Your donation will support the VAD program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
Everyone has a different ability to give, but what we all have in common is the ability to make a difference. Gifts to the University Hospital Foundation make a real difference in the lives of patients – every day.
Whether you’re a first-time donor or a valued supporter of many years, the University Hospital Foundation appreciates your gifts. On behalf of the patients who benefit from your thoughtful support, we thank you.
Make a monetary gift to the Mazankowski’s VAD Program via the donation form on this page.
Meet Brad. Brad was born with a congenital heart defect, Transposition of the Great Vessels, and had his first surgery at 11 days old at the University of Alberta Hospital. At five years old, he had the Mustard procedure at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Not only did he live, he thrived and didn’t have any serious issues until his mid-thirties.
Brad was 34 years old when he experienced his first major cardiac issue. He went into the hospital where they worked some cardiac magic, and he was prescribed a new cocktail of drugs. Brad was well for a long time after and continued to work just as hard and passionately as ever. But the past 10 years have seen him in the hospital a little more often. Through his amazing tenacity, and great work at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Brad has bounced back each time.
Cut to 2019, Brad was living with a heart that was overhauled 47 years ago. It was tired and in late stage failure. He needed a transplant but was told that he was unable to get one. If he was to receive a healthy heart by transplant, his body wouldn’t know what to do with it. Over the years his organs have adjusted to his less than perfect heart, and have adapted. A new heart would be like putting a Ferrari engine into a 1966 Skoda.
This is where his story gets really cool. Through the genius of the amazing doctors and medical team at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, on January 18, 2019 Brad was fit with a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD).
Since his surgery in 2019, Brad has been back to the hospital countless times where the amazing medical team continues to ensure he has a bright future. Brad has more energy now than he has ever had. I guess you don’t know how sick you are until you feel better.
It is because of the skilled team at the Mazankowski that Brad is alive. The VAD program at the Mazankowski is the largest VAD program in the country. VADs are not only for people with congenital heart defects but primarily for people who have had a significant cardiac event and can’t be helped by the many other programs at the MAZ, including pacemakers, valve replacements etc. We all know someone who will have or has had a cardiac event. Some of these people didn’t or won’t make it. With a VAD, many more will.
Brad’s family is eternally grateful that they live where they live, have the friends that they have, and were born into such supportive families. They know they are far more fortunate than most.
To show your support, please consider making a donation to the University Hospital Foundation. Your gift will go directly towards the VAD Program at the Maz.
When: Sunday, July 28, 2024 |  VIP Reception 3 – 4pm |  Picnic 4pm – 8pm
Band: Five on the Side |  www.fiveontheside.comÂ
Food: High-end picnic style with barbecue.
Beverage: Available for purchase.
Price: VIP Reception & Picnic – $150 |  Picnic – $90pp