Calgary Health Trust -

Donor Spotlight - Cam Keith

redengine | December 06, 2015

In 2012, Cam Keith’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Unable to get the seizures under control with medication Cam lost his driver’s license and was unable to hold a job.
In 2014, Cam spent two weeks in the seizure monitoring unit at Foothills Medical Centre.  Connected to a computer with electrodes attached to his head he was monitored 24 hours a day. The length of these cables allowed him to walk about 15 meters to the washroom and an exercise bike.
That time gave the opportunity to think about the incredible people who were trying to make a difference to his life.
“[It’s an] amazing groups of professionals within the Epilepsy Program. There are many different disciplines doing their part,” said Cam. “To express my thanks to all the Doctors, disciplines and supporting staff, I wanted to raise some funds for the Seizure Monitoring Unit.”
In 2015 Cam decided he would cycling through the Canadian Rockies to bring some awareness to Adult Epilepsy and raise funds for that department of Clinical Neuroscience.

1. When did you first start supporting Calgary Health Trust? 

In the summer of 2015 I did a bike tour across the Canadian Rocky Mountains to raise funds for the Seizure Monitoring Unit at Foothills Medical Centre. I biked approximately 2,000 km throughout the month of July and spoke to people I met along the way about Epilepsy to raise funds and create awareness. 

1. What motivated you to start giving to Calgary Health Trust? 

I wanted to raise funds to help people in the Seizure Monitoring Unit at Foothills Medical Centre.  In 2012, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 60 and I spent two weeks in the Seizure Monitoring Unit in 2014. The care I received was excellent.  I wanted to thank the people in the unit – everyone from the surgeons to those that sweep the floors.  Their professionalism and how they treat patients is amazing. 

1. What do you hope your gift is doing to make a difference in health care?

I hope it can help purchase better equipment for health care providers.  The knowledge they have is immense and top shelf and probably can’t be any better. But with new technologies, equipment can always be improved.

1. What would you like to say to others who are thinking about giving to Calgary Health Trust?

It is absolutely of value to pay it forward and knowingly help others through donations.  It settles the heart. I know there are huge million dollar donations given, but you get the same good feelings when giving smaller amounts too.