

Supporting health transformation
At the University Hospital Foundation, we are dedicated to elevating the standard of care for two of the body’s most crucial organs: the brain and the heart. Our mission is to ignite research, foster innovation and champion clinical excellence, all while transforming the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cardiac diseases. This holistic approach celebrates the vital connection between head and heart health, affecting the lives of millions of Canadians.
Alarmingly, brain and heart disorders impact countless lives, often with heartbreaking results:

1 in 3 Canadians will experience a brain disorder during their lifetime.

These striking statistics highlight the urgent need for groundbreaking advancements in research, treatment, and prevention of brain and heart-related illnesses.
By supporting the Festival of Trees Gala, Soiree, or Santa’s Breakfast, you have the opportunity to create a profound impact on the lives of those affected by these formidable challenges. Together, we can transform the future of care and inspire hope in millions. Join us in this vital mission!
Your support makes a difference
The Festival of Trees has raised over $25 million for critically important causes at the University of Alberta Hospital site. From bringing incision-free brain surgery technology to Edmonton, to expanding intensive care for cardiac patients, your support has impacted patients from head-to-toe.
Here are some of the amazing stories that have come from the last 40 years of support:

Safe at Home:
Home Dialysis Helps End-Stage Kidney Patients Return to Life
Taryn Gantar is one of over 1500 people living with end-stage kidney disease who receive treatment through Alberta Kidney Care – North, headquartered at the University of Alberta Hospital. For the past twenty years, Taryn has had to receive dialysis, typically for four hours per day, three days per week. Before switching to home dialysis, she had to use precious energy reserves to commute to the hospital for the treatment.

Every Second Counts: Bringing Canada’s First Stroke Ambulance to Edmonton
Lukas Jardine was just 28 years old when the left side of his face began to sag, his eye drooping. His wife, Celine, knew right away he was having a stroke and that, if help didn’t arrive soon enough, their lives could be dramatically changed forever. Within minutes of its arrival, Lukas was wheeled into the Stroke Ambulance for a CT scan. Minutes later, the images were sent to an on-call neurologist at the University of Alberta Hospital, who consulted with the on-board stroke physician.

Targeting Tumours:
Gamma Knife at the Brain Centre
Major Steve Kuervers was one of the last Canadian soldiers to leave Afghanistan, and soon after returning home, he suffered a splitting headache. Doctors at his base sent him to the Brain Centre at the University of Alberta Hospital fearing that the flight home may have caused a blood clot in his brain. Doctors found something on Steve’s CT scan – a rare brain tumor behind his right eye. Difficult to find, and even more difficult to treat. He was given the choice between traditional brain surgery, and ground-breaking Gamma Knife.
Proudly Supporting

Proudly Supporting
