In early 2023, while enjoying a curling game, Gord Tallman experienced a life-altering event: he collapsed on the ice, struck by a sudden stroke. Fortunately, within just 45 minutes, he had been rushed to Foothills Medical Centre, where he received immediate and life-saving care. Gord’s stroke happened on a Monday. Incredibly, by Thursday of the same week, he was back on the ice, curling as if nothing had happened.
Just a month after recovering from the stroke, Gord had to undergo a heart valve replacement. One Saturday morning, his wife noticed something was wrong—Gord couldn’t get out of bed. Once again, he was taken to Foothills, where doctors acted quickly to address his condition. A heart valve that he’d had replaced in 2021 for preventative purposes had become infected and needed to be replaced again.
Throughout his medical journey, the care Gord received stood out to him: “Without my surgeon, Dr. Holloway, and my cardiologist, Dr. Colbert, I wouldn’t be alive today.” After a successful operation thanks to his skilled medical team, Gord was able to return home six days after his valve replacement surgery.
As a result of the excellent care he received, Gord is still here today and has been able to share in family milestones he might have otherwise missed. He celebrated his wife’s 80th birthday at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise, watched two of his grandsons graduate, and celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with a special dinner.
Gord’s experience has also inspired him to take control of his health. “I make sure to exercise every day—stationary bike, walking three kilometers, and curling four days a week. It’s good for me physically and mentally.” He and his wife are also preparing for the next chapter of their lives, planning to move into senior residences next year.
Gord recognizes how lucky he is: “My family doctor always calls me his ‘miracle patient.’ After everything I’ve been through—two heart surgeries, a stroke, and multiple infections—I’m still here, living life to the fullest. It’s a testament to the incredible care I’ve received, and I’m just so grateful for the second chance.”
By supporting causes like Calgary Health Foundation, Gord sees that others can have the opportunity to experience their own “firsts”—the first steps back into life, the first time returning to what they love, and the first celebrations of recovery. “If people can give back to improve healthcare, I’d suggest they do that. I’ve received excellent care, and I want to contribute so others can receive the same.”
Having had ups and downs in his own health journey, Gord’s commitment to Calgary Health Foundation is personal. “What can you do for doctors who save your life? You can donate to help others receive the same care. I started donating after my first operation, and it’s become an annual thing now. I’ve been giving back for five years.”
For those considering making a donation to Calgary Health Foundation, Gord has one message: “Please give generously. You’ll be helping improve the healthcare system that saved my life.”
To support Calgary Health Foundation, as Gord has done, please visit givehealth.ca.
