Photo: KGH Foundation

The annual Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Day of Giving is just a few weeks away. 

The day encourages the community to support excellence in healthcare, right here at KGH.

Funds this year will go towards the KGH Foundation’s campaign to complete the cardiac program with the addition of advanced heart rhythm services.

It’s a cause all too familiar for Darrell and Margaret Porubanec, who witnessed their youngest son Trevor, just 22 years-old, 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,” explains Porubanec.

Trained medical staff in Kelowna saved Trevor’s life, but he required immediate diagnostic attention to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest and treat future episodes. Unfortunately, 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,''Porubanec added. 

Darrell and Margaret, with the support of their sons Trevor and Murray, will be matching all donations that come in on the KGH Foundation Day of Giving, April 25.

“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

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.

For more information on the KGH Foundation Day of Giving or to donate, please visit https://www.kghfoundation.com/event/day-of-giving/