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.
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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
Breakthroughs [ Spring 2026 ]
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