The Beat Goes On Gala raises more than $800,000 to enhance cardiovascular health

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s seventh The Beat Goes On Gala raised more than $800,000 to support local cardiovascular research, education and clinical care, bringing the event’s total to more than $6 million since its inception in 2014. More than 400 people attended this year’s event, held at the Hyatt Regency on Sept. 10. 

Proceeds from this year’s gala event will help transform cardiovascular health care through cutting-edge research and clinical innovations made possible by leveraging Alberta’s rich data sources.

There is a critical connection between health data and clinical care. When processed with advanced analytics like machine learning and artificial intelligence, ‘big data’ can help inform care pathways, manage cardiovascular risk factors and even predict disease before it occurs.

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute is uniquely set up to transform cardiovascular health care by tapping into Alberta’s rich health-data sources. 

“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer globally, and it’s a growing problem,” says Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD, the director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. “By leveraging Alberta’s health-data resources, we enable transformative research and clinical innovations.

“The Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s vision is to provide tomorrow’s health care today by leveraging Alberta’s rich health-data sources to inform and transform clinical practice, making it more personalized and precise. People are unique individuals, so a one-size-fits-all approach to cardiovascular health care is not sufficient.”

Attendees at The Beat Goes on Gala not only learned about the Libin Institute’s impact on the lives of local cardiovascular patients, but they also enjoyed a contemporary evening featuring Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment, a cocktail reception, a four-course meal and after-party with live music by Calgary-based party band Revolucion.

“We are grateful to our community partners for their continued support,” says Fedak. “Together we are transforming health care through world-class research and making a tremendous impact in the lives of local patients and their families.”

The Beat Goes on Gala was made possible through generous donations from the community, including signature sponsor the Calgary Health Foundation.