$644K raised at inaugural ‘Bringing Hearts Home’ gala

The”Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Gala” raised $644,000 towards improving in-patient cardiac health care in Southern Alberta over the weekend.

The Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet and Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation announced in a combined release the inaugural event exceeded the expectations of organizers.

Physician Lead of Cardiac Sciences for Southern Alberta and Chair of the Cardiac Campaign Advisory Committee Dr. Sayeh Zielke says those who gave their time to the event and volunteered were a significant part of the events success.

“We have and we are continuing to create a movement. It is truly inspiring to see people drawn to this cause with their efforts and their pocketbooks,” Dr. Zielke says.

Throughout the evening Calgary Flames alumnus Lanny McDonald and local icon Tony Deys both shared their experiences with cardiac issues.

Before the doors to the event even opened for the gala $400,000 was raised towards the ongoing fundraising campaign which has a goal of $30 million. These funds will help new cardiac care facilities at the Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, including a catheterization lab, two echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, along with new ICU and cardiology critical care beds which are expected to alleviate some of the strain put on the existing system.

According to statistics shared by Dr. Zielke in Southern Alberta, the death rate from cardiac health issues is 26.6 per cent higher than anywhere else in the province and is also the top killer in the southern part of the province. According to officials, the heart attack rate in the region is also 15.5 per cent higher than in any other part of the province.