As a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and director of the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Dr. Lori West has been a trailblazer in pediatric research for nearly three decades.
Redefining what’s possible for infants born with lifethreatening heart defects: In the 1990s, while leading the transplant program at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, her Heart & Stroke-funded research revealed a ground-breaking truth: unlike adults, infants have immature immune systems that do not yet generate antibodies against other blood types. She dared to ask what no one else had: Could this allow babies to receive heart transplants from donors with different blood types? The answer was yes. That was confirmed in 1996, when baby Caleb got an ABO-incompatible heart. Her breakthrough revolutionized transplant medicine: By significantly increasing the organ donor pool and dramatically decreasing wait-list mortality, Dr. West’s discovery meant very sick babies can receive transplants sooner – to live full lives.
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I don’t know that I could have launched my research career without the support of Heart & Stroke funding. ”
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Dr. Lori West, University of Alberta
Dr. West’s pioneering procedure is standard practice worldwide: Just days after turning 18, Caleb sent Dr. West a note on Valentine’s Day: “I thought this would be a good time to just say, thank you for my life.”
Dr. West now leads research into transplant rejection and the side effects of immunosuppressive drugs, recently developing a more precise blood test to improve transplant safety and outcomes.
You’re funding more breakthroughs: Across Canada, Heart & Stroke-funded researchers are pioneering life-saving medical firsts, uniting the brightest minds to achieve what was once thought impossible – all thanks to you.
Knowing your risks could save your life: Heart & Stroke’s Risk Screen
While we’ve made incredible progress, heart disease and stroke remain the number one killer worldwide. In Canada, someone dies every five minutes from heart disease, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment. The first step toward a longer, healthier life – for you and your loved ones – is understanding your unique risk factors.
Nine in 10 people in Canada have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Some factors, like age, sex and family history, are beyond our control. But here’s the good news: Up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented. Everyday choices such as eating well, staying active, managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight can make a big difference.
That’s why we created Risk Screen – built with input from leading health experts, it helps you identify your personal risk factors and take charge of your health. It also accounts for life stages unique to women, such as pregnancy and menopause, while providing a customized action plan.
By knowing your risk factors and making small changes, you can feel better about your future!
• Quick: No lengthy forms, just simple questions designed to help you understand your heart and brain health risks.
• Easy: No need for lab results or numbers – you can complete it without knowing your cholesterol or blood pressure.
Once completed, you’ll receive your customized risk profile and action plan – plus much more!
Take this important step to understand and reduce your risks today; visit: heartandstroke.ca/riskscreen
Healthy recipes to warm your winter
All our heart-healthy recipes, from appetizers to desserts and kid-friendly meals, are approved by Heart & Stroke dietitians for their high-fibre and reduced saturated fat, sugar and salt content.
Our savoury garlic herb steak is just one example of comfort food you can feel good about! Visit: heartandstroke.ca/garlic-herb-steaks
Saving lives after heart attack:
Dr. Christina Luong’s breakthrough technology gives doctors faster and more accurate insights to guide life-saving treatment.
Dr. Christina Luong, Heart & Stroke researcher, Clinician Scientist at the University of British Columbia, Co-Director VGH-UBC AI Echo Core Lab
Coronary artery disease is one of the most common and serious health threats in Canada. It happens when cholesterol builds up in the arteries that feed the heart, reducing blood flow. If a blockage happens suddenly, it can trigger a heart attack, causing serious damage, heart failure or even death.
For thousands of Canadians who experience heart attack each year, every second matters. Quick and accurate treatment decisions are critical to saving lives and preventing long-term damage.
That’s why Dr. Christina Luong at the University of British Columbia is developing a powerful new tool to help doctors act faster and with greater precision. Her research uses machine learning – a type of artificial intelligence – to analyze ultrasound images of the heart in real time.
These tools “teach themselves” to spot crucial patterns, such as how well the heart is pumping, which blood vessel is
The flu shot: there’s still time to protect yourself
Having the flu can pose serious risks for individuals with a history of stroke or heart disease. Evidence shows that the likelihood of experiencing another stroke or heart attack increases shortly after a flu infection, particularly for people already predisposed to these conditions.
That’s why health experts strongly recommend getting both the flu vaccine and the COVID booster. These are two distinct viruses, and being protected against both is a vital step in safeguarding your health.
blocked and whether a patient needs urgent procedures like stents, bypass surgery or transfer to a specialized hospital. This innovation could be especially helpful in rural and remote communities, where access to expert interpretation is limited.
With this technology, doctors will be able to:
• Quickly identify patients most at risk of death or heart failure after a heart attack.
• Make faster, more confident treatment decisions.
• Ensure patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Faster diagnosis. Better treatments. More lives saved. Your generosity is helping Dr. Luong transform heart attack care, reduce delays and improve outcomes. To learn more about the incredible research you help fund, visit: heartandstroke.ca/research
For raising awareness and funds, thanks to our partner:
Grateful to be alive, Brian is giving back
Brian and Denise Kirby’s
Brian Kirby remembers the day that his life changed. In 2005, what began as a visit to his doctor’s office for shortness of breath led to an urgent diagnosis: coronary heart disease. He expected to be scheduled for an angioplasty – instead, his doctor told him that he’d need immediate surgery to survive.
A few days later, Brian had a triple bypass – a heart surgery that creates new pathways for blood flow to the heart by grafting three healthy blood vessels to bypass three blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The operation saved his life.
Thanks to skilled care and determination, Brian has recovered – changing a diet that included “lots of sweets since childhood” and now walking at the local mall, where strangers have become supportive friends.
A life-saving gift, a legacy of hope
Your legacy gift will make an impact for generations to come. Together, we can build a future where everyone enjoys a longer, healthier life uninterrupted by heart disease or stroke.
Grateful for his second chance, the retired Parksville B.C. parish priest wanted to give back. He and his wife Denise decided to leave legacy gifts in their wills to Heart & Stroke and several other charities close to their hearts: “We want to keep things simple for our family and ensure the charities get as much of the gift as possible,” Brian shares.
More than survival, his story is about hope for the future. By helping to ensure others have the same chance Brian did, Brian and Denise will continue to have an impact for generations to come. You can, too.
Contact numbers are: Mary Goodfellow - ON 1-800-205-4438
Susan Deike - BC, YK, AB, NWT, SK, MB 1-403-451-3675
To learn more about legacy giving, visit: heartandstroke.ca/legacy
A gift of securities is one of the most cost-effective ways to support the cause that’s close to your heart. Learn more at: heartandstroke.ca/securities
