FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, Oct. 26, 2026 –- Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) is pleased to welcome Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker as the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC) patient ambassador for this year’s Gift of Health campaign. Bekker will join the Foundation in encouraging people from across the region to “change what happens next.” From Oct. 19 to Dec. 31, 2026, donor support will help equip Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) with resources such as vital equipment, cutting-edge research and enhancements to care spaces that will expand access to world-class health care for south-central Ontario.

After a biopsy in April 2026 sidelined Bekker from Forge FC's regular season, the team captain soon found himself undergoing treatment at JHCC following an unexpected testicular cancer diagnosis. Now, with surgery having successfully removed his tumor, Bekker is on the road to recovery and is sharing his health-care journey to inspire others to support patients across HHS.

“As an athlete, someone who works to keep myself healthy for competition, I didn’t think something like this could happen to me,” says Bekker. “Thanks to the team at JHCC, I was given the gift of another chance. Through the Gift of Health campaign, I am inviting everyone to help give someone else that same gift. Whether it’s for a loved one, or anyone going through a similar health-care experience, a small gesture can make a huge impact.”

In 2025, the Gift of Health campaign raised more than $1.1 million in support of HHS. “Donor support truly ‘changes what happens next’ by supporting care, research and innovation,” says Anissa Hilborn, CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. “As we kick off the season of giving, we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who chooses to support health care in our region.”
To donate, visit giftofhealth.ca and help change what happens next for the more than 3 million people served by HHS.

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About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation:
Celebrating 50 years of supporting excellence in health care, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces, and the education and training of health care providers.
As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.

Media Contact:
Olivia Jackson
Brand Manager
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
Phone: 365-384-4876
Email: [email protected]
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