Paul's Story
In January of 2010 a major incident occurred. Paul was snowmobiling with some friends when he passed out. He woke up on his own and he attributed the incident to a lack of oxygen from his helmet being packed with snow. He again went to a general practitioner, had the full cardiac workup (EKG, Echocardiogram, blood tests, 24 hr heart monitor). All of these results were inconclusive, but due to the seriousness of "the incident", a referral to the cardiologist was made.
Professorship in Heart Rhythm Disorders at VGH
The Paul Brunes Professorship was established by the Brunes family after Paul's untimely death at age 31. Starting in his teens, Paul had complained several times of a racing heartbeat. He sought medical attention on numerous occassions and underwent tests, but was not diagnosed with a heart ailment. He died suddenly in 2010.
"Our partnership with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation enabled us to fundraise for this incredible professorship named after our son, Paul Brunes," said his father, Per. "We feel that his shortened life will have not been in vain and truly believe that this Professorship will help save young men and women like Paul from this kind of heart disease."