ICD PATIENT CELEBRATION
[L-R] Dr. Satish Raj and Sam Sears, PhD Photo by Brian Yuen
On December 7, the Cardiac Device Clinic and Calgary Cardiac Implantable Electrical Device Medical Director, Dr. Satish Raj hosted a presentation for approximately 430 patients who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Attendees also included patients’ families, some of whom teleconferenced in from Saskatoon, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. Held at the Foothills Medical Centre’s Foothills Auditorium, the evening’s guest speaker was Sam Sears, PhD from East Carolina University. He is internationally recognized for his work related to the psychological consequences of life threatening arrhythmias and defibrillator (ICD) implantation. He presented on a variety of topics such as how to live successfully with cardiac disease and an ICD, how to maximize survivorship, coping with life after an ICD, and the strategies required to live like a survivor. The evening ended with an energetic question and answer discussion with Dr. Raj and Sears. Photo by Dena Shlah
UNITED WAY BBQ On October 1, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, in partnership with the Cumming School of Medicine, held its United Way BBQ in the HRIC atrium of the Foothills Medical Campus. This sold out event raised $1,037 and Hude Quan, PhD was the lucky winner of the 50/50. Total proceeds from the Cumming School of Medicine’s United Way fundraising event, combined with individual donations and leadership, raised an incredible $50,000. [L-R] Lauren Thorson and Al-Karim Walli
HEART TO HEART: CONGENITAL HEART EDUCATION DAY On November 7, the Southern Alberta Congenital Heart Clinic, located at the Peter Lougheed Centre, hosted Heart to Heart: Congenital Heart Education Day. Attended by 170 congenital heart disease patients and their families, [ABOVE] Dr. Tim Prieur the day offered presentations Photo by Cheryl Tarr from leading congenital specialists Drs. Nanette Alvarez, Tim Prieur and Michael Connelly; physician resident Dr. Jessica Patzer and nurse clinician, Lori Newman; social worker June Yee, and area experts from Edmonton who presented via teleconference. Presentation topics ranged from exercise benefits and techniques, stress reduction, and family planning. This interactive day also allowed for attendees to have the opportunity to learn more about other local congenital patient organizations and network with one another.—Glenda Durupt
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING On February 29, Libin’s Community Partners Advisory Committee meeting was held at the Calgary Golf & Country Club. Hosted to inform, connect, and thank some of its most dedicated donors and supporters, guests were treated to presentations from Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD and Elena Di Martino, PhD. Dr. Fedak, a cardiac surgeon, spoke on his current heart patch trial and how it may lead to muscle regeneration in heart failure patients. Elena, a biomedical engineer, presented on the potential role of biomechanics in treating conditions of the aorta. [BELOW] Elena Di Martino, PhD speaking at podium
10 LIBIN LIFE Photo by Judy Siu