The Lifeso's story

When they nearly lost their son Michael, they added a gift in their will to the University Hospital Foundation to thank the medical teams that saved him – and to ensure that anyone who needs it receives the same level of life-saving care.

When he was 43, Michael Lifeso had a heart attack. Shortly after his recovery, his lungs began to fail – eventually to the point where they stopped working.

His parents, Clayton and Betty, were told their son did not have long to live.

As a last resort, Michael was put on life support at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (Maz), which kept him alive until he received a successful double-lung transplant, also at the Maz.

Today, Michael is very much alive, making the most of his second chance at life.

For Clayton and Betty, their son’s ordeal was an eye opening experience they wish they never had – but they are grateful for the care he received.

“We had no idea community support plays such a role in healthcare,” said Betty. “It’s very likely Michael would not be with us without it.”

Generous donations to the University Hospital Foundation, including many from people who left gifts in their wills, equipped the Maz with the advanced life support equipment needed to keep Michael alive, and supported the expansion of the cardiovascular intensive care unit where he stayed before and after his surgery.

“The decision to leave a gift in our wills to the University Hospital Foundation was easy when we saw the impact we could have,” said Clayton. “Because it’s in our will, we can give more than we normally could, and have an even greater impact.”

“We want to make sure that the level of care that saved Michael is still there for our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, and for everyone else in the community who may need it.”