News & stories, Recognizing Excellence in our own province
March 2024
How a grateful couple is giving back
Glenn and Penny Foster will never forget Canada Day of 2010. Instead of a quiet long weekend, Glenn underwent a life-saving procedure by Saint John Regional Hospital’s talented surgeons.
With Glenn in agonizing stomach pain, Penny drove to their local emergency department. Glenn needed surgery – fast. He was transported to Saint John Regional Hospital where surgeons removed a large section of his colon.
During surgery, the anesthesiologist discovered Glenn had a serious heart condition. He was monitored by our specialists, and in 2016 he underwent cardiac catheterization ablation to keep his heart beating normally.
Our compassionate care continued after Glenn recovered. “People don’t realize there’s a mental health aspect to recovering from heart disease. Part of the cardiac program is dealing with that,” says Glenn, who feels blessed to be living a healthy life today.
The Fosters became monthly donors to the Regional when Glenn saw the difference gifts make for patients like him. "When I was in cardiac rehab, I saw new machines coming in and was told that a donor had helped purchase them,” he says.
The couple was so grateful for the kindness of other local donors and value of outstanding healthcare in our province that they wanted to extend their giving to future New Brunswickers.
In their wills, they named the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
It’s a decision that just feels right. “I’d like my gift directed to the Heart Centre,” Glenn explains. “Those are the people who saved my life.”
