Chinook Regional Hospital, where Lethbridge's new Cardiac Centre of Excellence will eventually be built. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge couple donates $100,000 to Cardiac Centre of Excellence

Jan 8, 2026 | 11:11 AM

The Bringing Hearts Home campaign has secured its latest major donation.

Karen and Dr. Troy Basarab have announced that they will contribute $100,000.

Karen says the project is very important and personal for them.

“My dad passed away from cardiac health issues in March 2025, and my mom is currently a heart function clinic patient. We recognize that almost every family in our community will be impacted by cardiac health issues at some time. Troy and I are conscientious about diet and fitness, and we are impressed that the plan emphasizes both treatment and prevention,” says Karen Basarab.

Troy adds that Lethbridge is not where they grew up, but it has been their home for decades now.

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He says it is a great place to practice periodontics and raise a family, and they are happy to give back to the community that has meant so much to them.

The Bringing Hearts Home campaign is a transformational initiative that aims to raise $30 million for new Cardiac Centres of Excellence at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

With a full year remaining for the fundraiser, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is more than halfway to its goal, having currently secured more than $16.8 million.

Planned key enhancements to the two medical facilities include a new cardiac catheterization lab, a dedicated electrophysiology lab, two new echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, and expanded cardiac ICU capacity.

Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Physician Lead for Cardiac Services in the AHS South Zone, says these advancements will enable more timely diagnoses, faster access to treatment, and improved patient outcomes, all without having to leave the region.

“This is incredible news for our community and countless patients and their loved ones across southern Alberta,” says Zielke. “We are so thankful to the Basarabs for their generous support, and for sharing in our vision to transform cardiac care in our communities so our friends and family can access the care they need, when they need it, closer to home.”

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in southern Alberta, with mortality rates 29.6% higher than the provincial average and heart attack rates 15.5% higher than elsewhere in Alberta.

The Alberta Government is in the final stages of confirming the functional planning and design for the cardiac centre, with final detailed plans having been submitted in December.