July 7, 2026
St. Boniface Hospital has been a part of Susan Slater’s family story for generations. That’s why she created an endowment fund to honour the lifelong connection.
“I sustained severe burns as a child, and remember that they used a unique and rare technique for my recovery at St. B. For that, I am forever grateful,” said Susan.
Her gratitude only grew stronger through the years. “Both my brothers went through very complex health journeys,” Susan said. “I wanted a way to honour their lives in a meaningful and lasting way.”
That desire led to the creation of the Earle, Bryan, and Susan Slater Endowment Fund, created to pay tribute to her family while supporting future care and research at St. Boniface Hospital.
Susan also developed a personal connection to the Hospital through her work in its Treasury Department where she was employed for several years. Over time, St. B became a familiar place — one she remained connected to whenever her family faced difficult medical challenges.
Susan’s eldest brother, Earle, was a devoted family man who loved camping and cycling with his three children. In his mid-40s, he became ill with severe, widespread pain throughout his body. Despite early suspicions of Lyme disease, little was known about the condition at the time. His health declined rapidly as multiple forms of arthritis emerged, eventually requiring extensive medications and steroids. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 51.
Susan’s second brother, Rusty, a retired school teacher, also faced profound challenges. His son, Jonathan, was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine doesn’t fully close before birth. Jonathan was well known to staff at St. B and was a frequent patient. He lived until the age of 16. In the early 1970s, little was known about the condition, though today more effective treatment options are available.
Later in life, Rusty faced his own medical challenges. After retirement, he was diagnosed with arthritis, followed by neurological symptoms that didn’t have a definitive diagnosis. He passed away in 2024 at age 74.
“I wanted something that would live on after me and continue to grow,” Susan said. “An endowment fund
means my family’s story continues and provides long-term support for research and areas most needed, and St. Boniface Hospital can keep doing the work that saves lives.”