Click here to find out more! $5M donation boosts treatment of brain ailments at children’s hospital

Amy Seely, centre, and her son Austin joined Stanley and Margaret Owerko at the Alberta Children’s Hospital on Friday, after the Owerko’s announced a $5-million donation in support of pediatric brain health at the hospital. Seely, who son suffers from epilepsy, said the donation “makes a real difference to families like ours.”

A $5-million gift to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation will benefit thousands of children affected by brain-related health conditions, including attention and developmental disorders, sleep disorders, head trauma, stroke and epilepsy.

Stan and Marge Owerko are the generous Calgarians behind the donation, which is the largest individual gift for brain health the Alberta Children’s Hospital has ever received.

“This donation is serving as a catalyst to doing great things for children suffering from illness and injury of the brain,” said Saifa Koonar, president and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Koonar said pediatric brain health is a priority for the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“We know that who we become is rooted in the brain, and so it’s an area that we absolutely need to do more with and find cures and better treatments to help these thousands of children that suffer from injury and illness of the brain,” she said.

The “incredible gift” was celebrated at the hospital Friday morning by more than 100 people, including the Owerko’s friends, family and colleagues from Petrogas Energy Corp.

During a speech, Stan told the audience the couple was proud to help further the vision of the hospital’s brain-health centre, while Marge reflected on her work as a registered nurse in hospitals throughout Alberta.
“Caring for sick children and understanding the pain that they and their families have experienced has a lasting memory,” she told the audience.

Following Friday morning’s celebration, Stan said he and his wife were grateful to be able to support a cause close to their family.

“We have a grandson who has ADHD and that resonates with us,” he said. “We have a lot of friends whose children have ADHD and have other challenges as well.”

Amy Seely spoke at Friday’s event about her nine-year-old son Austin’s experience living with epilepsy and the impact the hospital has had on his health.

“I’m sure many people drive by this colourful building up on the hill and don’t think twice,” she said to the audience. “To us, it truly stands as a beacon of hope.”

Seely thanked the Owerkos for supporting children like Austin through their donation in support of brain health.

“Mr. and Mrs. Owerko, we are so grateful for your generous gift,” she said. “It makes a real difference to families like ours.”