionate care and is designed to foster connection while supporting residents to live as fully and independently as possible. We are not just building a facility — we are building a community,” affirms Kiselev. To support more Calgarians with complex needs, please visit givehealth.ca/donate.
18
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2025 ]
Advancing care for better lives
Are you grateful for the care you received?
Heroes in Health are healthcare professionals who go above and beyond. You can recognize yours and say thank you to them by donating to Calgary Health Foundation. Your donation will help equip our city with the latest tools and technology to keep us at the cutting edge of medicine and ensure others also receive exceptional care.
Scan to donate and nominate your Hero in Health, or visit givehealth.ca/donate
Advancing care for better lives
Smaller than a grain of rice. Powerful enough to transform breast cancer surgery.
This tiny, powerful device uses magnets to mark breast cancer tumours. Groundbreaking technology means a less invasive, less stressful, and more streamlined surgery experience for patients. Turn to page 14 to learn about Sentimag, a pilot project poised to transform breast cancer surgery in Calgary, and how you can support it.
Scan to donate toward surgical innovation or visit givehealth.ca/donate
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20Powered by FlippingBook