Connecting Your Generosity - Vol 5 (Summer 2016) 5 | Page 4

KRISTIN’S SECOND CHANCE AT A NORMAL LIFE For most new moms, their biggest complaint is sleepless nights. But not Kristin Henry. She’s just thankful to have the chance to be a mom to 8-monthold Hudson, rather than suffering the debilitating migraines that made her question whether or not she’d ever be able to have a family of her own. The 32-year-old nurse from Edmonton first underwent neurosurgery in 1999 to remove a tumour the size of an egg from her brain. But a small piece of the tumour remained. Kristin continued to experience severe migraines that meant she couldn’t function normally, sometimes being confined to bed for days. Then, in 2013 Kristin became one of the first patients to undergo surgery in the brand new, state-of-the-art Widney Intra-Operative MRI Surgical Suite at the University of Alberta Hospital. Utilizing the suite’s specialized equipment, surgeons were able to view images of her brain in real-time to confirm they had completely removed Kristin’s tumour, preventing the need for further surgeries - ridding her of the headaches for good. According to Kristin’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Keith Aronyk, “working in this state-of-the-art suite we have at our fingertips the tools we need to perform the most complicated neurosurgeries, as well as complex surgeries for patients with epilepsy or head, neck and vascular issues. It’s reassuring for patients and their families to know the procedure will be performed in the most technologically advanced operating room in Canada.” Kristin says, “I cannot thank you enough! Without the cutting edge technology, you brought to the University of Alberta Hospital, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I could never have imagined being able to care for a family of my own. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” Kristin and her family DID YOU KNOW? There are many ways you can support the University Hospital Foundation, such as leaving a future gift by including the University Hospital Foundation in your Will. There are recent changes related to leaving a charitable gift in your Will. We encourage you to speak with your lawyer or financial advisor, should you have any questions about how this may affect you. The Foundation will be hosting a Planned Giving Informational Event for our donors later this year. If you are interested in attending or would like more information about including the University Hospital Foundation in your Will, please contact Judith Morrison at (780) 407-7490 or email her at [email protected]. By including the University Hospital Foundation in your Will, you will leave a legacy of care for your family and for generations to come. PAGE 4 University Hospital Foundation Donor Centre, 1H1.91 WMC 8440-112 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7 Phone: 780.407.7007 Fax: 780.407.6603 Email: [email protected] www.GiveToUHF.ca Connecting Your Generosity