It Takes Heart
It Takes Heart: Join the University Hospital Foundation in the fight against heart disease
February has a very special place in the hearts of everyone here at the University Hospital Foundation, but also in the hearts of countless Canadians across western and northern Canada. That’s because February is also Heart Month, a time when love, community, and gratitude come together in support of cardiac care at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (the Maz).
One of North America’s leading heart institutes, the Maz performs over 5000 potentially life-saving procedures every year on some of the most desperately sick people here in Alberta, but also British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. It is also the only center in Northern Alberta to provide care to patients requiring advanced treatment for cardiac and respiratory failure.
Why support the Maz?
Because 1 in 4 Canadians will experience some form of heart disease in their lifetime and cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada.
But the incredible doctors and cardiac staff at the Maz are hoping to change that – and they need your help to do it. Generous support from people like you is what allows the Maz to be the groundbreaking, innovative centre it is today. Your support is what helps the Maz save lives.
Join us this Heart Month in the fight against heart disease in any of the fun, inspiring fundraising events.
This Heart Month, we’re offering lots of opportunities for you to get involved to make a difference.
February 1-28: Sign up for the Maz Move-A-Thon
The Maz Move-A-Thon, presented by MHCare Medical, was founded by the incredible staff at the Maz and aims to raise funds while also promoting positive cardiovascular health.
This year, the goal is for participants to raise $50,000 and move in any way they choose (run, walk, swim – the sky’s the limit!) a combined 360,000 km. That’s as far as the moon – and just how far participants would go for this important cause.
Register independently or with a team, online.
February 3: Virtual Expedition: Cardiac Care
Did you know Edmonton is home to a revolutionary heart attack care program that has inspired better treatment around the globe?
Join the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) and Dr. Robert Welsh for a complimentary Virtual Expedition, proudly presented by Medtronic, on “The Medical Research Team that Could: The Incredible Story of Vital Heart Response at the Maz” to learn about this innovative program. Funds raised through Heart Month activities will ensure doctors at the Maz will continue to have the best cardiac monitoring equipment at their fingertips.
February 24: The University Hospital Foundation’s Heart Pledge Day on up! 99.3
The capstone event of Heart Month, you don’t want to miss this event. Tune into up! 99.3 to hear physicians, medical researchers, frontline healthcare providers, and patients share their inspiring and personal stories to raise funds and awareness about the world-class cardiac care at the University of Alberta Hospital’s Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
Learn more about Heart Pledge Day.
Make a difference your way by creating your own fundraising event
Creating a Heart Month Community Challenge allows you to fundraise your way. There are no holds barred – if you can dream it, you can do it. It’s super easy! Once you’ve registered, a number of fantastic fundraising tools are provided to help you raise money and manage your fundraising campaign.
If you are interested in creating your own event, reach out to the Community Events Team at communityevents@givetouhf.ca or call 1-833-448-3843.
University Hospital Foundation
The University Hospital Foundation (UHF) raises funds to advance patient care, research and innovation at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, as well as research at the University of Alberta and care in the community through Alberta Health Services (AHS). As agents of hope, we boldly seek solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges, matching the determination and purpose-driven intensity of the healthcare teams we support. Using innovative approaches to philanthropy, including new partnerships and bold ideas to bring the right people, resources and solutions together, we are improving health, reducing the devastating impact of disease and addressing the inequitable health challenges faced by members of diverse cultures.
For more information visit GivetoUHF.ca.