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.

A devoted mother and figure skating coach, Mandy suddenly went into complete heart failure a few years ago. One moment, she was getting ready for the day—the next, she was struggling to breathe, unable to stand, and calling for help. By the time paramedics arrived, her heart was failing, and her organs were shutting down. Doctors at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute knew they had to act fast. Mandy was placed on an ECMO machine, a life-saving device that allowed her heart to rest while doctors determined the best course of action. But when her heart didn’t recover, she needed something more, a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) to keep her alive long enough for a heart transplant.