For families navigating epilepsy, access to advanced treatment is life-changing. At Royal University Hospital, a state-of-the-art neurosurgical stereotactic robot can make specialized care more accessible for patients whose seizures don’t respond to medication. This means fewer families will have to leave the province—or country—for surgery.
For parents like Lori and Greg Newman, whose son Luke (now 28) underwent epilepsy surgery in Cleveland nine years ago, this advancement is deeply personal. “We credit having access to that technology for allowing our son to get two university degrees and move away for his career,” Lori shares. “Getting treatment quickly—not just the technology itself—can make all the difference.”
One of the biggest advantages of the neurosurgical robot is its precision. “Any surgery on the brain is scary, so fine-tuning the tools provides reassurance,” Lori explains. “You want absolute precision—whether for epilepsy or removing a tumor—so they can hopefully get it all the first time. One and done”. The robot also educes surgical time, meaning more patients can be treated, improving access to care. “Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but for those who are surgical candidates, the hope is that the surgery makes living with epilepsy more manageable,” Lori adds. “If improving technology can help reduce time and risk, that’s what we should strive for.”
Beyond the medical benefits, having this technology in Saskatchewan acknowledges the real-world struggles of epilepsy patients and caregivers. “Putting your life on hold is difficult, both for the patient and the caregivers.” Lori adds, “anything we can do to move people back onto a life path that is under their own control—that’s why this equipment is needed.”
The ability to have surgery close to home reduces stress and financial burdens, allowing families to stay together during critical times.
In Canada, about 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, often unpredictably due to traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other event. The likelihood that someone in your circle is affected is strong. Additionally, 1 in 100 Canadians are currently living with an epilepsy diagnosis—meaning they have had at least two unprovoked seizures with no underlying medical crisis or substance misuse. Stigma remains a challenge, but hope lies in research and technology—technology like the neurosurgical robot.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings this life-changing technology closer to reality. Thanks to the Merlis Belsher Family, every dollar will be matched—up to $600,000. Your contribution doesn’t just fund equipment; it restores hope, independence, and quality of life.
Join Lori and Greg Newman in making a donation. You can be a part of transforming someone’s life forever.
Read more inspiring stories in our Spring 2025 Milestones or make a donation now to support bringing this life-changing technology to Saskatchewan.
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