Photo: File photo

UPDATE: 6:30 p.m.

More than $1 million was raised for the KGH Foundation Thursday, during the charitable organization's third-annual Day of Giving.

The record-breaking day of donations will go towards the foundation's $7 million goal for cardiac care at the hospital.

“Quite frankly, I’m still in shock,” said Doug Rankmore, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “It’s clear the need is real, and felt by so many across the valley.” 

The money will go towards bringing heart rhythm services to KGH. Currently, patients with cardiac arrhythmias must travel Vancouver or Victoria, often waiting weeks for treatment. 

Darrell and Margaret Porubanec matched donations up to $250,000.

"We couldn’t be more proud to live in Kelowna and be surrounded by so many giving individuals," Margaret said. "This is a cause that’s very close to our hearts. Our son required and will continue to require heart rhythm services, and soon it will be available here. How amazing to witness such true acts of community philanthropy today.”

Additionally, an anonymous donor matched all donations above the Porubanec's $250,000, bringing the final total to $1,042,761.

ORIGINAL: 5 a.m.

Darrell and Margaret Porubanec know first hand the importance of the heart services.

The Kelowna couple witnessed their 22-year-old son, Trevor, fall to the floor unresponsive, later to be diagnosed with a life-threatening heart rhythm condition.

“It’s called Brugada Syndrome, and it causes the heart to race beyond its ability to pump blood,” said Margaret. “As a parent you want to keep your children safe and protected, so when Trevor collapsed, I called 911 and started to administer CPR, but felt utterly helpless.”

Medical staff at Kelowna General Hospital saved Trevor’s life, but he required immediate diagnostic attention to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest and treat future episodes. Heart rhythm services are not currently available at KGH, so Trevor had to be airlifted to Victoria.

It was a long journey into this world we knew nothing about, and one that was made equally more challenging by being away from home,” recalls Darrell. “When your child is leaving in a medevac jet and you don’t know what the future holds, you’d do anything to create one small element of normal. If we can help families at least not have to worry about travel and being away from home, I feel like we’re doing our part to help an already very difficult situation.”

To show their appreciation, Darrell and Margaret, with the support of their sons Trevor and Murray, will be matching all donations today – the KGH Foundation's Day of Giving.

Funds will go towards the KGH Foundation’s campaign to complete the cardiac program with the addition of Advanced Heart Rhythm Services.

“We’re amazed at the support in this community, especially when a family makes it their purpose to inspire others,” said Doug Rankmore, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “And now people who are thinking of giving, can know that whatever they donate will be doubled – it’s pretty powerful.”

The cardiac program at KGH rivals any in the country.

Now serving as the largest referral hospital for specialized care in the BC interior, Kelowna General is no longer just a community hospital. Of the hospital’s 400 beds, an estimated 100 are occupied by patients from out of town, many of them receiving care for cardiac conditions.

Trevor required an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) to be placed inside his body, so that should another episode occur, the ICD could restart his heart instantly. And soon, with the addition of an Electrophysiology Lab, patients like Trevor can receive the specialized care they require, right here at KGH.

To donate, click here.