‘Bringing Hearts Home’ campaign gets support for the Chinook Regional Health Foundation

In support of the Bringing Hearts Home campaign, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, its Board of Directors and the Southern Alberta Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet announce a major $500,000 gift commitment from John and Laura Getkate. 
 
“My wife is very much what you would call a grateful cardiac patient,” says John. “She’s a member of Dr. Zielke’s Cabinet, and a few months ago, we decided we wanted to do even more to advance the Bringing Hearts Home project.” 
 
The Getkates’ generous contribution helps propel a $30 million fundraising campaign aimed at transforming cardiac care across southern Alberta. Spanning 30 months from September 2024 to February 2027, the campaign will enhance access to advanced diagnostics, intervention and rehabilitation services for patients in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and surrounding rural communities. 
 
“This is wonderful news for our hospital and our region,” adds Dr. David Stewart from Alberta Health Services. “This project is tremendously important for patients in our area, and it’s gratifying to see donors are recognizing that, as well.” 
 
The project will significantly elevate the standard of cardiac health care at the two southern Alberta regional hospitals in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. New facilities and technology, including a catheterization lab, electrophysiology lab, two echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, and expanded cardiac ICU beds will reduce pressure on existing ICUs and bring life-saving care closer to home. 
 
Most notably, the new Cardiac Centre of Excellence will allow patients who require a heart stent to receive this life-saving procedure in Lethbridge, eliminating the need to travel to Calgary and ensuring faster, more accessible care. 
 
“I come from a family of volunteers. That, combined with my personal experience of excellent care over the last 10 years, has prompted our desire to give back to the Cardiac Sciences team and the Bringing Hearts Home campaign,” Laura notes. “Our donation is our way of expressing appreciation for the care I have received. Over half of the diagnostic testing I needed had to be done in Calgary, resulting in both emotional and financial expense, during a very difficult time in our lives. We want to help change that part of the ‘cardiac journey’ for other families.” 
 
To learn more about the Bringing Hearts Home campaign or to make a gift, please visit Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation or call 403-388-6001.