University Hospital Foundation

11/15/2025

For , we celebrate four more remarkable nominees whose generosity and leadership reflect the very best of our community.

Jane Squire Howden has spent years championing programs close to her heart, from supporting the Ventricular Assist Device program to bringing joy to children through Santa’s Little Guests. Her insight helped shape our Head and Heart Campaign, and her dedication continues to inspire.

Norm and Mahassen Assiff lead with kindness and conviction. Their steady support over nearly eight years, paired with a long history of giving back across Edmonton, shows what true community leadership looks like.

CPKC, through its “CPKC Has Heart” initiative, continues to advance lifesaving cardiac care at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Their commitment to healthier communities echoes their belief that every heartbeat matters.

Chris Nicholas and the NAC Fairways Golf Tournament team honour a cherished legacy by raising vital support for pulmonary care. Their dedication shows how one person’s story can spark lasting impact for many.

We are proud to celebrate these outstanding nominees for National Philanthropy Day. Their vision, compassion, and generosity continue to move health forward for all Albertans.

11/14/2025

We are honoured to celebrate Bud Salloum, named Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year for 2025 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

At 95, Bud continues to show what a life of purpose looks like. His generosity spans decades, inspired by the care his family received at the University of Alberta Hospital. His support has helped advance heart Health at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and drive new innovation in neurological medicine.

Bud’s legacy reaches far beyond his giving. As “Buddy the Clown,” he shared joy and comfort with patients for 25 years, reminding us that compassion is its own form of healing.

His own words say it best: “I have learned that individuals have a responsibility to pay their community rent... I am here today thanks to the University of Alberta Hospital.”

Please join us in celebrating Bud, whose remarkable commitment continues to uplift Albertans and strengthen the Foundation’s mission for better health for all.

11/14/2025

Twenty-five years ago, the Edmonton Protocol changed the world of diabetes treatment. Now, thanks to donor support, research at the University of Alberta is taking the next step toward a cure.

Today, for World Diabetes Day, learn how Dr. James Shapiro’s team is advancing the Autologous Stem Cell Islet Transplants for Diabetes protocol—building on the legacy of the Edmonton Protocol to give patients new hope for a life without insulin.

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/ffJVNRs

11/08/2025

Wednesday night, we had the honour of celebrating art, partnership, and community at the grand opening of The Westburne Collection at University Hospital Foundation’s McMullen Gallery.

We are so grateful for our partnership with Westburne and Rexel Canada, whose extraordinary corporate art collection is on display with us for the first time in decades — a gift now shared with patients, staff, and families.

The evening also celebrated two important milestones: Westburne’s 100th anniversary and McMullen Gallery’s 40th — both testaments to long-standing dedication to creativity and a focus on community.

The Westburne Collection is now open to the public until December 12. We invite everyone to visit and experience the beauty and calm that art brings to healthcare spaces.

11/08/2025

Congratulations to our President & CEO, Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, on her feature in Modern Luxuria!

In the interview, Dr. Abbott shares her inspiring vision for the future of the University Hospital Foundation — one rooted in bold transformation, compassion and hope.

She speaks about:
💡 Redefining healthcare through prevention and community-based care.
🦒 Leading with vision and courage, even during times of crisis (you'll get the giraffe reference later).
❤️ Building a culture of respect, possibility and human connection.
🌍 Believing in a future where we raise caring people, uplift one another and leave no one behind.

As Dr. Abbott says, “What better time to emerge and do something amazing?”

Read the full feature in Modern Luxuria Magazine to see how we’re reimagining what’s possible for healthcare in Alberta and beyond. https://buff.ly/JSs8i7E

11/07/2025

The wait is over. McMullen Gallery is open again!

We’re celebrating the grand re-opening of McMullen Gallery and its 40th anniversary season with a stunning new exhibition: The Westburne Art Collection.

This remarkable collection — featuring works by Barbara Ballachey, Harold Feist, Dorothy Knowles, William Perehudoff, and more — is being shared with the public for the very first time to mark Westburne’s 100th anniversary.

Come explore how these celebrated artists captured the spirit of the Prairies in colour, light, and form — all within our newly refreshed space inside the University of Alberta Hospital.

On now until December 12, 2025
McMullen Gallery, University of Alberta Hospital
Weekdays 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | Weekends 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Read the full story and learn more about this exciting collaboration with Rexel Canada: https://buff.ly/tNQ7dWP

11/06/2025

A U of A researcher is spearheading a study to better diagnose "super kidneys" in neuro-intensive care patients and to create precise medication dosing guidelines, ensuring life-saving medications like antibiotics work effectively.

11/06/2025

10/30/2025

Thanks to a transformative $1.5 million donation from Suncor, the University Hospital Foundation has completed funding for a photon-counting CT scanner — the first of its kind in Alberta and only the third in Canada.

This advanced imaging technology will enable healthcare teams at the University of Alberta Hospital and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute to provide faster, safer and more precise diagnoses, with 60% lower radiation and five times higher image resolution than the standard flash CT scanner.

We’re deeply grateful to Suncor for helping us bring this world-class innovation to Alberta. Together, we’re transforming health for patients from across Western Canada.

Read more: https://buff.ly/m5ULCez

10/28/2025

Congratulations to Zain Bhanji, Philanthropy Officer, for being named one of Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's top 40 Under 40! The Association recognizes 40 young professionals each year who are shaping the future of healthcare philanthropy. We couldn't be more proud of Zain for this incredible achievement!

10/27/2025

Did you know? When you buy a ticket to any Festival of Trees event — including Santa’s Breakfast presented by Volvo Cars Edmonton — you’ll receive a tax receipt for the charitable portion of your ticket!

That charitable portion goes beyond the festive fun. It helps the University Hospital Foundation drive innovation in brain and heart health, supporting groundbreaking research, advanced treatment and prevention — so more people can live full, healthy lives.

Celebrate the season and make a lasting impact. 🍬🎄

Get tickets: https://buff.ly/aE0ROl3

10/22/2025

Yesterday's Health Data Connect summit was a fantastic opportunity to fill a room with brilliant minds and people almost as passionate about transforming and redefining health as we are.

We heard invaluable insights about the importance of transparency and trust as the foundation for innovation. We heard from the patient perspective on how self-advocacy and lack of connection between care providers when it comes to their data can add to the burden of chronic or acute illness. We heard about the challenges, and roadblocks, as well as the exciting successes happening in this space. From smart insoles that help to monitor the diabetic foot, to Denmark's approach to health data -- it was a day of incredible discovery!

Huge thank you to our event partners Alberta Innovates and INOVAIT Canada, as well as all of our amazing presenter's, panelists, and the three honourable ministers who shared with us throughout the day. The Honourable Minister Matt Jones, Honourable Minister Adriana LaGrange, and Honourable Minister Nate Glubish.

If you attended Health Data Connect, what was your favourite take away from the day?