Enzo’s birdhouses in support of PRHC Foundation

A man stands behind a table of birdhouses holding two birdhouses in the air

UPDATE (Apr. 15, 2021): Enzo has sold out of his beautiful birdhouses! Thanks to your enthusiastic response to his fundraiser, he’s all out of corks. Thank you to everyone who supported this creative initiative, and to Enzo and Susan for their commitment to PRHC Foundation!

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Enzo Curcio has been inspired to support the PRHC Foundation as a way to say thanks to Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s doctors, nurses and staff for the care his wife, Susan, received during a hospital stay. This spring, he’s making birdhouses from corks to raise funds in support of the equipment and technology PRHC’s healthcare professionals use to provide that world-class care!

Enzo’s cork creations are available for purchase (cash only) until April 30. Different sizes are available, with prices starting at $25.

Thank you, Enzo and Susan, for your commitment to your regional hospital! And thanks to Clifford Skarstedt/Peterborough Examiner for this great photo of Enzo with his beautiful birdhouses!

Impact Spotlight: Orthopedic Surgery Power System 8

Masked surgical suite assistant holds a surgical tool

Recently, donor generosity funded the Power System 8, a battery-operated handpiece used for up to 1,300 orthopedic surgeries every year at PRHC.

Used nonstop for elective surgeries as well as with trauma cases such as broken hips, this one handpiece with interchangeable attachments is an essential tool for total joint replacement and helps patients achieve a more active lifestyle without the pain or disability they experienced before surgery. The upgraded handpiece can also be temporarily submerged for increased sterilization, helping reduce the risk of infection for our patients.

Cheryl Richards, PRHC Surgical Suite Assistant, says “Thank you!” to everyone who helped fund this essential piece of equipment. Because of the generosity of PRHC Foundation donors, orthopedic surgery patients are receiving the care they need to recover from their pain and injuries.

If you’d like to make an impact, please donate online, or for more information, please call 705-876-5000.

Patient says “thank you” for cancer care close to home

Doctor on stool and patient on bed smiling

At age 41, Melissa Hinze was a typically busy working mom, running a home business. But in October 2016, she visited PRHC’s Breast Assessment Centre with a suspicious lump. Scans revealed cancer in both breasts. She had biopsies and received an emergency diagnosis on the spot.

Melissa’s instinct was to fight. “What do we do next?” she asked. She met a patient navigator, received a referral for surgery, and shortly thereafter, had a double mastectomy. Since then, with her focus on living with cancer under the care of Dr. Neera Jeyabalan, Melissa has had hormone treatments, chemotherapy, further surgeries and hospital stays.

“PRHC is second to none,” she says about the donor-funded equipment and technology she’s so thankful for. She can’t imagine having to travel and stay elsewhere for treatment. Instead, all her care happens close to home.

Receiving care locally has been essential to Melissa’s ability to stay motivated. It’s allowed her to see life a little differently and notice what she calls “the silver linings” that come from having world-class cancer care close to home, thanks to donor generosity.

“Coming in here [to PRHC] and having great care is number one,” Melissa says, and for that she’s extremely grateful. “Because of this community, I have great care and the smartest, compassionate doctor. Even during COVID-19, I always feel safe coming to PRHC.” This allows her and her husband to focus on her care and healthy living at home, where she’s spending a lot more quality time with her kids.

Chemung Lake District Lions Club makes transformational gift in support of the Cardiac Cath Lab

Lions Club member presents a large cheque

Our deepest thanks to the Chemung Lake District Lions Club who have made a transformational gift of $250,000 in support of reinvestment in Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Cardiac Cath Lab!

This very generous donation will help fund the advanced equipment cardiac patients from around our region depend on for minimally invasive, lifesaving care closer to home. Without it, thousands of patients from central eastern Ontario might have to travel as far away as Kingston or Toronto at a time when every second counts. The Lions’ donation will go a long way toward keeping this level of care at PRHC.

Thank you, Chemung Lake District Lions! We’re so grateful for your visionary commitment to regional cardiac care.

Congratulations and thank you to PRHC Foundation Board member Dan Moloney!

Foundation Board Member smiling

Dan Moloney has been a dedicated volunteer with the PRHC Foundation for 10 years and his continued service is being recognized with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. He’ll be honoured for his volunteer contributions at a virtual ceremony this month.

Dan is a hardworking, fun-loving volunteer and strong leader who’s committed to making a difference in our community, and we’re grateful to work with him. Thank you for your decade of service, Dan!