For patients living with epilepsy, life is filled with uncertainty. Seizures can strike at any moment, disrupting daily activities and limiting independence. But thanks to donor support, Royal University Hospital (RUH) may soon be home to a new, leading-edge robotic system that offers individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy a chance at a better quality of life.
RUH Foundation has committed to raise $1.2 million for a state-of-the-art neurosurgical stereotactic robot with imaging guidance technology, a groundbreaking tool
that will allow neurosurgeons to precisely place electrodes in the brain to identify and plan treatment for the exact source of epileptic seizures.
A neurosurgical robot can place electrodes with incredible precision, making the procedure far less invasive and drastically reducing pain, recovery time, and risks. This means patients can get the answers they need faster—and move toward a future with fewer seizures, or even freedom from them altogether.
This life-changing technology, made possible through donor generosity, will position RUH as a leader in epilepsy treatment and enhances its reputation as a centre for cutting-edge care in Saskatchewan.
A Game-Changer for Epilepsy Surgery
Through past donor support of RUH Foundation’s Fellowship funding, Dr. Amit Persad, a neurosurgeon at RUH, will spend this year training at two of North America’s top neurosurgery centres, including Stanford University in California and Western University in London, Ontario. With his expertise and this advanced robotic technology, RUH will be able to offer surgical interventions that will help make seizure-free lives possible.
“Epilepsy surgery is one of the most effective treatments available, period” explains Dr. Persad. “For the right patients, it can provide a cure—something that is truly lifechanging. With this new robotic assistant, we can place electrodes to precisely locate the source of seizures and determine the best course of action, whether that’s removing the affected area, disconnecting it, or inserting electrodes to regulate brain activity.”
Currently, patients in Saskatchewan often have to leave the province to access specialized epilepsy care. With this new technology and Dr. Persad’s expertise, RUH
will become a hub for epilepsy treatment, not only for Saskatchewan residents but potentially for patients from neighbouring provinces like Manitoba, which does not yet have an epilepsy surgery program.
Donors Making a Difference
This milestone for RUH would not be possible without the support of generous donors. The Merlis Belsher Family has stepped forward with an inspirational pledge to the campaign totalling $700,000 to help bring world class robotic seizure care technology to RUH and Saskatchewan. The gift includes a dollar-to-dollar match of all donations received up to $600,000 and an additional $100,000 to help move forward the neurosurgical robotic program at RUH. This incredible gift helps make the $1.2 million robotic assistant—to be affectionately named Erin in honour of Merlis’s granddaughter—a reality, ensuring that patients in Saskatchewan have access to world-class epilepsy treatment right here at home.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Belsher Family and all donors who recognize the impact of this technology,” says Dr. Persad. “This isn’t just about a piece of equipment—it’s about providing hope, improving quality of life, and keeping specialized health-care talent in our province.”
Attracting and Retaining Top Medical Talent
Having cutting-edge technology at RUH does more than improve patient outcomes—it also helps attract and retain top medical professionals. Dr. Persad himself is a
testament to this, choosing to bring his expertise back to Saskatchewan because of the opportunities available at RUH.
“Investing in advanced medical technology not only enhances patient care but also strengthens our ability to recruit specialists,” he explains. “When professionals see that we have the tools to offer the best care possible, they want to be here. It’s a major step forward for our province’s health-care system.”
Double Your Impact—Help Transform Epilepsy Care
With the Belsher Family’s generous donation, every dollar you give is matched—doubling your impact on patient care at RUH. Your support today can bring this life-changing technology to those who need it most, ensuring that RUH remains at the forefront of innovation in epilepsy treatment.
Read more inspiring stories in our Spring 2025 Milestones or make a donation now. Together, we can change lives.
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