Inside this edition, we're putting women's health front and centre.
FRONT AND CENTRE PUTTING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Dr. Roopinder Sandhu heads up a new clinic for women’s heart health
INNOVATION Renewed hope for drug-resistant epilepsy MORE FIRSTS A pioneering geriatric emergency pod HEALTH CHECK
Understanding gentle wellness
CEO’S MESSAGE
Fall 2026
PUBLISHED FOR Calgary Health Foundation
2026 marks 30 years for Calgary Health Foundation. But as much as we’ve achieved, demand on the healthcare system rises. The need for acute care beds, specialist appointments, and primary care spots is at an all-time high nationwide. Calgary’s greater metropolitan area is predicted to reach two million people before the turn of the decade. The City of Calgary’s population alone has grown nearly 20 per cent over the past five years. Combined with an aging population, this growth is placing increasing pressure on healthcare. And yet, this growth also inspires innovation from the physicians,
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 nonprofit organization raising funds to accelerate healthcare advancement. Since 1996, donor generosity has fueled progress, transformed care, and shaped healthier futures.
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
researchers, and healthcare leaders working to improve patient care. Through philanthropy, Calgary Health Foundation helps accelerate these ideas to bring transformative treatments, technologies, facilities, and programs to patients sooner. Together with donors, we are helping turn healthcare breakthroughs into real-world solutions that will strengthen care today and for generations. One recent example includes donors who invested toward one of Canada’s first comprehensive women’s cardiovascular health clinics at South Health Campus (see page 10). The clinic is at the core of a larger network offering advanced, accessible cardiac care to women. Another is the donor who saw the need for a state-of-the-art scanner, one that can visualize the tiniest heart vessels, and gave to help Calgary acquire one. That vital equipment will meet the urgent need for improved heart disease diagnosis in women. Or consider our 2,000-plus monthly donors who collectively contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, funding cutting-edge technology, programs, and life-saving equipment. Another first for Calgary is the upcoming dedicated seniors’ emergency department pod. Catalyzed by a donor gift, the new space at South Health Campus will cater to the specific needs of older patients in terms of design, environment, and coordination of geriatric emergency medicine. Together, we are working to place Calgary at the forefront of care in Canada. Our city is recognized as one where some of the biggest and brightest in medicine come to work and train. We attract and retain these specialists in part by acquiring the most innovative tools. In partnership with our partners and donors, we can build on this reputation of healthcare excellence and catapult Calgary to become Canada’s most progressive, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare hub — and continue this drive for the next 30 years. Enjoy this issue of Breakthroughs to learn more about the projects and generous donors shaping the future of healthcare in Calgary.
ART DIRECTOR Veronica Cowan PHOTOGRAPHER Jared Sych CONTRIBUTORS Alicia L’Archevêque, Kendra Horosko, Kimberley McNeil, Karin Olafson, Olivia Piché CEO, CO-OWNER Roger Jewett PRESIDENT, CO-OWNER Käthe Lemon VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Meredith Bailey
2
Paul Rossmann
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
CONTENTS
04 Inspire The new Suncor Women’s Health Centre transforms the delivery of specialized care. 05 Innovation A project through the Calgary Epilepsy Program offers renewed hope. 06 Impact Your donations in action. 08 Health Check Understanding gentle wellness and its benefits.
05
08
10 At the Heart of Progress
A new clinic offers specialized care to address women’s unique heart health needs.
3
16 Heroes in Health Melissa Redlich has contributed to Calgary’s intensive care units for the past 40 years. 17 Giving Back Calgary Health Foundation donors share their stories of resilience and gratitude. 18 More Firsts An innovative new geriatric emergency pod will deliver care and comfort for seniors.
On the Cover: Dr. Roopinder Sandhu Photo by Jared Sych
17
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
It’s widely acknowledged that, across the globe, women’s healthcare is chronically under-researched and under-funded. But here in Calgary, Suncor is committed to helping advance women’s health through investments that strengthen community well-being, improve access to care, and support better health outcomes for women and families. To that end, in February of 2026, Suncor donated $5 million to Calgary Health Foundation to establish the new Suncor Women’s Health Centre, Calgary’s first comprehensive centre dedicated entirely to women’s health. Located in the former Tom Baker Cancer Centre at Foothills Medical Centre and already open and A COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S HEALTH The new Suncor Women’s Health Centre is changing how women in Calgary receive much-needed, specialized care. By Karin Olafson
(Left to right): Calgary Health Foundation president & CEO Paul Rossmann, Suncor EVP development and projects Shelley Powell, Suncor CEO Rich Kruger and Dr. Erin Brennand, head of obstetrics and gynecology for AHS, take part in a ribbon-cutting for the Suncor Women’s Health Centre.
operational, this centre combines women’s health services together under one roof. Services include the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Program, high-risk obstetrics and gynecology clinics, the Calgary Pelvic Floor Clinic, and the Calgary Colposcopy Clinic (for gynecological examinations and diagnostics).
“Women’s health affects every family, workplace, and community.” —Peter Zebedee
The centre is expected to have a huge impact on improving the delivery of women’s healthcare in Calgary. Suncor’s contribution will help reduce diagnosis and treatment times from more than six months to less than two, and modernize equipment for improved access and patient comfort. Instead of navigating care across different sites, patients will benefit from more coordinated support, modernized equipment, enhanced imaging, same-day procedures, and improved continuity of care. The centre will provide better patient experiences
While Suncor has made generous donations to Calgary Health Foundation for more than 20 years, its $5 million gift marks a milestone: it’s the largest corporate donation in the Foundation’s history. “Women’s health affects every family, workplace, and community,” says Peter Zebedee, president at Suncor. “This investment is about supporting the women who help drive our communities forward and ensure they can access timely, high-quality care when they need it. We saw a clear opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference close to home, and it strongly aligned with our focus on community health and well-being.”
4
— and lead to improved patient outcomes. Plus, it
positions Calgary as a leader in women’s health services. And, importantly, it highlights what’s possible when corporations, healthcare providers, and charities work together. “We hope this investment helps raise awareness of the ongoing need for greater support, research, and investment in women’s health,” says Zebedee.
To support women’s health initiatives in Calgary, scan the QR code or email fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
A NEURAL PATHWAY TO PEACE A Calgary Epilepsy Program project offers renewed hope for patients without treatment options. By Olivia Piché | Photograph by Jason Dziver Epilepsy affects approximately 30,000 Southern Albertans and about 30 per cent of those patients have drug-resistant cases. People with drug-resistant epilepsy can face severe disruptive seizures. Memory loss, physical injury, anxiety, developmental difficulties in children, limits to independence like driving or working, and even a higher risk of sudden death are all possible. That leaves these patients to seek out other treatment options, such as focal resection (removing the part of the brain responsible for the seizures) or neuromodulation (electrical stimulation that targets nervous system dysfunction). Unfortunately, factors such as where in the brain the seizures occur, age, and comorbid disorders, including depression, make some patients ineligible for these treatments. But thanks to a new project through the Calgary Epilepsy Program (CEP) at Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary is inching closer to a new transformative treatment. Led by Dr. Walter Hader, associate professor in the department of clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary, and Dr. Fady Girgis, an associate professor of neurosurgery, the Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) CEP project is an innovative five-year initiative that researches and offers a new type of neuromodulation. The project is a first of its kind in Western Canada. HOW RNS WORKS RNS uses a device implanted in the brain, directly where the seizures are happening. It responds to seizure activity, stimulating an electrical signal when activity is detected. This is different from approved neuromodulation treatments that deliver a continuous electrical current. RNS is a gamechanger for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy and especially for patients whose seizures originate in areas of the brain critical to language, motor function, or vision where undergoing surgery is too risky.
Because of a patient’s individual response to the treatment, RNS can target only the impacted region, reducing the number of seizures. Outside of Canada, RNS has been shown to reduce seizures by an average of 70 per cent, and Hader and his team have already
Dr. Walter Hader
seen glimpses of this impact locally through their project.
A current Calgary Health Foundation fundraising priority, the RNS CEP project will implant 50 RNS devices plus its research team will follow the patients and gather data to inform future treatment guidelines. Since the initiative began in December 2025, Hader and his team have already successfully implanted more than 10 devices. SWIFT BENEFITS One of the RNS project’s first patients is a woman in her 20s, who was experiencing multiple intense seizures a day. She could rarely leave the house and used a wheelchair most of the time for fear of falling. Her world had become limited to the confines of her home. Within a few months of receiving the RNS device, however, her seizures dropped from around five a day to one every few days. This has made a tremendous difference to her quality of life. After years of not doing so, Hader says she’s now able to leave her house and do activities she loves, like swimming and golfing. “Seizures are a profound burden on a person’s life and their ability to have relationships, work, and pursue education,” he says. “When you reduce the number of seizures, patients can go back to school and work, enjoy favourite activities, and develop meaningful relationships.” Hader says Calgary Health Foundation has been an “innovation kickstarter” with the RNS program, but more support is needed to ensure ready availability of RNS devices to Albertans who have no other treatment options. “By proving that RNS works and reduces costs — and that patients want the treatment and
5
have better outcomes — these are going to be huge selling points for RNS to be taken over by our public health system,” says Hader. “It’s about renewed hope.”
To support innovative projects like the
RNS CEP, scan the QR code or email fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
SNAPSHOTS OF SUCCESS Your donations in action
FUNDRAISING THAT BUILDS FUTURES (Listed chronologically) $61K
The fall 2025 fundraising campaign brought in nearly $61,000 from 290 donors . Because the appeal started in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Foundation chose to highlight the Breast Cancer Magnetic Localization Program, or Sentimag, an innovative project changing breast cancer surgery in Southern Alberta. Each of the campaign donors play a part in supporting groundbreaking healthcare projects This past Giving Tuesday (December 2025), through a gift match from an anonymous donor, over $132,000 was raised for endoscopic spine surgery equipment . Thanks to donor support, a new ultrasound system and three high-definition video monitor towers were purchased for use during ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery. $650K+ More than 2,000 Champions for Health monthly donors contributed over $650,000 last year, funding cutting-edge technology, innovative programs, and life-saving equipment. A special thank you to the monthly donors who joined the Monthly like Sentimag. $132K+ Matching Challenge from July to September 2025 — $30,000 was matched thanks to new sign-ups and increased monthly giving. $3.1M+ Last fiscal year, the Foundation received 32 legacy gifts — from estates and other
TRANSFORMING SPACES FOR BETTER CARE $1.1M+ Calgary Health Foundation partnered with local hockey legend Lanny McDonald this past holiday season to raise money for cardiac care and saw incredible results. Nearly 1,500 donors gave over $550,000 to support those who, like Lanny, have had a cardiac event. With all campaign gifts matched, over $1.1 million will support the redevelopment of cardiac catheterization labs at Foothills Medical Centre.
Lanny McDonald
INVESTING IN EQUIPMENT AND INNOVATION $6.4M+ From April 2025 to March 2026, over $6.4 million in donor support has funded 500-plus pieces of urgently needed equipment across Calgary acute-care hospitals, Carewest sites, and community health centres, meaning faster, safer, and more precise care. $1M Calgary Health Foundation committed to fundraising $1 million for Assisted Living Alberta for the expansion of specialized bariatric care services at Carewest Garrison Green and Carewest Sarcee. The investment will ensure that Albertans living with severe obesity receive long-term, continued rehabilitation and community discharge assistance.
6
planned-giving commitments — from community
members worth over $3.1 million . These gifts will support
innovative healthcare programs at Carewest, projects at acute-care hospitals, and medical advancements in our city.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
2025-2026 Charitable Disbursements $26,289,963
COMMUNITY IN ACTION (Listed chronologically) $239K
Calgary Health Foundation partnered with Mercedes-Benz Country Hills for the fifth annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Fashion Show on October 25, 2025. The theme, Into the Wild , saw the dealership transformed into a jungle-inspired runway with attendees donning their best wildlife-inspired threads. The event raised a record-breaking $239,000 for Calgary NICUs. $230K+ For nearly two decades, The Big Ball has been a gathering place for purpose, generosity, and community spirit — a tradition that has helped raise over $2 million since its inception. The 2026 ball was no exception, with incredible sponsors, donors, and volunteers coming out to support. Together, we raised more than $230,000 for healthcare. $33K Calgary Health Foundation was proud to once again partner with the Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Wheel — a cherished tradition for many to start their Mother’s Day. The 49th annual run took place on May 10, 2026, attracted 5,200 participants, and raised $33,000 , with proceeds going to support Calgary NICUs. $150K+ Each year, the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women not only helps build community but also supports women’s mental health. The 2026 event on June 20 was no different. The event raised over $150,000 by the 1,770 runners and walkers who participated. Proceeds from the run benefit the Calgary Eating Disorder Program and women’s mental health programs through Recovery Alberta. $80K+ A dedicated group of 100 golfers gathered on June 23, 2026, for the second annual Women’s Health Golf Tournament at Sirocco Golf Club.
Disbursements by type
54% $14,204,639 36% $9,448,897
Capital projects and equipment
Programs and education
8% 2%
$2,192,426 Research*
$444,001 Other institutions
Disbursements by location
7
Title sponsor, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd., hosted a putting competition while 24 more sponsors, 17 volunteers, and 11 hole activities made for a fun day on the course. The tournament raised over $80,000 , surpassing last year’s total. Through a matching gift, $160,000 will go toward improving access to the experts, technologies, and care women need to better their health. $58K The 13th annual Hearts vs. Minds Golf Tournament took place on July 16, 2026, and raised $58,000 in support of critical
Support our next 30 years of healthcare innovation. Become a Calgary Health Foundation donor:
82% $21,681,503
Acute care (hospitals)
8% 8% 2%
$1,972,033 Carewest and community
$2,192,426 Research*
$444,001 Other institutions
patient care and equipment needs for Foothills Medical Centre’s cardiac and neurosciences teams.
*Includes disbursements to the University of Calgary
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
When high-tech rings, smartwatches, and apps provide extensive data on many physiological levels, ranging from heart rate to calorie intake, it can be easy to lose awareness of your body’s natural cues. Pushing back against constant tracking and rigid, high-pressure health trends, gentle wellness is a holistic self-care philosophy that prioritizes intuition, self- compassion, and sustainable habits. EATING AND MOVING INTUITIVELY Instead of intensive workouts, strict diets, and tracking technology, gentle wellness encourages listening to your body to adapt movement and nutrition to your individual needs. Intuitive eating, an aspect of gentle wellness, swaps diet culture for a judgment-free, individualized approach to how we feed ourselves. “With the increased popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1s [prescription drugs that mimic a natural gut hormone to slow digestion and reduce appetite], there’s a lot of pressure for people to lose weight,” says local registered dietitian and intuitive eating counsellor Vincci Tsui. “Intuitive eating is about accepting your body in the here and now.” LET YOUR BODY GUIDE YOU TO WELLNESS Understanding gentle wellness, a self-care philosophy prioritizing intrinsic needs and self-compassion. by Alicia L’Archevêque
In practice, intuitive eating means using your body’s natural hunger, fullness, and satisfaction signals to decide when, what, and how much to eat. Similarly, intuitive movement means paying attention to your body’s energy and pain levels and letting them guide your exercise plan. By prioritizing rest without guilt, your body can better recover between workouts, which lends itself to a more sustainable exercise routine. “There are days when your energy is higher and you want to move your body more, and there are days when energy is lower and you want to move your body less,” says Geoff Starling, the founder of Calgary’s first hyper- inclusive fitness community, Every Body STRONGER — a space that empowers people of all sizes, ages, abilities, and identities to be physically active without judgment. By acknowledging how we’re feeling, we can prioritize more intense exercise on higher- energy days and not force workouts when our bodies are tired. This makes it more likely that we’ll feel better about exercising and keep doing it.
8
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
THREE WAYS TO INTEGRATE GENTLE WELLNESS
AVOID PUNITIVE LANGUAGE LIKE “CHEAT DAYS.” By reframing your outlook on necessary rest and enjoyment, the guilt surrounding doing or not doing certain activities can dissipate.
FOCUS ON THE PRESENT MOMENT. In her intuitive eating counselling work, Tsui
BE OPEN TO GUIDANCE FROM OTHERS. “Often we think, ‘If I just try hard enough on my own, I’ll do it,’ but we need a network,” says Starling. Prioritizing intuition and self-compassion in your wellness outlook can be a significant transition. Leaning on others, including experts, can make that journey a little easier.
asks, “How do you care for the body that you have now , versus the body that you’re wishing to have in the future, one that may not exist?”
GOING ANALOG Although tracking health metrics can offer useful insights, prioritizing numbers over your body's natural signals can ultimately cause more harm than good. “We are not machines, we are individuals,” says Tsui. “When you’re relying on a smartwatch or counting calories, you end up looking at these external cues instead of taking the time to attune to your own internal cues.” To register your body’s natural hunger cues, Tsui recommends a quick, pre-meal, body-scan meditation. Noticing differing sensations like hunger and fullness allows you to customize nutrition for your body’s needs, rather than blindly following a pre-determined diet. Starling also suggests more holistic ways to measure wellness. “Energy levels, sleep quality, ability to move with reduced pain,” he says. “These are real-world, genuine changes in someone's life.”
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE Tuning into intuitive movement and eating can be an adjustment, especially if you're used to relying on tracking technology or thinking intentionally about wellness for the first time. It may take a while to learn to hear what your body is saying and to respond accordingly.
9
Ultimately, it comes down to meeting yourself where you are and addressing the things that you can. “Self-compassion is so big — it’s remembering that we aren’t perfect, and that there’s so much of health that’s
actually outside of our control,” says Tsui. “Often, we’re doing the best we can.”
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
Dr. Roopinder Sandhu
AT THE HEART OF PROGRESS A new clinic, led by Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, offers specialized care to address women’s unique heart health needs. By Olivia Piché
10
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
I
n Canada, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, claiming a woman’s life every 16 minutes. Yet, women’s cardiovascular health is under-studied, under- recognized, under-diagnosed, and under- treated. Thankfully, things are changing. Historically, heart health research predominantly involved men, creating a gap in knowledge for women’s cardiovascular health. Now, we are beginning to understand that although women and men develop many of the same cardiovascular diseases, there are important differences in associated risk factors, presentation, disease mechanisms, and outcomes. “Recognizing those differences means that we’re able to more thoughtfully approach a woman with potential cardiovascular disease today than we were previously,” says cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, who is the director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative and Clinic. This shift comes thanks to those who champion women’s cardiovascular health, like Sandhu, and committed donors, including those who helped establish a new women’s cardiovascular health clinic in Calgary — the first of its kind in Alberta — and acquire a state- of-the-art piece of equipment dedicated to women’s heart health. Moving the needle forward The Harold and Betty Allsopp Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic is a pilot project aimed at increasing specialized cardiovascular care for women. The hope is that dedicated spaces like this will become the standard and not the exception. In order for such groundbreaking pilot projects to happen, funding is required. Thanks to donors Harold and Betty Allsopp, the clinic opened in January 2026. “Harold and Betty’s donation reflects a deep belief in the importance of women’s health and the commitment to ensuring future generations of women will have access to the highest quality of cardiovascular care,” says Sandhu, who is the clinic’s director. “It’s a generosity that’s going to be felt by thousands of women and their families for years to come.” Specialized and expedited cardiac care At the clinic, located at the South Health Campus, patients receive care from cardiac experts with an understanding of the latest
Reception area at the Harold and Betty Allsopp Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic.
evidence and research in women’s heart health. The centre serves women
“Empowering women to not dismiss their symptoms and to prioritize their health is one of the most important things that we can do.”
with specialized conditions, with a focus on arrhythmias, autonomic dysfunction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and microvascular disease. “This clinic provides an opportunity to address many of those cardiovascular conditions that disproportionately or more commonly affect women, and it provides them with comprehensive care with access to specialized experts,” says Sandhu. Patients come through referrals from family physicians or community cardiology partners. The clinic has also teamed up with two primary care networks in rural areas and community cardiologists who perform initial assessments and can refer patients if they meet certain criteria, like requiring tests to examine disease of the small vessels of the heart — something that can’t be done on a standard angiogram. By linking rural primary care with cardiology partners, the assessment process is expedited, with women often receiving an assessment within four to six weeks. In the coming year, the clinic’s referral program will expand to urgent care centres, emergency departments and other specialized providers where women may also be at higher
—Dr. Roopinder Sandhu
11
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
“Having a PET CT scanner that is focused on heart disease allows cardiac patients, in particular women, to have access to this testing.”
—Dr. Manish Joshi
can lead to heart attacks, and which occurs more commonly in women than men. In the near future, the clinic team will be able to send patients for PET CT scans at the Foothills Medical Centre, where a new space is currently under construction to house a new PET CT scanner, prioritized for women’s cardiac use. This critical service was spurred by the foresight and generosity of donor Leslie Bissett (see story on page 14). “Having a PET CT scanner that is focused on heart disease allows cardiac patients, in particular women, to have access to this testing,” explains Dr. Manish Joshi, a radiologist and head of the department of diagnostic imaging for Alberta Health Services - Calgary. “A PET CT scan will help to make or confirm microvascular disease diagnoses and avoid further testing which could be invasive and carry added risk.” women’s cardiovascular health,” adds Sandhu. “Her generosity will bring a critically needed diagnostic tool to our community — one that will directly improve patient outcomes and empower more women to live longer, healthier lives. This gift will have a lasting impact on our patients and their families.” Beyond treatment and services, the clinic aims to educate women on disease prevention and presentation, and increase awareness of the different ways women and men present. For example, women do not necessarily feel pain in the left arm or chest during a heart attack. Instead, symptoms may present as discomfort in the upper back, shoulders, neck, or jaw, or be as vague as indigestion, nausea, or trouble sleeping. “Empowering women to not dismiss their “I’m profoundly grateful for Leslie’s unwavering commitment to advancing
risk for developing cardiovascular disease. “We hope more access to the clinic will improve the number of women who get a diagnosis and can get on treatment, and that this would decrease unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations,” says Sandhu. A comprehensive approach One of the distinguishing factors of the clinic is its comprehensive services for patients. “There’s an understanding that it’s not just the heart that’s important in overall health,” says Sandhu. Sandhu and her team take a preventative and complete approach to care. Each woman receives a dedicated visit with a nurse practitioner to discuss and treat risk factors for heart disease in addition to seeing a heart doctor. Plus, dedicated registered dietitians advise on proper nutrition and psychologists address mental health factors. There’s also a social worker for help accessing medications or dealing with any impediments to care. “It’s really important that women are aware of risk factors for heart disease and which of these are modifiable so they can change them, because up to 80 per cent of cardiovascular risks can be addressed,” explains Sandhu. One piece of game-changing technology for women’s cardiac health is a positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET CT) scanner. Heart disease in women is particularly tricky to detect as it tends to appear in the heart’s smaller blood vessels. A PET CT scanner can image these tiny vessels by performing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). PET MPI is the gold standard for evaluating impaired blood flow in the heart’s smallest blood vessels that
12
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
become the standard. “A clinic like this shouldn’t be something that we consider optional,” says Sandhu. “It’s so important given the devastating statistics of women and cardiovascular disease. [It should be] a routine service that’s offered, and our clinic has the ability to impact that care, not just for women in Southern Alberta, but potentially beyond because of the expertise that exists here.” As research and education catch up to determine the best standards of care for women, it’s donor support that helps drive this progress — whether through specialized equipment, an innovative pilot project or general awareness; it all helps create meaningful change. Together, the new clinic and the PET CT scanner will help diagnose and treat more women with cardiovascular needs and ensure Albertans receive the best care possible — a testimony to donor impact. “These landmark gifts are going to advance specialized care, education, and innovation for women facing cardiovascular disease, and enable us to better understand the unique ways heart disease affects women, improve access to expert care, and, ultimately, save lives,” says Sandhu. Donor generosity advances care across Calgary
symptoms and to prioritize their health is one of the most important things that we can do,” says Sandhu. Donors who understand this mission, like Bissett and the Allsopps, are critical to moving women’s cardiovascular health initiatives forward. Cardiovascular Health Clinic has already received more than 400 referrals, with the majority coming from within Calgary. “The uptake has been really encouraging right from the beginning,” says Sandhu. “You can see that the need is there from a large part of the province, and I’m sure that this will increase as Benefiting Albertan women To date, the Harold and Betty Allsopp Women’s satisfaction rate, something Sandhu says is vital to the work. One hundred per cent of patients felt that they were treated with respect; between 85 and 90 per cent felt like they were encouraged to ask questions, received appropriate information, and felt they were involved in decision making; and 94 per cent said that they would recommend the clinic to someone important in their life. Sandhu says she’s already seen a positive effect in women’s cardiac health from the clinic, and she’s hopeful that the impact will become more and more evident throughout the three- year pilot. Ideally, this level of care should the awareness of our clinic improves.” Early indicators demonstrate a high
13
Inside the women’s cardiovascular health clinic.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
FROM THE HEART, FOR THE HEART Philanthropist Leslie Bissett helps Calgary women access improved cardiac care. By Olivia Piché | Photograph by Jared Sych Longtime philanthropist Leslie Bissett has always believed in the power of giving back. As a former teacher, she spent years supporting youth-focused initiatives, a reflection of her commitment to helping others and addressing needs in the community. When she developed an interest in healthcare, she took the same thoughtful approach, seeking out experts
and learning where philanthropy could have a meaningful impact. That journey led her to become a champion of women’s heart health. Bissett learned about the disparities women face in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Discussions with cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, who is the director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative and Clinic, highlighted another challenge: Calgary lacked dedicated equipment for diagnosing complex heart disease in women. This specialized technology would enable Calgary’s leading researchers and medical professionals to advance women’s cardiac research and care. Recognizing the opportunity to improve care, Bissett took action to remedy this situation. The transformative tool is called a positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET CT) scanner. The combined scanner takes images of the heart with the help of radioactive tracers — a camera detects the radiation and can identify various vascular issues. As women’s heart disease tends to occur in the heart’s smaller blood vessels, having PET CT scanning prioritized for women can make a big difference in women’s cardiac outcomes. Specifically, a PET CT scanner can perform imaging that looks for impaired blood flow in these vessels, which is more common in women than men. Giving where it counts Thanks to Bissett’s generosity, patients will soon have access to innovative cardiac imaging through Calgary’s first dedicated PET CT scanner for cardiology. Her $1.8 million donation not only helped fund the purchase of the equipment but also served as the catalyst for a new radiology space, currently under construction at Foothills Medical Centre. Through this gift, Bissett is helping to ensure women get the specialized cardiac care they need. “Calgary is very much taking the next steps toward making sure we provide cardiology services to any woman who needs it,” Bissett says. “I believe our efforts are going to make a huge impact on the level of cardiac services that are available to women.” Sandhu agrees. “Leslie’s generosity is an investment in the future of women’s heart health,” she says. “This gift will help us improve our ability to diagnose microvascular disease, provide the right care sooner, and ultimately improve the lives of women in our community.” And, this important initiative will serve the community for years to come. “Leslie’s support has planted a seed that will undoubtedly bear fruit for current and future generations,” says Dr. Manish Joshi, a radiologist and head of the department of diagnostic imaging for Alberta Health Services - Calgary. “The gift places a focus and lens on women’s cardiac health that is necessary and will undoubtedly help to catalyze similar programs across other diseases that affect women. Generosity is contagious, and this gift will inspire others to make small contributions to very large contributions such as this.”
14
Leslie Bissett
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
CARING AND
Betty and Harold Allsopp
COMMUNITY Lived experiences help shape Harold and Betty Allsopps’ philanthropy. By Colleen Seto | Photograph by Jared Sych Harold and Betty Allsopp have travelled the world, but for the past 40 years, they’ve called Calgary home. Part of their time has been spent taking part in philanthropic endeavours that hold meaning for them. “If you have the means, it’s easy to make that decision to give back,” says Harold. “Some of the projects that we’ve been involved in match with what we’ve experienced.” That’s the case with the Harold and Betty Allsopp Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic at South Health Campus. Facilitated by a generous $5 million gift from the Harold and Betty Allsopp Fund at Calgary Foundation, the new centre is poised to transform heart care for women so they can live longer, fuller lives. Betty, who survived breast cancer, lives with serious cardiac issues stemming from her cancer treatment. “Women’s heart health is something that’s very important to me especially because we are very different from men in [how we experience] our heart issues and the way that we have to be treated for our heart ailments,” she says. Supporting the women’s cardiovascular clinic “directly relates to her experience with her cancer and cardiology events,” affirms Harold. The integrative clinic is designed to expand cardiovascular services and provide tailored care to women. Its overarching goal is to save more women’s lives through prevention, improved diagnosis, early intervention, and effective, coordinated treatment of cardiovascular conditions. “When people like Harold and Betty donate, it’s more than just a contribution; it’s a legacy,” says Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative and Clinic. “The clinic will deliver critical, multidisciplinary, team- based cardiovascular care that addresses cardiovascular conditions more prevalent in, or disproportionately affecting, women.” Learning about causes to support When the clinic was first introduced to the Allsopps by Calgary Health Foundation, it “resonated with our experience and Dr. Sandhu’s team was so excited about the project,”
says Betty. “They are so enthusiastic that you can’t help but be enthusiastic, too.” “The Foundation has the knowledge and exposed us to new projects,” adds Harold. “It plays a big role in identifying what’s out there and is a vehicle we trust for giving.” The Allsopps hope that the pilot clinic will help transform women’s healthcare. “I hope from the clinical side that this kind of ‘one-stop shopping’ will be helpful as opposed to having to go here and there,” says Harold. “I wish we’d had that [for Betty]. We were surprised at the number of disciplines that were just involved in the clinical side of it. And there’s the research too — to learn more about the differences between men’s and women’s heart issues.” The clinic will engage in cutting-edge research to answer the many questions regarding testing for and treatment of women’s cardiovascular conditions. Ultimately, for the Allsopps, it all boils down to feeling cared for and caring for others. “I have a great cardiologist and nurses, too,” says Betty. “They’re just so wonderful and helpful, but many people don’t have that. Some don’t even have a doctor. You have to care about others. We’ve been blessed, so we want to help others with our blessings.”
15
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
Melissa Redlich
For 40 years, Melissa Redlich has been a steady and compassionate presence in Calgary’s intensive care community. Her career is defined by dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to care. Redlich began her career in postpartum and labour and delivery. But when the new ICU opened at Rockyview in 1985, she took a chance and applied. “As soon as I got into the ICU, I realized that I loved it,” she recalls. “I felt so privileged to look after patients and families at some of the hardest points in their lives — and perhaps be that one person who makes a difference, even if HERO IN HEALTH: MELISSA REDLICH Manager of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit at Rockyview General Hospital By Kendra Horosko
“The last few years have been hard in healthcare, but people show up every single day with the best part of themselves to care for patients. I’m honoured to be recognized, but I see it as a shared honour — none of us does this work alone.”
it’s just offering a quick hug or explaining what’s happening to a loved one.” That sense of purpose became her lifelong calling. Over the years, Redlich has worked in nearly every ICU in Calgary, serving as both an educator and a manager. She’s witnessed remarkable advances in care and countless stories of survival, resilience, and hope. For Redlich, the best part of her job is supporting her staff. “My job is to support them to do the amazing work they do on the front lines,” she says. “I feel blessed that I still get to interact with families and be part of that
hero in health, really,” she says. “The last few years have been hard in healthcare, but people show up every single day with the best part of themselves to care for patients. I’m honoured to be recognized, but I see it as a shared honour — none of us does this work alone.” When asked about donations to Calgary Health Foundation, Redlich expresses much gratitude. “It’s a very thoughtful gift — and it is truly a gift,” she says. “You may never know how many lives you’ve touched, Donate and recognize your Hero in Health today.
16
how many people were supported, or how one piece of equipment changed the trajectory of someone’s care. Every little bit counts, and together, it all makes the system better.
—Melissa Redlich
journey through critical care — and to see some of our patients come in at the brink of death, then walk or be wheeled out the door, knowing we had a role in that. It’s an incredible feeling. “Being in critical care has been a great profession and a very rewarding one,” she adds. “I have a fabulous team. I love coming to work every day because of them and the hard work they do, and seeing how passionate they are about this work.” Recently recognized as a Hero in Health, an initiative that encourages patients and their families to give back in thanks for the extraordinary care they’ve received, Redlich finds the recognition deeply humbling. “I’ve worked with some amazing people, so each and every one of us is a
Heroes in Health invites donations to Calgary Health Foundation from patients in thanks for the care they’ve received and to also acknowledge their healthcare heroes.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
PILOTING INVESTMENT FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE CARE By Kimberley McNeil When Wayne Foo learned of an advanced care pilot program for Parkinson’s disease (PD), he discussed it with his wife, who had been was suddenly faced with overwhelming questions: Would he walk again? Could he continue to work? “I spent 45 years in dentistry and wasn’t even thinking about retirement,” he says of his private dental practice in Calgary. His cardiac journey began while he was out on a long walk and became short of breath. At the hospital, it was discovered that his heart rate was at 200 beats per minute, more than twice the average for a healthy adult. REHABILITATIVE CARE RESTORES QUALITY OF LIFE As told to Samara Sinclair, program director of communications & marketing, Carewest As though undergoing open-heart surgery isn’t unnerving enough, when John Tamminen woke from his procedure in December 2025, he couldn’t move the left side of his body. John had experienced a stroke. He
John received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, a device that acts as both a pacemaker and defibrillator, to control his heart rate and rhythm. A year later, his healthcare team discovered a hole in his heart. The surgery to fix it was only moderately successful. When his tricuspid valve was also found to be leaking, John went for open-heart surgery. It was after that surgery that the stroke occurred. To rehabilitate post-surgery, he was transferred to the Neuro-
John Tamminen
To support caregivers and patients like Wayne, his wife, and John, and to give toward projects like ACT-PD, contact fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca. “For us, this has been an opportunity to try and build capacity within the [health] system,” says Wayne. “We can contribute to a local program for which the care is better than we would find elsewhere. I give where I live.” He adds, “If you know somebody who has had PD and struggled with finding the right support, this is an opportunity to make a contribution, however small, to the future of PD care.” diagnosed with the disease. Their first question was one of semantics. Was the pilot for advanced PD or was it advanced care for PD? Turns out, it’s both. The Advanced Care Team for Parkinson’s Disease, or ACT-PD, is run by a multidisciplinary team of specialists — including neurologists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and a spiritual advisor — providing advanced care for people affected by advanced PD and other complex movement disorders and their care partners. Launched in October 2022 by Dr. Veronica Bruno, the program has, so far, helped over 192 participants and 100 care partners, including the Foos. What struck Wayne the most was that the program focused as much on the caregiver as it did on the patient. “The idea that the program addresses more than the physical concerns of the disease, but also on the relationship between the patient and their caregivers, and the caregivers themselves was significant to me,” he says. Wayne also points out that this advanced PD care wouldn't be possible without early investment. Rehabilitation Unit at Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning. For the next four-plus months, he worked closely with staff to regain his ability to walk, weight transfer, build strength, and learn how to navigate the world post-stroke. “There was therapy every day,” he says. “That’s why I improved. The staff were very good.” The excellent care he received inspired John to donate through Calgary Health Foundation. “You can see the need,” he says. “I built a career on helping people. I hope this donation will help a lot more people in the future.”
17
Wayne Foo
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
Visiting an emergency department can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. There’s constant movement, loud noises, and bright lights. Often, visitors are there for hours — even days — at a time. For seniors in particular, this can be a lot of physical and mental stress. That’s why Dr. Margaret McGillivray is working to improve the emergency department (ED) experience for seniors. McGillivray is an emergency physician and the geriatric emergency medicine lead for the Calgary Zone at South Health Campus. She’s also the co-lead behind an innovative and much-needed addition to its ED: a geriatric emergency pod. Named for the generous support of Jay Westman, Diana Joseph, and The Westman Charitable Foundation, the Westman Family Seniors’ Emergency Pod will transform how seniors receive emergency care. “The Westman Family Seniors’ Emergency Pod is being intentionally designed with A FIRST IN ALBERTA The pod concept — where sections of the ED are designated for patients with specific health concerns — is unique. South Health Campus already has four pods appointed for specific areas of care, like pediatrics and psychiatry, and will be the first Alberta hospital to offer a geriatric-specific pod in an ED. This pod is critical as South Health Campus ED has seen a growing number of senior patients, increasing by 47 per cent since 2014. And as more hospitals experience overcrowding, older adults are spending more hours waiting specific, innovative enhancements to improve care delivered to older patients,” explains McGillivray. A SENIOR- FRIENDLY EMERGENCY SPACE An innovative new geriatric emergency pod will deliver improved care and comfort for seniors. By Karin Olafson
in an ED, increasing the risk of complications like delirium, a change in mental function causing confusion, disorientation, and trouble focusing. “Studies have reported one in eight older adults who spend even eight hours in the ED can develop delirium, which increases risk of a prolonged hospital stay, increases mortality risk, and can lead to further cognitive decline,”
says McGillivray. “We really want to prevent this from happening as much as we can.”
Dr. Margaret McGillivray
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN TO ACCOMMODATE SENIORS
The Westman Family Seniors’ Emergency Pod, made possible as part of Calgary Health Foundation’s current fundraising efforts, will be designed to improve the ED experience for seniors and prevent complications. The pod will have non-skid, non-reflective flooring to reduce fall risk; clutter will be limited, encouraging seniors to move safely around; and it will feature six comfortable, heated chairs in a semi-private space for seniors waiting for test results. Additionally, much of the pod’s design is focused on comfort and calm. “While there is no natural light in exam rooms in the ER, each patient room in the seniors’ pod will have circadian lighting to prevent day- night reversal, thereby reducing the risk of delirium and improving patient comfort and orientation,” says McGillivray. A skylight feature in the main area of the pod will also create a natural and more expansive feel to the space. Plans also include recreational therapy equipment, like sensory tiles, to aid individuals with dementia, and geriatric-specific education and orientation for all healthcare providers rotating through the pod. “Designing this pod and intentionally modifying what we can to reduce the risk of seniors developing delirium will have a significant impact on this patient population,” says McGillivray. “By offering an appropriate environment that's been thoughtfully designed to meet geriatric patients' needs, and by training our staff to be able to optimize their communication with patients living with dementia, we will be able to improve care.” The geriatric emergency pod is expected to begin delivering this specialized care for seniors by the summer of 2027.
18
To support enhanced care through the Westman Family Seniors’ Emergency Pod, email fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
For today and for what’s next | givehealth.ca
Every senior deserves better emergency care Help fund a new model of emergency care for seniors, one of the rst in Western Canada.
Scan to donate toward the Westman Family Seniors’ Emergency Pod
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