In 2022, the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation (CAHCF) and the Canmore Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary (CHLA) introduced the Bow Valley Health Care Scholarships program. Funded by generous donors and community supporters, this initiative is designed to support individuals who play a vital role in our local health care community. It aims to show gratitude, provide encouragement, and offer financial assistance to those pursuing careers in healthcare within the Bow Valley.
After a successful first round of scholarships, it became evident that the program had the potential for a greater significant impact. Our goal shifted to expanding the program and raising funds to support more future healthcare professionals in the Bow Valley. Thanks to the support of donors, six individuals received Bow Valley Health Care Scholarships in 2023. This included a notable addition to the program, the Bow Valley Indigenous Health Professional Bursary, championed and funded by a community member.
Let's meet the 2023-2024 Bow Valley Health Care Scholarship recipients:
George Reed: George, a Canmore native, is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta. While leaning towards a surgical specialty, he remains open to exploring various career paths in medicine. George expressed deep gratitude for being selected as a scholarship recipient, acknowledging the financial support provided by the CAHCF, CHLA, and other generous donors.
Annika Hicks: Annika, also from Canmore, is a medical student at the University of British Columbia. She aspires to practice medicine in Canmore and is currently in the process of choosing her medical specialty. Annika recognizes the importance of active living in Canmore and aims to help others maintain and enhance their physical activity. She expressed sincere gratitude for the community's support, acknowledging the financial challenges of medical school.
Clara Terra: Clara, another Canmore resident, is a student in speech-language pathology at the University of Alberta. Her goal is to advocate for inclusive, culturally safe, and client-centred speech-language pathology services within the Bow Valley. Clara expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, which will support her during her full-time classes and practicums at the University of Alberta.
Alina Arvisais: Alina, who calls Canmore home, is pursuing a Master's in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. Her objective is to return to the Bow Valley as a physiotherapist, contributing to the well-being of the local community. Alina appreciated the scholarship for allowing her to dedicate more time to her studies and educational opportunities.
Naomi Franklin: Naomi, an Alberta resident, has been a pharmacist since 2007 and now aims to pursue a degree and career in counselling psychology. She plans to give back to the community by working as a counsellor and fostering connections. Naomi expressed her privilege and honour in receiving the scholarship, thanking the deciding committee, CAHCF, donors, and CHLA for their support.
Ethan Twoyoungmen: Ethan, a member of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, grew up in Morley, Alberta. He shared his journey from a lack of role models and limited prospects after high school to discovering his passion for psychology. Ethan's long-term goal is to become a psychotherapist specializing in indigenous mental health, incorporating indigenous traditions with western teachings. He expressed immense gratitude for the support and the reminder that he could achieve more than he thought.
These six passionate and brilliant individuals are pursuing educational journeys that will ultimately contribute to the betterment of the Bow Valley community. The Bow Valley Health Care Scholarships program relies entirely on the generosity of donors to sustain its impact for years to come. If you are interested and able, please consider contributing to the CAHCF Programs Fund to support future health care scholarships like these. Your donation has the power to change lives profoundly.
