Vancouver - In 2008 a cancerous tumor appeared on BC-resident Ahmed Elneweihi's liver; it seemed to disappear, and then appeared again. The electrical engineer's only option was a liver transplant. His son Sameer was a match. Surgery was performed at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) by Dr. Charles Scudamore, Director B.C. Liver Transplant Program, and Associate Professor, and Head, Pancreatic Surgery, UBC.

"He got out of the hospital just in time for Christmas that year," said his son Sameer. Elneweihi was back at VGH again today, but this time it was to be reunited with his health care team, and honor them for saving his life.

The Elneweihi family joined VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation for an event to celebrate the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who provide British Columbians with the best in specialized care. Elneweihi publicly thanked the people he calls his "angels" by presenting them with heavenly ornaments in front of an audience of health care workers, hospital employees, members of the general public, and donors to the hospital. Those angels included surgeon(s) Dr. Charles Scudamore, Dr. Stephen Chung, nurses Eva Hargreaves and Sean Vernon, and family members – his wife Georgina, and son Sameer.

The dedications were part of the annual Angels Campaign (www.angelsatvgh.ca) Every year, people are invited to make a gift to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and dedicate paper angel ornaments to doctors, nurses, friends or family who have made a difference to them.

"The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate the courage of our patients, the support of loved ones, and the skill and compassion of our doctors and nurses," said Ron Dumouchelle, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. "By making a gift to our hospitals, donors are helping patients across BC receive the best care possible."

Angel dedications and accompanying donations have been coming in to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation from all parts of the province. Thousands have been received so far this season, and are on display on trees in the Winter Wonderland in the Diamond Family Courtyard in the Jim Pattison Pavilion, where the dedication ceremony took place. Many of the Angels have been dedicated to nurses, doctors and other health care workers from a variety of medical areas including the Emergency Department to the Eye Care Centre; to the Liver Transplant team, and many others. Some include comments such as, "A million bouquets of appreciation." "Thank you for your hard work and dedication." "You're the most caring and compassionate doctor I've ever met." "You saved my life."

All donations support much-needed equipment, important research and enhancements to patient care at VGH, UBC Hospital and GF Strong Rehab Centre.

The event also included a festive performance by the Eric Hamber Secondary School Jazz Choir, and an on-site draw for a magnificent one-of-a-kind Thomas Haas Artisan Chocolate Angel (valued at $495). The campaign continues until the end of the month. To make a gift, or a dedication to someone whose been an angel to you, visit www.angelsatvgh.ca Or, text "Angel" to 41010 to donate $10 to the Campaign.

About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the registered charity that raises funds for much-needed medical equipment, important research, and improvements to patient treatment for the many specialized areas of care at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. The Foundation also fundraises for the hospitals' partners – Community Health Services in Vancouver; a network of community and home-based health care across the city. For more than 30 years, the Foundation and its donors have been the bridge between the essential health care that governments provide and more advanced health care. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.worldclasshealthcare.ca