Calgary Health Foundation Drives Cardiac Innovations This Giving Tuesday

The Calgary Health Foundation is launching an ambitious campaign this Giving Tuesday, aiming to raise funds for critical innovations in cardiac care in Calgary. The foundation seeks to gather $2.5 million to renovate one of the six catheterization labs at the Foothills Medical Centre. This initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes in the region.

According to Paul Rossman, CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation, donations have significantly impacted healthcare services. He highlighted the recent acquisition of a cardiac PET scanner, the only one of its kind in Calgary, made possible through donor contributions. “What that does is catalyze investment by Alberta Health Services and the province to build infrastructure around that diagnostic equipment,” Rossman explained. The scanner is particularly effective in detecting coronary blockages in women. He noted, “It’s going to be a game-changer in terms of diagnostics for women’s cardiovascular health.”

As the foundation gears up for this year’s Giving Tuesday, Rossman expressed an immediate goal of raising $400,000 by year-end. The renovated catheterization lab will allow for minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, enabling procedures like heart valve replacements to be performed through veins and arteries instead of open-heart surgeries. This advancement not only enhances patient recovery times but also improves operational efficiency for hospitals. “Patients are in and out within a day,” Rossman said.

Inspiring Stories and Community Support

The campaign features prominent figures, including hockey legend Lanny McDonald, who underwent a procedure in a refurbished lab after experiencing a cardiac arrest in February 2024 at Calgary airport. Rossman noted, “He’s such a beloved Calgarian and he’s so well known, and he agreed to share his name and his story with us because he’s grateful for the care he received.”

In addition to the catheterization lab project, the foundation aims to raise $5 million to establish a women’s cardiovascular health clinic. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster surgical innovation and improve cardiac care. Rossman emphasized the significance of fundraising campaigns, stating, “Campaigns are really helpful because they get the word out about what we’re trying to do and the impact we’re trying to have in the health system.”

Despite the public funding available for healthcare in Canada, Rossman acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the system. “Public funding is often strained by the daily demands for services. It’s really hard to find resources for innovation,” he said. Philanthropy, he argues, plays a crucial role in bridging this gap, allowing physicians to seek dedicated funding to explore new technologies and practices.

As the Calgary Health Foundation continues its efforts this Giving Tuesday, the community’s involvement will be vital in driving these important initiatives forward. With a clear focus on enhancing cardiac care, the foundation’s campaigns represent a significant step toward improving health outcomes for all Calgarians.