Calgary Secures $1.8 Million for Women’s Cardiovascular Health
News related to:Calgary Health Foundation · 2 min read
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Oct. 07, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Calgary Health Foundation has secured a significant $1.8 million donation from philanthropist Leslie Bissett to enhance women’s cardiovascular health in the city. The generous gift will fund the purchase of a state-of-the-art combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET CT) scanner, a crucial piece of technology that will improve diagnostic procedures and ensure timely and accurate evaluation of cardiovascular health for women.
The new PET CT scanner will be installed in a newly constructed radiology space at Foothills Medical Centre, slated for completion in fall 2027. This investment is part of Calgary Health Foundation’s broader mission to accelerate healthcare advancement and ensure that every woman receives the medical care she needs to live a longer, fuller life.
Leslie Bissett’s relationship with Calgary Health Foundation began in 2024 when she met with the organization’s team to discuss women’s cardiac care. Upon learning of the tangible ways she could support this critical area, Bissett decided to contribute her resources.
Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative, emphasized the importance of this technology.
Dr. Manish Joshi, head of the department of Diagnostic Imaging for Alberta Health Services, Calgary, highlighted the current limitations in cardiac imaging capabilities.
The addition of this scanner will allow for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), a test that looks at blood flow through the heart. PET MPI is the gold standard for diagnosing microvascular angina, a condition more common in women than men and often underdiagnosed. While Edmonton has two sites offering this advanced technology, Calgary will become a leader in cardiac imaging with the new scanner.
Calgary Health Foundation, founded in 1996, has been driven by the belief that donor generosity can fuel progress and transform care. The organization’s mission is to find opportunities to work with donors, medical specialists, community partners, and the public to invest in innovation across the entire healthcare system. This latest initiative is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to advancing women’s cardiac care and ensuring that every woman receives the medical care she needs.
With the support of Leslie Bissett and the new PET CT scanner, Calgary Health Foundation aims to improve the lives of women in the community by addressing the unique challenges they face in cardiovascular health.