As I reflect on this edition of Aspire, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude and pride for the people behind every story. The health care leaders pushing boundaries in patient care and research, the donors whose generosity turns possibility into reality, and the patients who share their experiences to help others feel seen, understood, and hopeful.

All these people are collectively transforming health care here, in the Southern Interior.

In a time heavily influenced by technology, what inspires me most is humanity itself. The compassion and connection woven throughout these pages remind me that meaningful change has only ever started because one person, or a group of people, felt deeply enough to act.

In this issue of Aspire, you’ll learn more about what we’re doing at KGH to take care of our littlest patients. You’ll read about the KGH Teddy Bear Clinic, spearheaded by Regional Pediatrics Educator and Registered Nurse, Lesia Rainville, and how it’s helping children become more comfortable in the hospital. Dr. Jeff Wong, KGH’s new Head of Pediatrics, shares his aspirations for the future of pediatric care in the Southern Interior.

We’ll also introduce you to Dr. Talyta Grippe, who’s leading groundbreaking neurophysiology research right here at KGH. And you’ll learn more about the remarkable progress being made at the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic, where Dr. Daryl Wile and his team are changing the way in which we think about and care for people in our region living with Parkinson’s disease.

Not to mention, the record-breaking KGH Day of Giving! We didn’t think it was possible to surpass what was accomplished last year with our surgical robot, ‘Vinni’. But our 10th annual one-day fundraising extravaganza exceeded all expectations. It was a powerful reminder that so often, it is the deeply human moments we experience in the capable hands of compassionate care teams that inspire such profound gratitude that, well, make anything feel possible. And now, that gratitude will have a visible, tangible impact in the Emergency Department right here at KGH.

This momentum is worth celebrating because it’s powered by people. It’s the imaginative thinking of our care teams — and the support of people like you — that inspires meaningful change.

At the Foundation, we are honoured to help connect caring donors with the individuals aspiring to bring world-class health care closer to home. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to show what is possible when people come together to care for one another.

With heartfelt appreciation,