Legacy-Building Compassion
The 2024–2025 year was one of achievement at the CK Hui Heart Centre, a time defined by progress, compassion, and community. From launching life-changing cardiac services and expanding access to care, to raising vital funds and celebrating powerful legacies, every step forward this year reflected the CK Hui’s deep commitment to putting patients first.
Completed visits
for Stress Tests, Holter Monitors, Arrhythmia (+Heart Function & Pacemaker clinic)
Cases
for PCIs, Cardiac Catheterizations, and Device Implants (PMs and ICDs only)
Inpatient Admissions
for CICU and 1E
In February 2025, as part of Heart Month, CK Hui staff took part in the “Listen to Your Heart” event at West Edmonton Mall—part of a national initiative offering free heart health assessments to the public. Held on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, the event drew over 300 participants—the most in Canada this year. For 50 of those participants, that day marked the beginning of crucial follow-up care, having been identified for further cardiac screening at the CK Hui Heart Centre. Among them was a rideshare driver who, just days earlier, had mentioned a heart murmur to Dr. Tyrrell, Chief of Cardiology. The invitation to the event that followed may have changed—and possibly saved—his life. It was a moment that captured the essence of the CK Hui: removing barriers, reaching out, and truly listening to the heart.
Just two days earlier, supporters gathered in downtown Edmonton for the inaugural Heartbeat Hideaway, a celebration of heart health and generosity. That night, guests helped raise over $225,000 to support a vital cardiac service: the development of an AV Node Ablation Program at the CK Hui. Thanks to the success of the event and the continued generosity of the CK Hui’s donor community, the program received full funding this year, laying the foundation for life-changing treatment for patients living with atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disorders—delivered close to home, with care and precision.
The year was also marked by remarkable acts of philanthropy that honoured the past while shaping the future. In September 2024, a deeply moving ceremony took place as the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation unveiled custom signage outside patient care room 1E019, honouring the late Dr. James Ma—a cherished Edmonton family physician and former CK Hui patient. His wife, Amy Ma, made a generous gift of over $306,000 in his memory, a heartfelt tribute to the care he received in his final years. Surrounded by family, friends, and members of his care team, the moment was one of reflection and gratitude, quietly acknowledging the difference that compassionate care can make in the lives of patients and those who love them.
“With over 50,000 patient visits every year, we are on the frontlines of cardiac care. We provide life-saving treatments, perform cutting-edge procedures, and drive innovative research that helps shape the future of heart health. And we’re doing it all with a philosophy of minimally invasive, maximally effective work—ensuring patients receive the best possible care with the least amount of disruption to their lives.”
One month later, Unit 1 East was formally renamed the Cheung Family Wing in recognition of a generous gift from Dr. Po Kee Cheung, a pioneering cardiologist who retired after decades of dedicated service. Known for his quiet humility, Dr. Cheung declined a personal plaque—choosing instead to let the wing’s new name stand as a simple tribute. The Cheung Family Cardiology Endowment Fund continues to support progress in clinical care, education, and innovation.
Throughout the year, from the historic impact of events during Heart Month to the launch of vital cardiac services and personal tributes that speak to the deepest values of our community, the CK Hui Heart Centre demonstrated that every heartbeat counts. And while some moments made headlines, others quietly shaped the future—through a kind word, a generous gift, or a timely invitation to seek care.
To all those who gave their time, their expertise, or their support: thank you. You have made this year not only remarkable, but life-changing. With your continued partnership, we will keep advancing access, investing in innovation, and delivering the care Albertans need and deserve.
Let’s continue saving lives, one heartbeat at a time.
"Thank you to all those who have supported the CK Hui Heart Centre and have helped make it the leader in cardiology excellence that it is, providing compassionate, life-saving care to the community."