Breakthroughs | Spring 2026

In this special edition, you'll celebrate 30 years of healthcare excellence for Calgary Health Foundation's 30th anniversary!

INNOVATION Improving recovery after a brain emergency HEALTH CHECK Helping others keeps you healthier and happier MORE FIRSTS Genetic screening for a disease-free future

30 YEARS OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE

Philanthropist Ann McCaig on the power of collaborative giving

CEO’S MESSAGE

Spring 2026

PUBLISHED FOR Calgary Health Foundation

This year marks 30 years of impact for Calgary Health Foundation. It is a milestone that invites reflection and builds momentum. As Calgary continues to grow, demand on our healthcare system continues to rise. Over the past three decades, our community has shown that growth does not have to mean compromise. It can also be an opportunity to raise standards, accelerate innovation, and continuously improve the care we deliver. Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system is one of our country’s greatest achievements. It ensures access and provides the

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 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

underpinning for care across the province. But access alone has never defined healthcare excellence. Progress depends on our ability to accelerate innovation and translate new ideas into real-world care that improves health outcomes. That is where philanthropy plays a defining role. For three decades, Calgary Health Foundation donors have helped establish a higher standard of excellence in healthcare. Public funding keeps the system operating. Philanthropy provides the margin of excellence — where promising ideas can be tested, refined, and implemented sooner, then scaled to benefit more patients. That impact is visible across healthcare in our city. With support from Calgary Health Foundation donors, philanthropy enabled the first endoscopic spine surgery in Western Canada, allowing surgeons to operate through incisions as small as six millimetres. Patients now walk out the same day, improving recovery while freeing up hospital beds. Donors also made possible a $5 million investment to create Calgary’s biggest and most modern comprehensive women’s health centre, bringing specialized services together to improve access, coordination, and patient outcomes. Another donor-supported initiative, the Sentimag pilot project, is transforming breast cancer surgery by replacing painful hook wires and radioactive injections with safe tiny markers that improve surgical precision and reduce patient anxiety. Those are just a few of the many examples showcased in this issue of Breakthroughs . For three decades, Calgary Health Foundation donors have helped innovation move from possibility to practice, setting new standards that strengthen the entire system. As demand continues to grow, the pace of improvement matters. Patients cannot wait. Innovation cannot stall. Healthcare excellence has always emerged through collaboration, public commitment, medical expertise, and philanthropy. I invite you to join us as we build on the last 30 years and shape what healthcare excellence looks like for the next generation.

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Cowan PHOTOGRAPHER Jared Sych CONTRIBUTORS

Kendra Horosko, Kimberley McNeil, Mateusz Napieralski, Ashley Oakley, Karin Olafson, Olivia Piché CEO, CO-OWNER Roger Jewett PRESIDENT, CO-OWNER

Käthe Lemon DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & CONTENT Meredith Bailey

Paul Rossmann

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CONTENTS

04 Inspire Ann McCaig shares insights from her 30-year legacy of supporting healthcare. 05 Impact

Your donations in action. 06 Health Check Learn how the gift of giving improves your health and happiness. 08 Innovation The Neurocritical Care Expansion Project improves recovery after brain emergencies. 09 30 Years of Calgary Health Foundation How the incredible generosity of donors has fuelled transformational contributions to healthcare across the city.

14 Giving Back Calgary Health Foundation donors share their stories of resilience and gratitude. 16 Heroes in Health How the Heroes in Health program makes a difference. 18 More Firsts PreventGene, a precision genomics project, can lead to a disease-free future.

On the Cover: Ann McCaig Photo by Jared Sych

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“You don’t have a vibrant community unless you’re willing to help it become vibrant,” says Ann McCaig, chair emeritus of Calgary Health Foundation. “If you want things in your community, you’ve just got to get to work.” That’s exactly what she and her late husband Bud McCaig aimed to do when it came to healthcare. Before 1996, Calgary hospitals, continuing care, and community health centres were supported by individual health foundations. Bud, then-chair of the Calgary Regional Health Authority, was tasked with restructuring the healthcare system, and he saw an opportunity to make the greatest impact by consolidating the foundations. A UNITED HEALTHCARE MISSION Over the next few years, Bud helped bring together six foundations via the Calgary Health Trust (which later became Calgary Health Foundation). That paved the way for donors to join in a greater city-wide healthcare mission. Because of the incredible donor support for this pioneering idea, over $650 million has been raised over 30 years to revolutionize health outcomes. “He took it on as a business problem and he solved it,” Ann explains. “And the whole province was very grateful to Bud.” Today, Ann and fellow dedicated philanthropists continue to support healthcare. “We’re very committed to healthcare,” she says. “And in Calgary, we have this wonderful medical system. I’m a perfect example. I was in the hospital recently. The care I received was exceptional. We have something to be proud of. That’s what all the people who donate to Calgary Health Foundation want: excellence in healthcare.” 30 YEARS OF SUPPORTING EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE Philanthropist Ann McCaig on the power of collaborative giving. By Colleen Seto | Photograph by Jared Sych

“That’s what all the people who donate to Calgary Health Foundation want: excellence in healthcare.” —Ann McCaig

A HEALTHY FUTURE FOR CALGARIANS As a health advocate, Ann firmly believes in Calgary Health Foundation’s important work. “We’re funding a lot of things, and it’s a huge responsibility. So many people rely on the Foundation for their funding. Look how we’ve grown and look at the people we’ve helped. I can’t imagine if you tried to put a number on the people who have been served by Calgary Health Foundation.” Calgary Health Foundation’s accomplishments demonstrate the breadth and reach of its unique model. It touches all aspects of healthcare delivery — including advances in breast cancer surgery and minimally invasive spine and cardiac surgery, major renovations of neonatal intensive care units, specialty Emergency Department pods, an endoscopy clinic, cardiac catheterization labs, and improved efficiencies in care models. It also collaborates with Alberta Health Services and public health authorities to meet the diverse needs of people across the city and throughout Southern Alberta. And it’s well-positioned to continue that work for another 30 years. “Bud felt we all had a responsibility to do what we could to make the community the very best it could be,” says Ann. Calgary Health Foundation continues that legacy.

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MAJOR IMPACT Highlights from

A COMMUNITY-POWERED CAMPAIGN FOR OUR LITTLEST PATIENTS The $66 million Newborns Need campaign led by Calgary Health Foundation united donors around projects to support local families, including a bold vision: a new 55-bed, leading- edge Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) . Community generosity contributed $45 million to the

new NICU, which was leveraged alongside support from Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta.

Beyond the Level III NICU, the Newborns Need campaign

AN INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE MODEL BRINGS FOCUSED TREATMENT UNDER ONE ROOF The opening of the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology in 2010 marked a first in Canada: a comprehensive, patient-centred institute dedicated to urological care. Treating more than 6,000 patients each month for conditions including prostate cancer, kidney stones and urinary tract disorders, the institute was made possible thanks to a $10 million cornerstone gift from Daryl (Doc) Seaman and W. Brett Wilson, along with $15 million from other generous community donors. Together, these gifts created a centralized model of care that improves team coordination, efficiency, and the patient experience. our region’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients will receive specialized care in a purpose-built space for their complex needs, giving families hope during scary and uncertain times. also raised money for other infrastructure projects, the expansion and development of newborn and family resources, family-centred care initiatives, and clinical research and education. Because of this campaign, which concluded in May 2022 with a monumental $10 million pledge from the Taylor Family Foundation ,

of Calgary Health Foundation donors.

BOLSTERING WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE In partnership with the Government of Alberta, Calgary Health Foundation secured a $10 million investment to advance women’s health initiatives — expanding access to specialized services, strengthening preventative care, and supporting innovative research shaped by priorities identified by women themselves. This momentum led to the launch of the annual Women’s Health Symposium , creating a platform to share knowledge in an area that has historically been misunderstood. Corporate partnerships have also played a vital role in advancing care. A $5 million gift from Suncor in early 2026 established the Suncor Women’s Health Centre at Foothills Medical Centre. The largest corporate donation in Calgary Health Foundation history, the transformational investment will help modernize and integrate services to better meet the unique and evolving needs of women across our region.

A COMBINED EFFORT LEADS TO 30 YEARS OF HEALTHCARE ADVANCEMENT In 1996, six individual foundations came together to form Calgary Health Trust — what would become Calgary Health Foundation in 2020. This amalgamation marked the beginning of a powerful collective effort, rooted in the belief that when a community unites around healthcare, extraordinary things are possible. That spirit of collaboration continues to define the Foundation today and guides everything it does. Read on for highlights of the impact donors like you have made over the past 30 years.

Support the next 30 years of healthcare innovation. Become a Calgary Health Foundation donor:

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There’s no doubt that giving benefits the recipient. But it can be advantageous for the one giving, too. Simply put: giving is good for you. It’s been shown to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, increase feel-good chemicals, and make you happy. Keith Dobson, professor emeritus of clinical psychology at the University of Calgary and a consultant for the Opening Minds program at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, says it’s a natural part of being human. “Humans are social animals, and as social animals, being part of a connected network and feeling that you can contribute to that network is critical, not just for your individual well-being, but for the well-being of all humans,” he says. THE BUCKETS OF GIVING When it comes to giving, it can take many forms — think volunteering, donating money or goods, or bringing a loaf of banana bread to neighbours. Dobson breaks it into three categories. 1. SOCIAL SUPPORT While all types of giving offer health and well-being benefits, some are more studied than others. “Social support is the one that's been given the most attention,” says Dobson. Examples of social support include giving someone information or directions, listening to a friend in need, and volunteering. Studies have shown that mortality risk is significantly reduced in those who provide support to loved ones. Volunteering can decrease the incidence of elevated blood pressure, lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, which, in turn, can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and general illness. THE GOOD OF GIVING Helping others helps you live a longer, happier life. By Olivia Piché | Illustrations by Mateusz Napieralski

2. PHYSICAL SUPPORT “The benefits of giving physical support, like mowing someone’s lawn or helping a friend move, are closely linked to a sense of community and purpose,” says Dobson. Just as volunteering does, physical support offers opportunities for social connection, which can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. It’s also a way of doing something active, which contributes to better physical health. 3. SYMBOLIC SUPPORT Symbolic support, such as making a donation or writing someone a letter, also offers a variety of benefits, including better self- esteem. Giving your time to civic engagement and participation in collective action, such as rallies, can boost mental health. And studies have shown that making a financial donation sparks brain activity similar to that of engaging in pleasurable or rewarding activities. No matter how you give, you can get a little something back as well, making giving the ultimate win/win. “Giving is a very complex construct, but Feel good by giving to programs that support healthcare.

in general, what we know is that people who give — in whatever form — feel better,” affirms Dobson.

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THREE TIPS FOR DOING GOOD AND FEELING GOOD

INTENTION MATTERS A “helper’s high” is strongest when the cause aligns with your values. While it doesn’t matter what kind of giving you do, the intention behind it does. Find a cause close to your heart, or even someone you know personally who’s in need, and choose to give them your time, money, or energy. Those who give because they want to, rather than because they are told to, report being happier.

MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Social connections made through giving increase longevity, boost your immune system, help you recover from disease, and more. Feelings of connection and community are also linked to wanting to give more. Be open-minded to new connections and over time, you can build strong relationships and a sense of community.

LOW-COST HAPPINESS You don’t have to make big donations of time or money to reap the health benefits of giving. Start small. Volunteer a few hours a month. Or skip your latte and make a small monthly donation to your favourite charity. A University of British Columbia study found that those who gave even $5 to others, rather than keeping it for themselves, felt happier. So even a small amount can help and make you feel good.

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Dr. Julie Kromm

“These disorders don't discriminate,” says Kromm. They affect people of all ages, sexes, races, and geographic locations. They also make up 20 per cent of intensive care unit admissions in Calgary and Southern Alberta. In 2023, Kromm and her team received funding from Calgary Health Foundation for the Neurocritical Care Expansion Project, aimed at advancing clinical care, research, and education. The project has already positioned Calgary as an internationally recognized leader in neurocritical care and saved lives along the way. IMPROVED PATIENT CARE New equipment purchased through the funding means improved care for patients. With new ultrasound machines, Kromm’s team of neurointensivists can perform specialized and necessary procedures in a safe manner. New electroencephalogram (EEG) machines help manage patients with uncontrollable seizures. Other equipment helps track patients’ response to their brain injuries and treatment interventions, facilitating individualized care instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Being able to provide this improved neurocritical care can make all the difference for patients. Kromm recalls when a teenager came into her care with a severe traumatic brain injury after a ski accident. He was in a comatose state. The specialized neuro monitors allowed them to constantly assess and adjust their interventions to ensure his brain had the best chance of healing. “Without that neuromonitoring, this young man would have continued to experience high pressures in his brain causing ongoing injury and worsening his chances of getting back to the person he was before,” explains Kromm. “Thankfully, the patient recovered well and is now back home with family, thriving at school, and competing in high-level sports competitions.” Despite how dire his condition was, the neurocritical interventions this patient received made it possible for him to not only survive his injuries but fully recover from them. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION Through collaborative studies with other teams, Kromm and her team have helped identify new hemoglobin levels that help ensure sufficient oxygen to the brain in patients with life-threatening brain disorders. Before this, target levels were based on studies that didn’t include this patient group. The program’s research also focuses on neurocritical patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, a leading cause of severe, acute brain injury due to oxygen deprivation, to determine the best way to individualize their care. In 2021, the project established a world-class fellowship program to train the next generation of neurointensivists. Now, with a steady stream of fellows, Kromm’s team has shifted to creating education for frontline healthcare workers to share the most advanced knowledge and skills for the care of neurocritical patients. “I truly hope that in the coming years, with the ongoing advancement of the program, we’ll have a trickle-down effect, or even a tidal wave, that spreads worldwide and helps establish other neurocritical care units,” says Kromm. “My biggest hope is that everything we do, whether it’s clinical work, education, or research, gets more patients back home doing what they love with the people they love.”

Life-threatening brain disorders, such as traumatic brain injuries, bleeds, infections, stroke, and seizures, can be devastating, both for patients and their families. They require immediate emergency care as they often cause rapid, severe cognitive and/or physical decline. Dr. Julie Kromm leads the development of an advanced neurocritical care program in Calgary, helping patients with life-threatening neurological disorders get back to normal life. “Neurocritical care is the first link in the chain of survival and recovery for those patients,” says Kromm. This care provides specialized treatment for patients with life-threatening brain disorders. IMPROVING RECOVERY AFTER A BRAIN EMERGENCY Advanced neurocritical care means patients are more likely to return to their normal lives. By Olivia Piché

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30 YEARS OF CALGARY HEALTH FOUNDATION Over the past three decades, the incredible generosity of donors has made it possible for Calgary Health Foundation to make a transformational difference to healthcare facilities, equipment, accessibility, and research across the city. Together with partners, volunteers, staff, and advocates, the Foundation has — and will continue to — keep Calgary as a leader in healthcare, ensuring that patients receive excellent care. Here are highlights of notable achievements from the last 30 years along with a peek at what’s on the horizon.

TRANSFORMED SPACES FOR BETTER CARE

A centre for specialized care for those with vascular disease at Peter Lougheed Centre // Established through a $1 million gift from Dr. Mark Zivot, the Zivot Limb Preservation Centre (ZLPC) is a state-of-the-art diagnostic and vascular assessment and treatment centre for individuals at risk of limb loss. The ZLPC has been instrumental in reducing limb amputations in southern Alberta for 20 years. The ZLPC focuses on the advancement of vascular and diabetic foot disease care, education, and research.

Renovation of a state-of-the- art cardiac catheterization (cath) lab at Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) // Serving Southern Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, the cath labs at FMC provide life-saving cardiac procedures every day. In the case of a massive heart attack, blood flow to the heart can be restored within 30 minutes, transforming what could be a fatal event into a survivable one. Donor support ensures cath labs are equipped to deliver that level of urgent, expert care with one cath lab renovation completed in 2023. Fundraising to renovate a second outdated cath lab is currently underway.

A new Pediatric Emergency Pod at South Health Campus (SHC) // In 2019, the SHC emergency department cared for 25 per cent of Calgary’s daily pediatric emergency patients. The opening of a specialized pediatric pod meant young patients had a dedicated space where they could receive tailored care. With nine committed beds complete with child-friendly murals, the pod sees approximately 12,000 children each year, offering them and their families a calm space — away from the flurry of the emergency room environment.

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The redevelopment of the Klassen Bellusci Precision Kidney Clinic at Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre // This complex multidisciplinary space is designed to meet the growing needs of patients with glomerulonephritis, an autoimmune kidney disease. Patients receive leading-edge treatments for the timely diagnosis, prediction, and prevention of kidney disease. With therapy, testing, and monitoring delivered in a coordinated setting, patients experience fewer side effects, reduced toxicity and, in many cases, fewer hospital visits. By 2030, the clinic is expected to accommodate approximately 1,800 direct visits annually — a three-fold increase.

The Advanced Interventional Radiology Treatment Centre at FMC // In February 2024, the Foundation approved funding for a two- year project with Alberta Health Services that uses interventional radiology (IR) — medical imaging to diagnose and treat diverse health issues. The centre will increase the capacity of minimally invasive procedures and decrease hospital admissions. Patients undergoing IR can return to their lives quicker than if surgery were needed, enhancing patient care. The Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit opened at Rockyview General Hospital // Thanks to $10 million in generous donations, this purpose-built space allows 4,000 additional endoscopies to be performed annually, giving more patients access to non-surgical diagnostic and treatment options. For individuals facing gastrointestinal or respiratory concerns, including cancer, this means shorter wait times and earlier diagnosis and treatment.

GROUNDBREAKING EQUIPMENT AND INNOVATION

The Interventional Trauma Operating

Room (ITOR) at FMC // Only the second of its kind

in the world when it opened in 2013, the

ITOR combines advanced imaging technology and a fully equipped operating suite in one space, transforming how trauma care is delivered. The impact has been profound — it’s estimated that the ITOR has saved a life every month, including patients who likely would not have survived otherwise.

Dr. Chad Ball

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The da Vinci surgical robot entered Rocky General Hospital’s operating room in 2010 // Integrating da Vinci technology allowed surgeons to perform delicate and complex procedures with enhanced precision and control. For patients undergoing difficult surgeries, robotic-assisted procedures mean fewer complications, smaller incisions, and faster recoveries.

Alberta’s first Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) program at Rockyview General Hospital // For patients with enlarged prostates who have trouble urinating, the minimally invasive HoLEP procedure uses a laser to remove overgrown tissue through the urethra. HoLEP requires no external incision and carries lower risk than many traditional surgical approaches. As demand for this effective treatment has grown, donor support in 2025 allowed for the purchase of a second laser. This ensures more patients can access timely care and avoid prolonged discomfort or complications. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy program // rTMS is a non-invasive, evidence-based option for individuals with treatment- resistant depression who do not respond to medication. rTMS offers new hope by using targeted magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells and improve symptoms. When demand quickly outpaced capacity, donors stepped forward to expand the program. Dedicated treatment spaces at both Rockyview General Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre were created so more patients living with severe depression could access rTMS therapy to reclaim their quality of life.

A commitment to fundraise $3.5 million to establish the Mitral Valve Interventions Program (MVIP) // This program brings new, minimally invasive procedural options to patients who once required open- heart surgery. Nearly 2,000 patients undergo cardiac surgery in Calgary each year. Some of these patients now have a less-invasive option thanks to the MVIP. Using advanced heart-valve technologies, local surgeons can now reduce surgical trauma, shorten recovery times, and improve outcomes for patients with complex heart conditions.

The Magnetic Localization (Sentimag) Program // A three-year collaboration between Calgary Health Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation, this pilot project is dramatically improving the way women in Calgary undergo breast-preserving cancer surgery. Convincing results and strong support meant that in 2025, the use of Magseeds became the new standard of care in the province, eliminating the traditional use of invasive hook wires for tumour marking.

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Ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery through the Calgary Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Research, and Advancement (CESSRA) Program // CESSRA aims to reduce the impact of spine surgery on patients by discharging earlier, lowering postoperative pain and opioid use, and helping them experience a faster return to their lives. CESSRA has achieved three notable firsts: In January 2025, the team performed the first endoscopic spinal surgery in Western Canada. Since then, over 80 patients have benefitted from the procedure. In September 2025, the team performed Canada’s first endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. This ultra- minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to address the source of pain without disrupting surrounding anatomy. Then in January 2026, the team performed TLIF as an outpatient procedure. Patients can now go home on the same day as surgery, compared to staying in hospital for an average of three days following traditional back surgery. Prior to the CESSRA Program, there were no surgeons performing endoscopic spine surgeries in Alberta. Albertans are now able to receive endoscopic spine surgery from four surgeons at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Dr. Michael Yang

COMMUNITY GAME CHANGERS

Reach! Calgary Health Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign // Formed in partnership with the University of Calgary and what was formerly Calgary Health Region, this unique partnership brought together two separate, and often competing, fundraising organizations towards one great vision. Publicly launched in October 2005 with a total fundraising goal of $300 million, the three-year campaign focused on approximately 100 projects spanning research, education, patient care, public health, and wellness.

Renovation of the Elbow River Healing Lodge at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre // The healing lodge brought a culturally grounded space to the city, one that makes healthcare accessible and welcoming to Indigenous peoples. The redesigned environment mimics a teepee and incorporates culturally conscious care and access to ancestral wellness practices — a critical step to ensuring a healthcare system where Indigenous patients feel seen, respected, and supported. Serving approximately 1,700 Indigenous patients, the lodge is Calgary’s only Indigenous- focused primary care clinic.

Music therapy at the city’s acute care hospitals and Carewest locations // Music

therapy plays a significant role in enhancing physical health by promoting healing, managing pain, and improving overall well-being. On average,

nearly 4,000 music therapy sessions are provided each year.

The Bob Glasgow Grief Support Centre at the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre // Named in honour of Reverend Bob Glasgow, who dedicated his life to connecting people during their grief, the Centre was established through a community investment of $625,000 and has become recognized as a centre of excellence in bereavement care. Over the past five years alone, nearly 14,000 individual sessions have been provided, with close to 700 clients participating in nearly 80 support groups. Ongoing donor support ensures individuals and families navigating profound loss have access to compassionate, specialized care when they need it most. The Centre’s team also conducts research into the grieving process to improve care for future participants.

Reverend Bob Glasgow

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Donors raised more than $1 million through the Close to Home campaign // A joint initiative between Calgary Health Foundation and Carewest, the campaign aimed to create more comfortable, homelike settings for Carewest residents. From new music therapy programs to lighting that mimics natural daylight, the enhancements have transformed Carewest’s long-term care facilities into homes that promote comfort, dignity, and connection. Calgary Refugee Health Clinic // With the restructuring of Alberta’s health system, the clinic was facing a funding gap in 2025 that threatened its operations. Over $550,000 was directed to support the clinic, made possible thanks to corporate and community donors, including contributions from TD Bank and Calgary Foundation. This means the clinic can stay open, continuing to serve over 2,500 refugees each year.

REVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH

P3 Cohort: Prediction, Prevention, and interventions for Preterm birth // This 2021 research project addressed the critical need to develop innovative solutions to reduce the healthcare and societal burden of preterm births. It recruited nearly 3,000 preterm neonatal participants and their families for a longitudinal study. Preterm birth is a significant cause of neonatal death, brain injury, and disability, and the main determinant of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The information derived from this initiative informs care improvements and helps predict developmental trajectories for preterm infants, preparing families for their child’s care requirements. Want to learn about another project poised to change the future of healthcare? Turn to page 18 to read about PreventGene, the future of disease diagnosis using our genes.

A state-of-the- art biplane fluoroscopy system at FMC // Work is underway to bring world-class imaging technology to our city. Designed to support minimally invasive procedures, biplane fluoroscopy offers real- time, high-resolution

Calgary Epilepsy Program and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) // A groundbreaking technology that can potentially transform epilepsy care in Alberta, RNS therapy can detect the earliest signs of a seizure and deliver targeted electrical stimulation to stop it before it fully develops. Much like how a cardiac defibrillator responds to abnormal heart rhythms, RNS Looking beyond 2026, Calgary Health Foundation is investing in the next wave of innovation — advancing education, expanding access to cutting-edge treatments, and bringing transformative technologies to our city. With donor support, the future of care is already taking shape. THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE INNOVATION STARTS NOW

Find out how to support healthcare innovation through Calgary Health Foundation over the next 30 years. Email philanthropy@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca Kennedy, the hospital’s existing theatre will be renovated as part of the larger Learning and Innovation Centre renovation. The new auditorium will offer a space where generations of healthcare professionals, patients, and the public have a place to advance medical education, and inspire the future of health leadership. The Stephen and Paula Kennedy Auditorium at FMC // In 2025, the Foundation announced plans for a new state-of-the-art auditorium. Made possible thanks to a $3 million gift from Stephen imaging to guide surgeons with extraordinary precision. Biplane fluoroscopy provides simultaneous visualization from two angles, giving surgical teams a dynamic, three-dimensional understanding of a patient’s internal anatomy during surgery.

responds to seizure activity in the brain. While RNS has been safely used in the United States for more than a decade — reducing seizures

by an average of 70 per cent over five years — it is not yet formally

available in Canada. With philanthropic investment, Calgary can change that.

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CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S HEALTH By Ashley Oakley

Members of the Canadian Progress Club - Calgary Prairie Rose chapter toured the new Suncor Women’s Health Centre.

Meaningful change can come from nine committed volunteers, a shared purpose, and a belief in supporting women where the need is greatest. The Canadian Progress Club – Calgary Prairie Rose has been quietly transforming lives since 1986. For Janice Wilson, current president of the chapter, the shared mission is what drew her in 15 years ago. “There was a common goal that brought everyone together, and the fellowship aspect really mattered,” she says. The club has contributed more than $520,000 through Calgary Health Foundation, supporting areas of women’s healthcare that are often underfunded. One example is the Pelvic Floor Clinic. “Pelvic floor health wasn’t on most people’s radars,” Wilson says. “Yet the need was enormous.” The club helped fund hydraulic treatment beds, improving patient comfort, dignity, and access. “Seeing those beds in use, understanding how much easier they made care for

women — it made everything very real,” Wilson says. “We felt like true partners.” Cari McLaughlan, current treasurer and longest-standing member, agrees. “Our club has always focused on women’s health, and that resonated with me,” she says. McLaughlan’s desire to help where it’s most needed led Prairie Rose to support the establishment of the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART). The program offers compassionate, specialized care to survivors of sexual assault. In 2024, the club donated $15,000 toward contrast- enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), which allows for earlier detection of ovarian tumours without exposing patients to radiation. After nearly 40 years, the club remains committed to asking how it can help next. Wilson sums things up simply: “We love Calgary. Supporting women’s health here feels like one of the most meaningful ways we can give back.”

It started at bingo. As a kid, Stuart Myron watched his father win $2,000, then give it right back to their synagogue. “My parents modelled generosity to me early,” says Myron. “They taught me that anyone can be a philanthropist at any age.” His parents believed in giving (his mother was also the co-chair of the United Way), GIVING IS ALL IN THE FAMILY By Kimberley McNeil

Stuart Myron

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A NEWFOUND PULL TO GIVE BACK By Kendra Horosko

That clinched Myron’s decision to support ACT-PD. “People don’t know what they can truly give,” he says. “They don’t realize their potential. There are tools that can help us figure that out. The simple creation of a will, or an update to an existing one, can be a great start. Philanthropy isn’t only for the wealthy. It’s for all of us.” Follow Myron’s lead. Build your own philanthropic legacy. Email philanthropy@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca to start the conversation. At first, doctors suspected a stroke, but treatments weren’t working. An MRI revealed something far more serious — a brain infection that required urgent neurosurgery. Neurosurgeon Dr. Fady Girgis performed MacDonald’s life-saving brain surgery. “I’m absolutely convinced Dr. Girgis saved my life,” MacDonald says. When complications arose, a second life-saving surgery was needed. Recovery was long and difficult, but he was determined. MacDonald spent hours focusing on the smallest movements — wiggling his toes, lifting his leg, and eventually, standing. He relearned how to walk using a four-wheeled walker, pacing the hospital halls throughout the night. After six weeks in hospital, his hard work paid off and he was discharged to go home with follow-up care. Nearly half a year later, MacDonald returned to biking, starting with one mile a day. Today, at 74 years old, he bikes for an hour daily, rows every morning, and has even added yoga to his routine. Grateful for his life-saving care, MacDonald has included a gift in his will to Calgary Health Foundation. “I’m so thankful,” he says. “Your donation could mean more equipment, more research — and one day, it could save your life, or the life of someone you love.”

The MacDonald family

For Gordon MacDonald, life is made up of bike rides, workouts, time with his family, and driving his beloved Dodge Challenger. But just two years ago, none of that was guaranteed. On January 10, 2023, his entire life changed. When MacDonald got up to get a glass of water, he collapsed. His wife, Jennifer, called 911, and within minutes, he was on his way to Foothills Medical Centre’s emergency department. and Myron followed suit, giving his time, effort, and money to causes he cares about. In 2013, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He later enrolled in a research trial examining the efficacy of Botox for the treatment of a Parkinson’s disease-related movement disorder. There he met neurologist Dr. Veronica Bruno, who was leading the study. Myron was quickly impressed by her and her team, the Advanced Care Team for Parkinson’s disease, or ACT-PD. ACT-PD is an innovative pilot project aiming at revolutionizing Parkinson’s care, research, and advocacy. They offer compassionate, interdisciplinary, and holistic care to people living with advanced Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, as well as support for their loved ones and caregivers. Myron asked himself, ‘Does the team offer a high level of care? Do they use funding wisely? Will the work continue long after I’m gone?’ The answer to all three questions was a resounding yes.

Breakthroughs [ Spring 2026 ]

HEROES IN HEALTH MAKE A DIFFERENCE Calgary Health Foundation’s Heroes in Health program creates tangible impact — in big and small moments — while recognizing the healthcare providers that have gone above and beyond. By Kendra Horosko

Every donation made in honour of a healthcare hero fuels innovation, expands access, and strengthens care across our city. Grateful patients have helped make some of Calgary’s most impactful health initiatives possible through their generosity. THE TANGIBLE IMPACT OF RECOGNITION At Rockyview General Hospital, donor support expanded the Florence and Lloyd Cooper Endoscopy Unit, increasing the number of endoscopy suites from four to five. That one additional suite means approximately 4,000 more endoscopies can be performed each year, translating into thousands more patients receiving timely diagnoses and peace of mind. At South Health Campus, donors helped establish the Early Pregnancy Assessment and Maternity Triage Clinic. By providing prenatal care in a dedicated space, the clinic offers a supportive environment for expectant mothers who would have previously needed to go through the Emergency Department. Today, the clinic supports the assessment and triage of thousands of pregnant women annually. At Foothills Medical Centre, as part of the Calgary Eating Disorder Program, donor generosity is helping build Calgary’s first dedicated inpatient eating disorders treatment unit — a critical resource for individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges. Grateful patient donations have also meant that the Short-Stay Mental Health Unit at Peter Lougheed Centre could be designed using trauma-informed principles, creating a friendlier, less clinical environment for those requiring care. The new space promotes dignity, calm, and healing.

Sometimes, a hero is a surgeon delivering life- saving news. Sometimes it’s a nurse who pulls up a chair and keeps you company. Sometimes it’s a healthcare aide who makes you laugh when you didn’t think you would smile again. That’s why Calgary Health Foundation created the Heroes in Health program: to celebrate the compassion, skill, and dedication of the people who care for our community when it matters most — in both big and small moments. Healthcare heroes go above and beyond. They guide patients through frightening diagnoses. They ease the anxiety before procedures. They sit with families through uncertainty. They bring professionalism and expertise, but also empathy, kindness, and heart. And through Heroes in Health, grateful patients and families can say thank you in a powerful way. RECOGNIZING YOUR HERO IN HEALTH When you make a donation through the Heroes in Health program, you can share a personal message of gratitude with those who have supported your healthcare journey. That message is delivered to your healthcare hero along with a congratulatory letter, commemorative Heroes in Health pin and lanyard. Their supervisor is also notified that a donation has been made in their honour. It’s a meaningful moment for both sides. For healthcare providers, receiving a note from a patient is a reminder of why they chose their profession — a tangible symbol that their work truly matters. For patients and families, it’s a way to transform gratitude into action. Their donation doesn’t just say “thank you,” it helps ensure the next patient receives exceptional care, too.

Breakthroughs [ Spring 2026 ]

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE These are not abstract investments. These are places where real people receive care — where families sit in waiting rooms, where difficult conversations happen, and where hope begins again. Heroes in Health reminds us that gratitude is powerful. A single moment of exceptional care can inspire a gift. That donation can fund new equipment, new programs, and new spaces. And those improvements, in turn, empower healthcare teams to continue going above and beyond for the next patient who walks through the door. If someone made a difference in your health journey, honour them. Share your story, write your note, make a gift in their name. Because when gratitude becomes action, it benefits the future of healthcare for all of us.

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.

At the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, the Klassen Bellusci Precision Kidney Clinic delivers state-of-the- art care for patients living with complex kidney disease, providing specialized treatment closer to home, thanks to the support of donors. And at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, the Elbow River Healing Lodge manages the only Indigenous-focused primary care clinic in Calgary. Its team works to support the healthcare needs of our Indigenous communities and make healthcare accessible, welcoming, and culturally appropriate.

If you or a loved one received excellent care, donate and nominate your healthcare hero.

Breakthroughs [ Spring 2026 ]

When Dr. François Bernier thinks about the future, he imagines a time when our genetic information will help us identify risks early and even completely prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. And thanks to the donor-funded research he’s leading out of the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, that future isn’t impossibly far away. OUR GENES HOLD HEALTH INFORMATION PreventGene is a precision genomics medicine project led by Bernier, a clinical geneticist and professor of medical genetics and pediatrics at the University of Calgary. He explains that our chance of getting certain cancers, illnesses, and even mental health conditions can be affected by the genes we’re born with. The PreventGene pilot project uses precision genomics — a tailored medical approach that analyzes individuals’ unique genetic makeup to diagnose diseases, predict risks, and guide personalized treatments. Illnesses can be identified early and treated quickly, or even prevented entirely — that can mean life-saving and life-altering outcomes. “Our genes create risk, but by knowing those risks, we can individualize treatment,” says Bernier. CREATING A DISEASE-FREE FUTURE Precise genetic screening can identify health risks, transforming what healthcare will look like. By Karin Olafson | Photographs by Jared Sych

Dr. François Bernier

He adds that by using precision genomics, detection of certain diseases can be identified before symptoms occur.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Currently, PreventGene is open to individuals who are known to have a moderate risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, but who don’t meet thresholds for clinical testing. They are recruited to the program through referrals and screening clinics. Now in its third year, PreventGene is currently recruiting 300 participants. Genetic information is collected via a simple blood test, and DNA is subsequently analyzed for disease markers. Bernier says that PreventGene’s eventual goal is population- level testing. “We assess their risk for cancer, if that’s what they came in for, and then we ask if they want to know about other genes and health risks, and about pharmacogenetics [response to medications],” says Bernier. “PreventGene is trying to understand what our genetic information risk is telling us about our future health trajectory and then intervening early. We’re using genetic information in a preventative way.” This innovative research could transform the future of healthcare — and it wouldn’t be possible without donors, who fund everything from research to technology to equipment. “Donors are the engine of innovation,” says Bernier. “I’m always stunned at the opportunity to do the work we do, that people believe in us and want to have an impact.”

Genetic information is collected via a blood test.

Breakthroughs [ Spring 2026 ]

Growing the future of medicine.

The answers to many diseases are hidden in our DNA.

PreventGene is a pilot project researching the early detection of disease using our genes . Your gift accelerates this type of research and advances preventative medicine so generations of Calgarians can live longer, fuller lives. Turn to page 18 to learn more about the project.

Scan to donate toward medical innovation or visit givehealth.ca/donate.

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