Battlefords Healthcare Foundation Celebrates First Annual Healthcare Heroes

The Battlefords Healthcare Foundation proudly hosted its first annual Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Evening, bringing together healthcare professionals, community leaders, volunteers, and partners to celebrate the individuals who make an extraordinary difference in patient care across the region.

Held at the Dekker Centre, the evening was filled with powerful stories of compassion, dedication, and leadership from within the local healthcare system. The inaugural event recognized individuals across multiple disciplines whose work strengthens healthcare in the Battlefords and surrounding communities.

“Every single day across our region, extraordinary things are happening inside our healthcare system,” said Leanne Ducommun, Executive Director of the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation. “Most of the time, they are the quiet moments: a nurse sitting beside someone scared, a physician taking the time to answer one more question, a volunteer bringing comfort into a busy hallway. These moments may seem small, but together they build trust, compassion, and the kind of healthcare system every community hopes for.”

The Healthcare Heroes evening was created to shine a light on those individuals whose dedication often happens behind the scenes.

“We created this evening because we believe the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others deserve to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated,” Ducommun added. “From physicians and nurses to allied health professionals, housekeeping, volunteers, and community partners, every role matters, and every contribution strengthens healthcare in our community.”

Following a nomination process that invited submissions from colleagues, patients, and community members, recipients were selected by an independent judging panel.

2026 Healthcare Heroes Award Recipients

• Rising Star Award — Kelsey Samborski

• Allied Health Impact Award — Krista Jamieson

• Nursing Excellence Award — Gilbert Katerynych

• Physician Champion Award — Dr. Aaron Prystupa

• Volunteer of the Year Award — Pat Gotto

• Business Champion Award — River Valley Eye Care

• Healthcare Hero Award — Dr. Patricia Campbell

The evening also included a deeply moving tribute recognizing the Donor Legacy Award, presented in memory of Theresa Kolberg, whose passion for community and generosity continue to impact healthcare locally.

“Theresa believed deeply in the power of community,” said Ducommun during the tribute. “Through the gifts made in her memory, her generosity continues to live on, supporting patients, families, and healthcare teams across our region. That is what legacy truly is. It is love extended beyond a lifetime.”

Throughout the evening, heartfelt acceptance speeches from recipients and emotional stories from nominations reminded attendees of the profound human impact of healthcare.

The Battlefords Healthcare Foundation expressed gratitude to the many sponsors and partners who helped make the event possible, including River Valley Eye Care, Gold Eagle Casino, Strathcona Resources Ltd., Discovery Co-op, and numerous community supporters.

Ducommun noted the overwhelming response from the community.

“The sincerity and gratitude shared by recipients and their families reminded us all why this work matters,” she said. “Healthcare is more than a system. It is something deeply human, something we can feel.”

The Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Evening will now become an annual tradition celebrating the individuals and organizations who continue to strengthen healthcare in the Battlefords region.