In 2008, entrepreneur Don Friesen collapsed suddenly from a massive heart attack while visiting B.C. from his home in Alberta…
He was kept alive at the scene by a passing doctor, before being rushed to the ICU at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) to undergo life-saving treatment.
Don had only a one percent chance of survival but, thanks to the expert care he received at the hands of VJH and its doctors, Don is now fit and well.
Don reflects,
“several angels came to my rescue in many ways and I’m very grateful to them and to the people of British Columbia. The quality of service at VJH and of the medical staff here is second to none.”
Making sure everyone in our community can benefit from this exceptional medical care relies on access to the right resources and equipment.
One critical piece of equipment is a CT scanner. CT scanners are vital for making diagnoses, identifying internal injuries, planning treatments, and so much more.
Don spends a great deal of time at his property in the Okanagan Valley and supporting health care services here is just as important to him as supporting the services at home in Alberta.
He is challenging his fellow Albertans to do the same.
“We should all share with the communities we move to and enjoy,” he says. “You may need these health services someday—as I experienced it. If VJH has the best tools at hand, and the best people at hand to deliver those services, there’s a better outcome for you, your family, your friends and your neighbours.”
Friends and former Albertans Bernice and George Nakashima agree. "We loved Don’s idea of supporting where we live or holiday. Sometimes Albertans are criticized even though they are strong contributors to our local economy. Our family has also needed our hospital and our daughter-in-law has nursed there—it goes without saying that we all should support the Vernon Jubilee Hospital so it is there when we need it next.”
“We wanted to contribute to this worthy cause as we love the beautiful Okanagan and will one day make Vernon our home.”
- Danny & Tara Remenda
“Getting involved with this campaign at VJH is an opportunity for us to support both the Friesen Family and to give back to the Vernon community. We have spent many summers at our home in Vernon and it is comforting to know that state-of-the- art medical facilities are there should our family and friends ever need them.”
- Larry & Betty Smith
“Don Friesen epitomizes community. It only made sense for my wife Debbie and I to help out. We have roots in Vernon and have family that work at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, so it's a privilege to help out where we can.”
- Wade Bloomer
“As Albertans, we are very thankful to have good medical care while away from our home province. The Vernon Jubilee Hospital has provided us with quality care on several occasions and it is important to do our part through donations to maintain this quality level of care for all members of the community.”
-Dennis & Elizabeth O’Rourke