18th Annual Angels of Care Campaign Focuses on Improved Cancer Diagnostics for the Hospital’s Endoscopy Program
The Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 18th annual “Angels of Care” campaign seeks to raise over $500,000 to fund new endoscopy equipment, crucial for diagnosing cancers and other conditions. With equipment costs rising, the hospital has pre-purchased the scopes and now calls on the community for support. Donors, known as the Matchmakers, will match contributions up to $300,000. The new tools will reduce wait times, attract new surgeons, and improve access to care for over 42,000 local residents. Donations can be made online or by contacting the foundation.
NEWS RELEASE
18th Annual Angels of Care Campaign Focuses on Improved Cancer Diagnostics for the Hospital’s Endoscopy Program
~ The Matchmakers return offering up to $300,000 in matching support ~
For Immediate Release, November 5, 2024
TRENT HILLS — Martha Hunt, Chair of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation, has announced the launch of the 18th Annual Angels of Care Campaign with a focus on improved cancer diagnostics for the Hospital’s Endoscopy Program.
This year’s Angels of Care Campaign is hoping to raise over $500,000 for seven new scopes and supporting equipment for the Endoscopy Program at the Hospital. In this year’s annual appeal letter being mailed to donors and former patients, Hunt says, “The scopes the Endoscopy Program rely on to diagnose concerning conditions like colon cancer, stomach cancer, ulcers and many other conditions were failing. With repair costs skyrocketing and wait times on the rise, the hospital acted fast. To be cost-effective and ensure patient services were never compromised, they made the decision to advance the purchase of the scopes and supporting medical equipment. We are now asking the community to cover the cost of this life-saving equipment.”
Endoscopy is one of the most powerful tools Surgeons have for detecting life-threatening diseases early. Colonoscopies can help detect polyps in the colon and remove them for testing to determine if they are cancerous. Gastroscopies can identify stomach cancers, ulcers, and more. Early detection is critical in the battle against cancer and other illnesses. With improved tools and technology, routine screenings can potentially identify the presence of an issue before it becomes a major health concern. This leads to early treatment, increasing the chances of recovery and survival. The right equipment makes the difference between life and death, and in the battle against cancer, every small advantage counts.
To help the Angels of Care Campaign a group of loyal donors, called The Matchmakers, is returning and contributing up to $300,000 to encourage other community members to support better health care close to home. Hunt says, “The Matchmakers are a wonderful group of donors who are passionate about the hospital and encourage others to make a gift to the Campaign.”
“Each gift made to the Angels of Care Campaign from today until December 31st will be matched”, says Matchmakers spokesperson, Bruce Thompson, “The five new colonoscopes and two gastroscopes will improve early detection of illnesses, like cancer, reduce wait times, attract new surgeons to CMH and ensure fewer patients have to travel out of town for care. We hope the community will be inspired to join The Matchmakers and help purchase this important new equipment.”
The Matchmakers include Bruce and Betsy Thompson, MacLaren Pharmacy, Joanne Simpkin, the Estates of Harry Haacke and Lee Sykes and anonymous donors. “We can’t thank The Matchmakers enough for this year’s generous support”, says Ms. Hunt. “The new equipment is vitally important to the Hospital and we know the matching gift program will once again be popular.”
More than 42,000 area residents are treated annually at CMH. This includes patients requiring a stay in the In-Patient Unit, a diagnostic test, have lab work done or a visit to the Emergency Department. If it wasn’t for the financial support of the community many of these critical services and the required medical equipment would not be available. The Provincial Government does not provide funds for the purchase of new equipment. That responsibility is in the hands of our generous donor community.
If you would like to make a donation to the Angels of Care Campaign and take advantage of The Matchmakers initiative, please contact the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation at 705-653-1140 ext. 2104 or online at givetocmh.ca.
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For more information, please call
John Russell, CFRE
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation
(705) 632-2014 or jrussell@cmh.ca
