Stories
Here, you will find a collection of stories capturing the faces, voices, and narratives that fuel our mission. From campaign and project updates to interviews and information, you can stay up to date with the Foundation and the community right here.
Introducing ‘The Hub:’ Our Hospital’s Newly Renovated Staff Room
Recently, we were elated to receive a significant donation that was made with the intention of celebrating our local hospital staff.
Tuck Shop Artist Highlight: Geraldine Bearspaw & Bonnie Maveal
To give you an idea of some of the remarkable makers behind the Tuck Shop, we’d like to highlight some artists! We’re kicking it off with Geraldine Bearspaw and Bonnie Maveal.
Canadian Pacific Makes an ‘Enormous Difference’ for Canmore’s Heart Health
The Foundation has been fortunate enough to receive donations from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKS). We are delighted to announce another substantial donation from CPKS to our community’s health care.
The Canmore Hospital Foundation Celebrates 8-Year-Old Donor: Jack
We are beginning to see the passion and impact of the Bow Valley’s young philanthropists. With that, we are excited to share the story of Jack, the Foundation’s youngest donor.
Welcoming Joy & Nostalgia In The Form Of Music: A Big Thank You
The Crossway Music Therapy Program is offered to Golden Eagle View Long-Term Care residents, individuals who live at the Canmore General Hospital full-time.
Announcing a New Major Gift: Giving Back To Health Care Heroes
We are delighted to announce a new major gift from Pierre and Sylvie Doyon, valued members of our community. This generous contribution will be used to renovate the staff rooms at Canmore General Hospital starting with the Main Staff Room.
Impact Report: Golden Eagle View Long-Term Care Enhancement
Thanks to you, our long-term care residents can now say they have a place that “feels like home”.
The Foundation’s Future Is ‘Very Bright:’ Getting To Know Our New Executive Director
The Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation was delighted to welcome Kristen Pauch-Nolin as our new Executive Director earlier this spring.
A Piece Of Home At The Hospital: A Mother & Son Working Side By Side
For one Canmore family, the Batemans, three of the four of them work at the Canmore General Hospital. Dave, Susie, Dexter, and Morgan are a father, mother, 25-year-old son, and 23-year-old son. Dave and Susie are both nurses, Susie working in home-care and Dave on long-term care, and Dexter is a Practical Nurse (LPN) who works alongside his mom in home-care.
The Idea That Delivered 800 Meals To Canmore’s Healthcare Workers
Rob partnered with the Canmore Hospital Foundation and several locally-owned restaurants in an effort to provide the staff of the Canmore General Hospital with amazing meals as a tribute and an expression of gratitude for their hard work.
Kindness And Compassion Outweigh Discomfort And Disorientation: An ER Story
John began feeling lower back pain in the late afternoon. A familiar feeling, he said. “At about 9:30 or 10 p.m., it started to become increasingly painful and that’s when I came to the realization that it was a kidney stone.”
From The Tiny Hospital Up On the Hill: Dr. Wallace Bryson’s Remarkable Impact
Dr. Wallace (Wally) Bryson was one of a few key pioneers in surgery and medicine in Canmore, Alberta.
Your Hospital Gardens: Announcing Names & Touching Stories Behind Them
After months of suggestions and hard work by our beloved volunteers, the gardens are complete and the names have been selected. These beautiful displays will forever remind us of the beauty and warmth that bloomed this year, even amidst the most difficult conditions.
Dr. Pagenkopf: The Evolution Of General Surgery & Endoscopy At Canmore General Hospital
If you or one of your loved ones has undergone a surgical procedure in Canmore, it’s likely that you’ve encountered Dr. Cort Pagenkopf, of General Surgery and Endoscopy. As the town’s only General Surgeon and Endoscopist, he is a vital part of our community and a familiar face to many.
Meet Holly Marusaik, Working Front Desk at CGH to Help Bolster Community
Walking into the Canmore General Hospital, the first thing you encounter is the front desk. For Holly Marusaik, this moment is crucial in setting someone up for the most positive experience possible. When you enter that door, Holly is more often than not the one who greets you.
A Chief of Staff with a Patient-First Approach: Dr.Gert Du Plessis
Of all of the places Dr. Gert Du Plessis has worked – from where he originally trained as a doctor in South Africa, to the UK and northern Alberta – Canmore “is probably the nicest place.”
Cancer Care Close to Home: Esmé Comfort’s Story
It was 1999 when Esmé Comfort, now a town councillor, was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, a cancer diagnosis still meant regular trips to Calgary to receive chemotherapy treatment.
In the ER and Far from Home: David Johnston’s Story
David Johnston was in Canmore for a bike race in June 2016 when things took a turn. Another cyclist approached Johnston from behind, so close that their “handle bars locked and that caused the front wheel to turn and when the wheel gets turned at that speed you basically go end over end on the bike,” said Johnston.
Philanthropy Finds Its Way Home: Jack & Marie Van Deventer
When Jack joined the CAHCF board, he didn’t know that just a year into his time there he would become a regular patient at the hospital.
“We Need to Have Pride in our hospital:” Dr. Rick Balharry
For more than 35 years, Dr. Rick Balharry has worked as Chief of Medical Staff at the Canmore General Hospital. In addition to his extensive career in medicine, consistently served as the voice of administration to staff, bridging the two groups.