The community phase of the Cancer Care Close to Home campaign was officially launched Thursday, by the Campaign Cabinet and the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) Foundation.
To date, the campaign has raised $3,746,203 towards its $6 million community goal. This amazing accomplishment was recognized by a celebration reception for community leaders and donors at the Grande Event Centre in North Bay.
The Cancer Care Close to Home campaign identifies a number of areas across the continuum of care where medical equipment is urgently needed to ensure effective screening, faster diagnosis and enhanced treatment for patients with cancer at NBRHC. The list of needs includes new CT scanners, upgraded lab equipment, new surgical and endoscopy equipment, telemedicine equipment, and palliative care equipment.
“It often surprises people that the government doesn’t fund medical equipment, it is the responsibility of the hospital and the community together. We are receiving inspiring and generous support to date for this campaign, from the people in our communities. It is wonderful to celebrate the businesses and individuals who have made momentous commitments to the campaign, helping to enhance cancer care, close to home,” said Tammy Morison, President and CEO, NBRHC Foundation.
Barb Minogue, representing the late Peter Minogue, Honorary Campaign Co-chair, says, “Beginning the next phase of our campaign with more than $3.7 million already raised, is very encouraging and I know we can count on the people in our community and the region to have the enthusiasm and commitment it will take to now raise the remaining funds.”
In May 2017, the Terry McKerrow Cat Scan Operating Fund Board kicked off the beginning phase of the campaign with a $1 million gift to immediately assist with the purchase of the first of two new CT scanners. Last week it was announced that Max and Lorraine Shapiro made a transformational $1 million donation, a donation they were inspired to make as a gift to our entire community.
Sixty-nine year old Jim Hall made the decision to donate to the campaign monthly. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, and then in 2016 following the discovery of cancer in his bile duct he began weekly chemotherapy treatments. “When I was first diagnosed I was relieved I would be getting all my treatments in North Bay. The care here is excellent,” said Hall. “The people living here need to take care of our own hospital. My donation is modest and the impact will add up over the years.”
