Women’s health on Vancouver Island took a monumental leap forward this weekend as the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s 2025 Miracle Gala raised a transformational $1,764,420 to set a new standard in cancer care for women at Victoria General Hospital (VGH), the Island’s referral centre for women’s health.

The momentum of the evening was set by three extraordinary local women who stepped forward with a bold challenge to the community. United by a deep and personal commitment to women’s health, these steadfast supporters pledged a combined $1 million, sparking a wave of generosity. “This is not about us,” they shared anonymously. “It’s about the women of the Island.” Their inspiring act galvanized the room, moving 250 guests to rise to the occasion with passion and purpose.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Westshore, minutes away from VGH, the sold-out gala on May 24 exceeded a powerful goal: to double surgical capacity for Island women facing gynecologic cancer. Guests united to fund the outfitting of a second operating room at VGH with leading-edge, minimally invasive surgical equipment.

This transformational investment will empower two gynecologic oncologists to operate concurrently—dramatically increasing access to life-saving surgeries and significantly reducing wait times for women facing ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.

“Our community truly leaned into a shared vision, and we are so proud to share that we are now one step closer to a future where no woman waits too long for the care she needs,” said Avery Brohman, CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “What moved us so deeply on Saturday evening was the culmination of many powerful moments and the union of extraordinary individuals and local businesses. Most unforgettable was the bold leadership of three remarkable women who reminded us all of what’s possible when women stand up for women.’”

At the gala, gynecologic oncologists Dr. Mona Mazgani and Dr. Trevor Cohen highlighted the urgent need for innovation and solutions to meet the rising demand for cancer care. Dr. Mazgani founded the Island’s only gynecologic oncology program 15 years ago—only the second program of its kind in the province.

“No woman should ever be told, ‘you’ll have to wait’ when we know cancer progresses relentlessly, and no one should have to compromise one patient’s safety for another,” shares Dr. Mona Mazgani, gynecologic oncologist at VGH. “When we made an urgent call to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation several months ago to share that women were waiting far too long for their life-saving surgery, they promised to stand with us—and they have now more than delivered on that promise. What we witnessed at the Miracle Gala was a powerful community rallying together to reduce wait times and boldly affirm that women’s health matters. As caregivers, we are deeply grateful.”

This landmark fundraising achievement marks a pivotal moment in women’s healthcare on Vancouver Island. Every year, over 500 women receive gynecologic oncology surgeries at VGH—and with rates of gynecologic cancers increasing nearly 50% over the past decade, the demand for advanced care is intensifying rapidly.

Cancer survivor Kirsten de Launiere shared her powerful journey with cervical cancer, moving many guests to tears—a sentiment echoed by others who shared their own stories that evening. The program also featured extraordinary live and silent auctions, a signature teddy bear raffle, and vibrant live entertainment. In a symbolic gesture, guests filled special tokens in honour of the women they were supporting through the cause.

Hosted by Westshore local AJ Cruze, the evening was infused with local pride—championed by presenting sponsor Engel & Völkers: The Ratcliff Group. Amy Ratcliff, a dedicated community leader, chaired the gala committee for the third consecutive year.

“Supporting the Victoria Hospitals Foundation means standing up for something bigger than ourselves—it’s an investment in empowering the health and wellbeing of our entire Island community,” says Amy Ratcliff, Chair of the Miracle Gala Committee and presenting sponsor. “This year’s gala has sparked lasting change, and I extend a profound thank you to our gala guests, steering committee, sponsors, and auction donors in ensuring better care and brighter futures for our Island women.”

The Foundation remains steadfast in redefining women’s health through the ongoing It’s Time campaign. The first phase, It’s Time for Surgical Innovation, focuses on acquiring best-in-class equipment to support new, minimally invasive procedures—including new-to-the-Island surgical technology that will benefit women facing breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, and other complex conditions. The Foundation is deeply grateful to the more than 3,200 donors who have contributed so far, and for the renewed momentum sparked by this year’s gala.

If you are a community leader interested in making a difference, we encourage you to reach out to the Foundation to learn how you can help shape the future of women’s health on the Island.

To contribute or learn more, visit victoriahf.ca, call 250-519-1750, or stop by the Foundation office at 1952 Bay Street (Wilson Block) on the RJH campus.