"I'm not one to ask for charity, but I don't know how else I'll get through this". ~ Randy Petrie, 2017

In 2016, at the young age of 24, Randy went out for a night of playing hockey.  Being passionate about the sport from a young age, it was his favourite activity with many fond childhood memories.

(Randy in goal in 2007)

On this particular night, Randy  started getting severe chest pains with pain shooting down his left arm. He was in pain for 18hours, when finally his girlfriend Sarah was able to convince him that he needed to get checked out. Randy went into a walk-in clinic where no testing was done because of his age, and they told him it was likely a minor hockey injury.
Over the next two weeks Randy still had pressure in his chest, so the clinic decided to send him for an ECG. That night the doctor called Randy to inform him that he had a heart attack and was to go into the Emergency Department at the hospital immediately.
Upon arrival the doctors immediately ran tests and told Randy that, while he was having mild discomfort in his chest, he could continue with hockey and everyday life activities.
The following Friday morning, Randy was playing hockey once again, and had his second heart attack on the ice. Randy was immediately admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU); after approximately a week of testing in the CCU, Randy and his family were told that he had suffered Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).   A momentary spike in blood pressure while playing hockey had caused the inner layer of his artery to slice open; this tear also caused blood clots to formulate and block oxygen from getting to the left ventricle.  After weeks of pain and repeatedly trying to get answers from medical professionals, Randy was told that this was the cause of both of his heart attacks.

(Video of Randy in the CCU)

There is currently still a portion of Randy's left ventricle that is non-functioning; the clinical staff call it 'dead'. This occurrence in general is extremely low (4% of population get SCAD) and in males the percentage is very rare. The doctor told Randy he was the only male he's ever met who had SCAD.
For the next four months Randy wasn't able to do any form of exercise (including brisk walks); after four months, Randy was able to start cardio-rehab.  Upon completion of cardio rehab, Randy was informed he must be "re-trained and re-educated" to be able to start lifting over 20lbs again.  Doctors have since told Randy and and his family that chances of the SCAD  reoccurring again are high. The only precautions Randy can take are to take his medications (including blood thinners) and not to carry over 20lbs of weight.
Through all this, Randy's benefits were decreased by 45% from what he was originally entitled to. There were multiple occurrences in 2016 where for several months money wasn't coming in.
On January 17th, 2017, Randy found out his benefits are being completely cut-off and will no longer be covered for his daily life-saving medications.

During the week of January 16, 2017, Randy was re-hospitalized into the CCU in isolation with pericarditis (an inflammation in the sack around the heart), which can be caused by viruses such as the common cold.
Through all of this, Randy has been positive, constantly making jokes and keeping things light, even through severe pain.

(Randy and his partner in January 2017)

Randy was born in Ontario where his family currently resides;  Randy moved to Calgary, Alberta with only his partner and a dream.  Randy's partner has been a huge support for him, and he has made many friends in Calgary, who have  been amazing, kind, and helpful through these difficult times. They both count themselves blessed  to have such amazing friends in their lives.

Re-training is essential for Randy to have a good quality of life, as his doctor explained that his previous occupation would put him at far too much risk.
Randy has dreamt of being a Sprinkler Fitter to follow in the footsteps of his father and late grandfather.  He took action upon settling into Calgary, and can no longer continue with his dream because of the intense physical demands of the job.

As Randy doesn't want to live-off-the-system, he is currently enrolled in upgrading courses at University with aspirations of taking accounting in University next semester. No outside help has been given for education yet.

Through everything that has happened, Randy is still staying positive, and fighting for a good quality of health in both body and mind.

Randy is a son. 
He is a grandson, a dear nephew, and a wonderful cousin.  He lights up a room and is loved immensely by family and friends.

(Randy at his Aunt's wedding in 2015)


We ask for your assistance in donating $20 to help pay for his lifesaving medication (costing $500 CAD per month), to assist in covering necessities, to help Randy fulfil his second dream (graduate in Accounting)

Please click here to join Randy's Facebook page to follow his journey.