KELOWNA, BC, May 13, 2025 – On Wednesday, May 14, the KGH Foundation will host its 8th annual Day of Giving, a one-day call to action inviting the community to rally in support of excellence in local health care. This year, all funds raised will help bring robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)—technology that is already revolutionizing care in leading hospitals around the world.

“The best hospitals, and best surgeons, around the world embrace robotic-assisted technology because of its significant benefits for patient care,” says Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “It’s time to bring this level of surgical excellence to our hospital.”

Robotic-assisted surgery offers game-changing advantages: smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and improved surgical outcomes—especially in complex cases like urologic, colorectal, and thoracic cancers.

Michele’s Personal Story

Kelowna resident Michele Therriault experienced the life-changing benefits of robotic-assisted surgery firsthand when she had to travel to Vancouver to save her kidney.

“I feel incredibly lucky my surgeon could use robotics,” Michele shares. “By the second day, I was up and moving, people couldn’t believe I’d just had surgery. My incisions were about 1” each. By the second week I was able to do a lot and care for myself. The only real change was no heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks. People need to understand this technology made my major surgery feel much less then that. This is the future of health care, and it’s going to change everything.”

Michele’s experience reflects a growing challenge. As the Southern Interior’s primary referral hospital, KGH serves nearly one million people—yet many patients still must travel to other centres for advanced procedures, adding financial strain and emotional stress to an already difficult time.

“If this surgery had been available in Kelowna, I could’ve walked to the hospital, had my family by my side, and recovered sooner in my own bed” adds Michele. “I was blown away by how quickly I am healing—I truly hope we can bring this care to our community soon.”

That’s why this year’s Day of Giving matters more than ever.

Thanks to the generosity of several local families, every dollar donated before midnight on May 14 will be matched up to $500,000, doubling the impact of each gift.

A Turning Point for Surgical Care

The total investment required to launch robotic-assisted surgery at KGH is $12 million. The KGH Foundation has committed to funding $6 million as part of its Closer to home than you think campaign.

“Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will be a monumental step forward for our community,” says Dr. Maurice Blitz, Chief of Surgery and Thoracic Surgeon at KGH. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this technology in leading hospitals across North America, and I’ve dreamed of the day we could bring it here. With the support of our community, we will soon be able to provide the very best possible outcomes for our patients—right here at home.”

The technology, known at KGH as ‘Vinni’, will be used for urology, colorectal, and thoracic procedures—many of which involve cancer treatment.

“This technology represents a true paradigm shift,” says Dr. Joshua Wiesenthal, Surgeon and Head of Urology at KGH. “It substantially reduces post-operative pain, shortens hospitalization, and minimizes both complications and scarring. Beyond the clinical advantages, it signals a defining moment for KGH as a leader in patient-centered care and innovation.”

Day of Giving – How to Give

Since its inception, the KGH Day of Giving has raised over $5.5 million for critical care priorities including cancer diagnostics, stroke care, mental health, and COVID-19 response.

There are several ways to give on May 14:

• Online: www.kghfoundation.com
• By phone: 250-862-4438
• Drive-thru Donation Station: 6 am – 6 pm at Rose Ave & Pandosy St (under the hospital overhang)
• In person: Drop cash or change in the buckets of our Sprott Shaw College “Change Bandits”
• Visitors can also enjoy community festivities outside the hospital, including a Save-On-Foods charity BBQ and by-donation haircuts from Tommy Gun’s Barbershop

More Than a Machine

Robotic-assisted systems also support hospital-wide efficiency, reducing surgical wait times and freeing up beds. For surgeons, the technology enhances precision, minimizes fatigue, and allows for minimally invasive procedures in more complex cases. For the healthcare system, it’s a long-term investment in quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

“Most surgeons training today are learning on robotic-assisted systems, and we need this technology if we want to continue to attract and retain top-tier surgical talent,” says Dr. Blitz. “The next generation of surgeons knows this is the future, and they want to go where they can use robotics to give their patients the absolute best possible outcomes.”

“Bringing robotic-assisted surgery to KGH will create positive impact throughout the entire hospital,” adds Lindsay Taberner, Executive Director of KGH. “This cutting-edge technology will allow the surgeons to provide the most advanced and safest care, optimizing resources, and thereby allowing our teams to deliver the highest level of care. Faster recoveries mean increased hospital capacity, ensuring that more patients receive life-saving treatment when they need it most.”

The Time Is Now

“The incredible generosity of donors and this community has enabled KGH to become a leader in cardiac and stroke care,” says Young. “Now, it’s time to take the next bold step forward. Robotic-assisted surgery will be a pivotal advancement. We couldn’t be more excited to provide our community the chance to play a part in it.”

To make a donation or learn more, visit kghfoundation.com/day-of-giving.