Meet Olwen
In 1989, Olwen Lepps was 18 and had just finished grade 12. He was busy playing sports as he had all his life, but noticed he was slowing down. Thinking he was out of shape, he pushed harder and tried to get his conditioning back. It was only after an x-ray for a rugby injury uncovered that his heart was three times the size it should’ve been.
From that moment, the University of Alberta Hospital’s heart transplant team surrounded him with care. Cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists guided him through every step—from urgent assessment to transplant-list preparation to the surgery itself. Their expertise, combined with family support, kept him steady as his life changed overnight.
Olwen received his heart transplant in January 1990 and he’s never looked back. Through rehabilitation, follow-up care, and long-term monitoring, the transplant team helped him rebuild the strength that would define the next phase of his life. The year after his transplant, he played with the Edmonton Huskies and then quarterbacked the University of Alberta Golden Bears for four seasons.
Olwen went on to get married and have two children, complete a successful teaching career and he continues to play and coach sports to this day. His story is proof of what the world-class University hospital transplant team makes possible: not just extended years, but a fully reclaimed life.
Meet Dr. Daniel Kim
As Medical Director of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation at the University of Alberta Hospital, Dr. Daniel Kim leads one of Canada’s most advanced programs for patients whose hearts can no longer sustain life without mechanical support or transplantation. From mechanical heart pumps to total transplants, their work saves lives every day.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kim is researching ways to improve transplant longevity — detecting early signs of rejection before symptoms appear, and developing new therapies to prevent cardiac decompensation.
The University of Alberta Hospital’s cardiac team performs among the highest-complexity procedures in the country, supported by decades of research and innovation. The transplant program that has saved the lives of patients like Olwen depends on cutting-edge imaging, research into immune rejection, and long-term patient follow-up — areas where philanthropy plays a critical role.
Support through the University Hospital Foundation and Full House Lottery fuels their capacity to keep moving forward.
“When you donate, you’re not just supporting one surgery — you’re enabling dozens of lives, dozens of research breakthroughs, and countless moments of hope. Your gift stays with every donor heart and every beating life,” says Dr. Kim.
Meet Brad
Born with a heart defect, and despite numerous surgeries as a child, Brad Smoliak lived much of his life without limitations, allowing him to pursue his love of cooking and making people around the world (including the Queen of England!) happy with his delicious food. But his heart health was steadily deteriorating. By his early-fifties, Brad was in late-stage heart failure. He was told he had 3-6 months to live. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Holger Buchholz and his team at the Maz, Brad received the life-saving care he needed in the form of a surgically implanted mechanical pump that helps circulate blood to the rest of his body. Today, Brad is on top of his game and thrilled to share his story.