Alberta Blue Cross® is shining a spotlight on everyday Albertans who are making extraordinary contributions to the wellbeing of their communities as it recognizes 11 outstanding individuals across the province through the Faces of Wellness program.
“Faces of Wellness celebrates Albertans who are champions for physical, mental and social wellness in their own lives, workplaces and communities,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations with Alberta Blue Cross®. “This year’s honourees are truly an inspiration to all Albertans.”
In 2025, Alberta Blue Cross® again received a very positive response to the Faces of Wellness program, receiving a total of 272 nominations and applications from across the province.
From mental health champions to disease‑specific advocates and community wellbeing leaders, the latest Faces of Wellness honourees reflect the strength and diversity of communities across Alberta.
This year’s grand prize recipient is Gillian Hatto, founder of Hazel’s Heroes—a retreat for grieving mothers that provides a safe, compassionate space for healing, honouring loved ones and connecting with others who understand their grief. After her daughter, Hazel Rose, suddenly passed away at 3 months old in 2014 and her daughter, Lily Pearl, was stillborn at 22 weeks in 2017, Gillian turned her grief into service, creating community and practical supports for others navigating similar pain. She also volunteers as vice chair of the SIDS Calgary Society, where she leads support groups, organizes remembrance events and helps families feel seen and supported through bereavement.
“I never set out to receive any recognition when I founded Hazel’s Heroes—all I wanted was to create a safe space for those who have experienced the most devastating loss imaginable,” says Gillian. “After becoming a “loss mom”, I quickly learned that there are limited resources available, and society struggles with understanding how to support grieving parents. Healing in silence is not easy. My hope in receiving this recognition is that more people understand how to better support grieving parents and those who need to will find out about Hazel’s Heroes and realize they aren’t alone on this journey.”
In addition to Gillian, Alberta Blue Cross® selected 10 Faces of Wellness finalists who include the following:
- Matt Hodgson is a patient advocate and community volunteer who helps patients and families living with chronic and rare diseases. His experience with a rare autoimmune liver disease taught him lessons that he now shares to support, connect with and inspire others. Matt is a member of the Board of Directors for PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Canada, where he plays a lead role in facilitating peer support meetings, listening to patient stories and promoting research participation and advocacy efforts. He also helps medical students understand the reality of chronic illness as a volunteer patient mentor for the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine.
- Barabara J. Armstrong is a long-time advocate for Albertans living with Type 1 diabetes, creating support programs and outreach initiatives for families affected by the disease for nearly 40 years. As a regional manager for Central Alberta and the Northwest Territories with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for more than 20 years, Barbara raised funds for research toward a cure and helped develop essential outreach programs. She has also been a long-time supporter of Kids n Us, an informal annual conference that has provided families living with Type 1 diabetes with resources and education since the 1980s.
- Ibukun (IBK) Orefuja is an entrepreneur and community leader who strives to improve businesses through inclusion, connection and care. IBK is the founder of Black Business Edmonton, an initiative created to support Black-owned and diverse businesses. Through his work, he promotes cooperation, resource sharing and cross-community partnerships to support the growth of entrepreneurs. IBK has faced health challenges, that shaped his perspective on wellness and the importance of mental health, particularly for Black men, who often feel pressure to remain silent. He speaks openly about his journey to reduce stigma, creating safe spaces for vulnerability and promoting conversations around mental health, fitness and self-care.
- Holly Hashimi is the founder and facilitator of HeartSpark, a nonprofit that offers free friendship and mental health programs for girls and low-cost programming for women in Fort McMurray. HeartSpark provides welcoming spaces where young people can connect, feel safe and grow alongside peers. Holly’s lived experiences, including her time as a victim services advocate and crisis responder, have shaped how she designs programs that prioritize emotional safety, choice and connection. HeartSpark’s sessions are intentionally simple and relational, creating space for girls and women to grow, learn and build meaningful friendships without pressure or expectation.
Learn more about Alberta Blue Cross®’s 2025 Faces of Wellness honourees.
As Alberta’s leading benefit provider, Alberta Blue Cross® provides coverage to more than 1.8 million Albertans and administers a wide range of plans for employers and individuals, as well as government program sponsors. As a champion for wellbeing, Alberta Blue Cross® leads and supports a wide range of initiatives across the province to promote wellness and active living.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Spurrell, manager, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross®, at jspurrel@ab.bluecross.ca.
Download as a PDF (Edmonton Capital Region)
Download as a PDF (Northern Alberta)
Download as a PDF (South and Central Rockies)
Download as a PDF (Southern Alberta)
The media release was shared as a news story on:
- Taproot Health Innovation Roundup on Alberta Blue Cross’s regional Faces of Wellness honourees.
