Brain Breakthroughs Stories

Anonymous donor makes world’s largest known gift of $33.8M to MS research and care
A $33.8 million gift has been donated to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and the University of British Columbia for multiple sclerosis (MS) research and care—the largest known donation ever for MS research worldwide. The private donation was made by a BC-based philanthropist who believes comprehensive contributions to science and medicine can quickly advance solutions […]
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Pejman’s promise: transforming epilepsy care in BC
Ali Pejman is a man on a mission: to transform epilepsy care in British Columbia
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Health Check: Before and After a Stroke Strikes
Do you know the signs of a stroke? Neurologist Dr. Thalia Field shares some expert tips
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Ryan’s Story
Ryan’s heart stopped for 35 minutes but new technology gave him his life back
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David Freedman
David’s Story
When David’s knees buckled and he was suddenly unable to speak – he was having a stroke
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Thalia Otamendi was a lifelong soccer player until she suffered a concussion. Now she’s a researcher seeking answers.
Thalia’s Story
After suffering a serious concussion, Thalia’s mental and physical health started declining.
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Kathy Jenkins with the piano she learned to play as she recovered from brain surgery at VGH.
Brain aneurysm survivor leaving a legacy for all
In 2012, Kathy Jenkins suffered a terrifying burst brain aneurysm. It was quickly determined she needed the kind of complex care only available at VGH, and she was flown out from Vancouver Island to the mainland. VGH Neurosurgeon Dr. Gary Redekop and his medical team ran a series of brain scans, assessed Kathy’s condition and […]
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Paul and Linda Blanchet
Losing Linda to Alzheimer’s disease
Linda was only 53 when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
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Emily’s Story
Emily was losing herself and VGH was the only place equipped to help.
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Philanthropic spark ignited innovation
Linda Nimmerrichter Holmes, a lifelong philanthropist, donated $25,000 which enabled VGH to purchase the first multimodal neuromonitoring device in Canada, also known as the Brain Bolt. Linda’s generosity provided intensive care physicians Drs. Sekhon and Griesdale with the tools to revolutionize traumatic brain injury care at VGH. The use of the Brain Bolt is saving […]
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Veronique’s Story
Following seizures, an MRI revealed life-threatening growths in Veronique's brain.
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Fred Town with his friend May James.
Farmer’s legacy funding the future of brain health
Fred Town left a gift to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in his will, supporting research at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
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How DBS is restoring lives like Steve’s 
Deep Brain Stimulation allows Steve to live without fear of tremors.
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Deep Brain Stimulation is stopping tremors every day
Dr. Christopher Honey is a world-leader in Deep Brain Stimulation. His work is providing tremor relief to hundreds of patients a year.
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VGH saves Prince George man after his SUV crashes into a moose
When Brad hit a moose with his car, he came to VGH where new Brain Bolt technology saved his life.
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Natasha Wasmuth and her surgeon, Dr. Gary Redekop.
Epilepsy Patient Uses Second Chance at Life to Help Others
Quesnel resident, Natasha Wasmuth has turned her experience with epilepsy into a fundraiser in support of the Seizure Investigation Unit at VGH.
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Ryan Jones, survivor.
Wildland Firefighter Saved by VGH
Wildland firefighter Ryan Jones is alive and thriving thanks to Brain Bolt technology at VGH.
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Ray Bergen, Don James and Eric Martin
Friendship Pact Supports Vital Stroke Research
When they lost a friend to a stroke, Rob and his friends supported stroke care in his memory.
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David’s Journey Back to Life
Angels at VGH & GF Strong saved David's life.
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Local nurse smiling again after intense 10-hour surgery
Meagan is back to focusing on her career as a nurse, thanks to successful brain surgery at VGH.
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