I hope you will permit us to have a little fun in this issue of Foundations. After all, as I write this, it’s another predictably grey winter day here in the Okanagan and well, we could all use a little levity at this time of year. 

Clearly, folks around the KGH Foundation office were inspired by the box-office smash that was Wicked. I get it. The story of Wicked teaches us that transformation begins with challenging perspectives, embracing resilience, and forging new paths. These themes resonate deeply with the mission of the KGH Foundation, where we are reimagining what is possible in health care for the Interior of British Columbia. 

In this issue of Foundations, you will learn more about the wicked advancements in surgical excellence that are on the horizon for KGH. “You have to make your own destiny,” says Elphaba in the movie. I’m so grateful to surgeons like Dr. Wiesenthal and Dr. Blitz, who continue to advocate for excellence for their patients. And, say ‘yes’ even to the wildest ideas for a cover image. 

Also in this issue, you will learn how your gifts are enabling wicked advancements in technologies to help transform diabetes care for some of our littlest patients, and the uplifting impact that adventures in virtual reality are having on people managing weekly dialysis appointments. 

When it comes to health care, there’s truly no place like home. And for more and more families than ever, there’s truly no place like JoeAnna’s House. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years already. And here we grow again. 

Elphaba’s journey is a testament to staying true to your principles, and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of immense challenges. She stays true to her values and refuses to give up on her mission. And, thanks to you, neither are we. 

There are more stories to tell than we have pages in our newsletter. There are more wicked advancements on the horizon. The future of health care is closer than you think. 

With appreciation,