All told, I have spent nearly 30 years in fundraising and I can tell you unequivocally that I have memorable moments every single day when I see the impact, first hand, that our community makes on our hospitals when they make donations, large or small. It is truly inspiring to see the emotion and passion that donors experience when making a gift. That is, as they say, priceless. That is why I come to work every day.
What do you enjoy about living in Chatham? What's your favourite hidden gem anywhere in C-K?
When I accepted the position here in Chatham, I truly felt like I was returning to my roots. I grew up near Peterborough, on a farm, with 6 siblings. As I drive across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, I am reminded every day of my childhood. For me, it was like coming home. The people of Chatham-Kent have welcomed me with open arms and I am truly thrilled to be part of the community and to be helping to make a difference in healthcare. In terms of hidden gems, Chatham-Kent itself is an amazing community and a bit of a hidden gem in itself! Wonderful people, great restaurants and shops, the scenic rivers and lakes, and of course, an amazing hospital in CKHA!
What are some of the main services/projects that the Foundation of CKHA is fundraising for?
Outside of fundraising for the Oncology program through Roses for Rotary, we have just completed our Charity Curling Classic event in Wallaceburg, which raised money for a new transport defibrillator for Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Recently, other initiatives have also raised money for Holter monitors and other pieces of equipment related to heart health. Our upcoming events in 2019 will be very much focused on men’s health in our community, specifically directing funds towards an expanded Urology program at CKHA.
What kind of benefits will our Roses for Rotary donation provide to the Oncology Department? Is there a type of cancer that is more prevalent in C-K?
At the Foundation, we are always raising money for much-needed capital equipment for our hospital. In our Oncology Department in Chatham, this can include anything from new beds, IV pumps and chairs, visitor chairs, blanket warmers and much more.
According to Cancer Care Ontario (2018) the mortality rates for lung cancer in Chatham-Kent among males and females, as well as colorectal cancer among females, are each above the average rates for Ontario as a whole. Of course many other types of cancers are treated by our Oncology Department as well, which is why it’s so important to raise money for this vital department!
What makes the CKHA health system unique compared to larger health systems such as LHSC in London?
In Chatham-Kent, though we are a rural community we are lucky enough to have a 200+ bed community hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies. CKHA is committed to core service excellence, top-flight operational performance and to becoming a facility of choice in Southwestern Ontario. With sites in Chatham and Wallaceburg, CKHA is designated a schedule one facility under the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and cares for tens of thousands of inpatients, outpatients and emergency patients annually. In many ways we are similar to larger systems such as LHSC in that we can provide much of the care that patients need without them needing to travel too far away for treatment. In addition, CKHA is linked with other care centres in Windsor, London and beyond, which provide care as needed.
Are the Oncology & Chemotherapy departments solely located in Chatham?
The oncology department (or chemotherapy unit) is located solely in Chatham. CKHA also participates in an Oncology referral program for Windsor Regional Hospital Cancer Centre and London Regional Cancer Centre.
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