As the season of giving begins, health foundations in Calgary are highlighting how philanthropic donations directly translate into life-saving medical innovations and improved patient care. The Calgary Health Foundation has announced a significant fundraising target for this Giving Tuesday and the holiday period, aiming to collect $2.5 million to renovate a critical cardiac facility.
A Catalyst for Cardiac Care Innovation
Paul Rossman, CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation, points to tangible examples of donor impact. He emphasized how a recent spring campaign led to a donor funding a cardiac PET scanner, the only one of its kind in the city, which is specifically adept at detecting coronary blockages in women. "It's going to be a game-changer in terms of diagnostics for women's cardiovascular health," Rossman stated. This private donation, he explained, then catalyzed further investment from Alberta Health Services and the provincial government to build the necessary infrastructure around the new equipment.
The foundation's current focus is squarely on advancing cardiac care. The $2.5 million campaign is dedicated to renovating one of the six catheterization labs at the Foothills Medical Centre. By the end of the year, the immediate goal is to raise $400,000 toward this total. These labs are vital for minimally invasive cardiac procedures, such as replacing heart valves through veins and arteries instead of open-heart surgery.
"It's a better outcome for the patients . . . and for the hospital because the patients are in and out within a day," Rossman said, underscoring the dual benefit of improved patient recovery and increased hospital efficiency.
Lanny McDonald Lends His Voice to the Cause
Adding a powerful personal story to the campaign is hockey legend Lanny McDonald. The Calgary Flames icon experienced a cardiac arrest at the Calgary airport in February 2024 and subsequently received treatment in a refurbished catheterization lab. His gratitude for the care he received led him to share his name and story with the foundation's efforts.
"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 that he received," Rossman noted, highlighting how McDonald's involvement helps raise crucial public awareness.
Filling the Gap in Public Health Funding
Rossman clarified the essential role philanthropy plays in a publicly funded health system. While public funds cover daily operational demands, they are often strained and leave little room for innovation. "It's really hard to find resources for innovation," he said. "Philanthropy can be the catalyst for innovation in the health system because it's an opportunity for physicians to seek dedicated funding to try new things, implement new technologies."
Beyond the catheterization lab, the Calgary Health Foundation has broader ambitions. It is also working to raise $5 million to fund a dedicated women's cardiovascular health clinic, part of its overarching goals for surgical and cardiac care innovation. Campaigns like these, Rossman asserts, are vital for communicating specific needs and the tangible impact donor dollars can have on the local health system, ultimately saving and improving lives in the community.
