USask receives $1-million donation to improve research, care for neurological disease patients

This transformative gift will help improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours and strokes and was made in memory of high school friend Chad Martin. The donation will establish The Knight Family Enhancement Chair in Neurological Surgery as part of USask’s Be What The World Needs campaign.

“By investing in the advancement of neurological surgery, we unlock the remarkable potential of researchers and clinicians, bringing hope, healing, and a brighter tomorrow for those in need. Together, we have the power to rewrite the story of neurological conditions and pave the way for extraordinary breakthroughs,” said Kevin Knight, president, and owner of the Knight Group—an automotive dealer in Canada, with locations across North America.

“We are deeply appreciative of this transformative donation. Kevin Knight and Knight Cares are championing critical health research that will help improve the lives and health of people across our province and beyond,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “Gifts like this, and the generosity of alumni, donors and our community, are vital for helping us work together to make the world a better place.”  

Dr. Mike Kelly (MD), the Provincial Department Head of Surgery and Fred H. Wigmore Professor in the USask College of Medicine, has been selected as the chair and will lead the efforts to improve and enhance neurosurgery care in Saskatchewan.

“Philanthropy has the power to sculpt the future of surgical excellence, transforming research into tangible advancements and propelling surgical outcomes into the future,” said Kelly.

Kelly said he is looking forward to facilitating collaboration among various experts within USask and beyond, bridging disciplinary boundaries and focusing on harmonizing and enhancing education, research, and clinical care in Saskatchewan's neurosurgery field. The chair aims to enhance collaboration across the neurosurgery divisions in the province.

Specifically, the chair will concentrate on establishing clinical research trials in neurooncology, neurotrauma, pediatric neurosurgery, and cerebrovascular diseases.

Ultimately, the chair’s work will help improve the quality of life for patients across the province, by creating new life-saving surgical techniques, reducing recovery time, and increasing access to state-of-the-art neurosurgery care. This is especially important for those in remote or Northern areas, like many Indigenous populations that are affected more commonly by neurological diseases.

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