A legacy of caring: Margie and Bob Lightbody’s lasting gift to patient care

A newly dedicated space at Peterborough Regional Health Centre will stand as a lasting tribute to Margie (Margaret) and Bob (Robert) Lightbody, whose generosity will help support expert, compassionate care for patients and their families for generations to come.

Recently, PRHC Foundation was honoured to name the Margaret and Robert Lightbody interventional radiology preparation and recovery area in memory of the couple and their philanthropy, including a special gift Margie made on behalf of her and Bob just before her passing in 2022. That donation fulfilled their wish to make one final, significant investment in the future of patient care in their community. It supported the state-of-the-art advancement of the IR facilities, where PRHC’s interventional radiology teams perform minimally invasive procedures to treat patients with conditions including stroke, cancer, organ failure, bleeding, and trauma, among others.

The Margaret and Robert Lightbody interventional radiology preparation and recovery space is part of a $6 million investment in IR at PRHC, made possible entirely through donor support. The expansion included new cutting-edge imaging technology, the addition of a third IR suite, and the increased preparation and recovery area that now accommodates 14 patients instead of 10. The new, larger facilities and advanced equipment mean more patients can receive faster, more accurate lifesaving care from which they recover more quickly, with less pain and better outcomes. The suites are also paving the way for the future introduction of dramatic advances in patient care.

The Lightbodys’ support of IR reflected the couple’s vision for healthcare in our region, as well as their own healthcare experiences. Throughout their lives, Margie and Bob felt strongly that patients should be able to access world-class care close to home, surrounded by the comfort and support of loved ones. Bob passed away following a stroke in 2017, while Margie was once a cancer care patient.

“Margie and Bob believed deeply in giving back to the community they loved. Their generosity has made a lasting difference for thousands of patients and families,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Margie and Bob’s philanthropy is a powerful reflection of lives dedicated to helping others. It will ensure future generations will benefit from leading-edge healthcare closer to home. We’re so grateful for the extraordinary legacy they have left our region.”

Margie dedicated nine years of volunteer leadership to the PRHC Foundation Board of Directors, including serving as Chair for the Foundation’s Closer to Care campaign in 2011, bringing cancer radiation therapy to PRHC for the first time. In recognition of her exceptional leadership and service, she was named a PRHC Foundation Governor Emeritus in 2020. She was an original member of Survivors Abreast, the host team of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. Together, Margie and Bob also supported several areas of care at PRHC, including cancer and mental health. Their kindness, leadership and compassion continue to inspire everyone who knew them.

“Throughout our lives, our parents modelled the importance of giving back to our community,” say the couple’s daughters, Deb (Deborah) Keay and Dr. Tamara Lightbody. “Over the years, they generously gave their time, energy and resources to causes they believed would make a meaningful difference. They valued healthcare that could be provided close to home, so patients could be surrounded and supported by their families. We know they would be so honoured to have their names associated with a part of the hospital that can touch and improve many lives. The IR preparation and recovery area represents their own values of welcoming, comforting and caring, as well as gaining insight and sharing knowledge.”

Deb and Tamara attended the dedication celebration with their spouses and children. Hospital and PRHC Foundation representatives joined them to honour Margie and Bob’s enduring legacy of philanthropy, compassion and leadership.

“We’re especially pleased that all of their grandchildren could be here together to witness and appreciate the lasting impact of their grandparents’ example,” say Deb and Tamara. “Their legacy is reflected not only in what they gave to this community, but also in the values they instilled in our family. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Thank you to the Lightbody family. Your generosity is certainly helping to support care close to home in our region.

Photo: The Lightbody family celebrates the generosity of PRHC Foundation supporters Margie (Margaret) and Bob (Robert) Lightbody with the dedication of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s interventional radiology preparation and recovery space in their memory. The family was joined by hospital and Foundation representatives to celebrate Margie and Bob’s impact on patient care. From left to right are, Dr. Fady Abdelsayed, Interventional Radiologist at PRHC, Adam Keay, Rick Murdock, Ellie Murdock, Dr. Tamara Lightbody, Deb (Deborah) Keay, Tom Keay, Lucas Murdock, Sandy Keay, Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation, and Meghan Darwin, Director of Corporate Services, Diagnostic Imaging & Emergency Preparedness at PRHC.

Heart of Healthcare – Episode 8: Caring for patients and building community at PRHC

In honour of Physicians’ Day in Canada on May 1, we’re excited to share our newest episode of Heart of Healthcare.

In this video, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, sits down with Dr. Neera Jeyabalan, an oncologist, and Dr. Greg Bishop, an ICU physician, for a thoughtful conversation about work at PRHC and life in Peterborough. As both colleagues and partners, they offer a personal perspective on what brought them to our regional hospital, what it’s like raising their family in this community, and why they’ve chosen to stay.

They speak openly about their experiences at PRHC, what makes it such a special place to practise, and the role community support plays in helping them deliver the best possible care. We’re thankful for how candid and generous they are in sharing their story.

It’s a reminder that building a strong healthcare team includes creating a place where people feel connected and supported.

Watch the full episode to see how physicians, with the support of donors, are helping shape the future of patient care at PRHC.

This video, along with past episodes of Heart of Healthcare, are available through the PRHC Foundation’s social media and Vimeo channels. Watch them for inspiring conversations filled with compassion, resilience, and innovation. You can also subscribe to receive each new episode plus Foundation news and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.

Business Cares: Empowering local businesses to give back

On April 28, the PRHC Foundation, alongside partner Hanoi House, announced the launch of Business Cares. This new partnership program is designed to help local businesses support patient care at PRHC while strengthening connections with their customers, employees, and community.

The launch marks an exciting new opportunity within the Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC, inviting businesses across the region to play an active role in helping advance healthcare close to home. Business Cares makes it easy for companies to integrate giving back to their community into their own engagement and fundraising goals, while aligning with their values and building their brand in meaningful, authentic ways. Partners also gain exposure through PRHC Foundation’s communications channels, while becoming part of a trusted network of businesses.

“Business Cares is about creating a strong connection between community-minded businesses and the future of healthcare in our region,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “We know that the area’s businesses care deeply about the communities they serve. This program offers a simple, flexible way to turn that care into impact. They’ll help PRHC Foundation fund lifesaving equipment and technology, and strengthen relationships with their teams and customers. We’re grateful to Hanoi House for joining the program and helping to bring it to life, including this launch.”

Whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, running a point-of-purchase promotion, becoming a sponsor, or making a direct contribution, businesses can support in ways that fit their unique goals and be part of a cause that touches everyone in our region, across generations.

For Hanoi House owner Susan Tung, joining Business Cares is a natural extension of the restaurant’s longstanding commitment to community. “Being part of PRHC Foundation’s Business Cares program is a meaningful way for Hanoi House to give back to the area we love and call home, while strengthening our business,” said Susan. “Supporting our regional hospital is an investment in the health of the community we serve every day, including our customers, our team, and their families. That involvement has created a real sense of pride among our staff and patrons.”

Hanoi House has supported PRHC Foundation over the past several years through their own fundraising initiatives, including a dumpling drive and pop-up buffet that raised more than $3,000 for patient care. Becoming a Business Cares partner formalizes that commitment.

As a regional hospital serving more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding counties, PRHC relies on community support to fund the state-of-the-art equipment and technology needed to deliver exceptional care. With the launch of Business Cares, PRHC Foundation is inviting businesses of all sizes to join a trusted network committed to community impact. For more details on the program and how to get involved, please visit our dedicated Business Cares page.

Requesting a consolidated or duplicate 2025 charitable donation receipt

Blue heart icon with hospital icon inside

With tax season just around the corner, the PRHC Foundation is supporting our donors with their 2025 charitable donation receipts. Consolidated donation receipts for eligible donors are being prepared and will be mailed no later than February 27, 2026. Please allow up to 10 days for Canada Post delivery. If you’re expecting a consolidated receipt and it hasn’t arrived by March 13, please call us at 705-876-5000 or send us an email.

If you’re requesting a duplicate 2025 charitable donation receipt that was previously issued, please contact us with your full name, mailing address and the donation amount made to the PRHC Foundation in 2025. Once we receive your details, we’ll reissue your receipt and mail or email it to you within 10 business days.

Thank you for your continued support!

Celebrating donors’ $6 million reimagination of interventional radiology at PRHC

On December 9, 2025, donors gathered at Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the PRHC Foundation and members of the hospital’s leadership team to celebrate the official completion of the Campaign for PRHC’s $6 million investment in interventional radiology (IR) made possible by the generosity of our regional community.

Guests toured the bright, modern spaces where PRHC’s IR team now performs some of today’s most advanced minimally invasive procedures. It was an opportunity to see the new, cutting-edge technology and better understand the impact that donations are having on patient care at PRHC.

“This is a transformative moment for patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Because of you, the Health Centre’s experts have the advanced tools and space they need to perform even more complex, minimally invasive procedures right here, while innovating for the future. Thank you!”

Interventional radiology is a fast-growing field. Dr. Fady Abdelsayed, PRHC Interventional Radiologist says, “Interventional radiology is the future of medicine. Using real-time imaging technologies such as CT, X-ray and ultrasound, we perform procedures through a tiny incision, using only needles, wires, and catheters. This means less pain, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional surgery. We’re so grateful to the donors for their generosity. Their support means we can deliver even better care in our region.”

The renovation and upgrade were made possible through a multi-year fundraising effort championed by grateful patient ambassadors, PRHC’s interventional radiologists, nurses and medical radiation technologists, hospital leadership, and donors from across the region. This collaboration raised an extraordinary $6 million to expand PRHC’s two existing IR suites, replace out-of-date equipment with state-of-the-art imaging technology, and add a third suite dedicated to rapid, high-demand procedures. The preparation and recovery area was also expanded to accommodate 14 patients instead of ten.

Before this advancement, PRHC’s five interventional radiologists, who work on a 24/7 rotation, were already performing more than 6,000 procedures a year. Now, on a typical day, they’re equipped to care for 20 to 25 patients suffering from critical conditions such as cancer, stroke, organ failure, bleeding and trauma, among others.

As a regional hospital, PRHC’s IR team supports a population of more than 300,000 people across Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Peterborough, and North Hastings County. With the new suites, PRHC is better positioned to meet the growing regional demand for minimally invasive care, enhance patient outcomes, continue attracting and retaining top medical talent, and pave the way for the future introduction of new minimally invasive treatment options.

“Donor vision and support have once again proven to be a driving force behind innovation at PRHC,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible for patients from across our region. Thank you so much.”

Big impact with minimal effort: Gifts of securities

Imagine if you could support your regional hospital through your savvy financial decision-making. That’s the beauty of donating stock—it’s a smart financial move that maximizes your impact while giving you additional tax benefits!

What are gifts of securities?

Gifts of securities are donations of publicly traded appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment assets. Instead of making a cash donation, individuals transfer ownership of these securities directly to the PRHC Foundation.

What are the benefits of gifts of securities?

By donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to the PRHC Foundation, you’ll receive a larger tax credit and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full value of your shares—meaning you may be able to make a larger gift than you could have with a cash donation alone. If you’ve held stocks for some time and the value has appreciated, this form of giving is likely for you!

Plus, when you donate appreciated stocks, you don’t have to pay the capital gains tax that you would have incurred if you sold the asset instead. This means more of your donation goes towards making a difference in the quality of healthcare available at your hospital. You’ll receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the securities, which can be used to further reduce your annual income when filing your taxes.

For more information, please click here or email Lesley Heighway, President & CEO.

Celebrating you on National Philanthropy Day

Today, November 15, is National Philanthropy Day – a day to recognize the charitable activities that make a difference in our community. It’s a time to celebrate the generosity, compassion and commitment of those who give back, those who are “changing the world with their giving hearts”. Philanthropy takes many forms, from donations and volunteer hours to advocacy and acts of kindness. Every contribution makes an impact.

At the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, we’re grateful for your impact. Thank you to everyone who’s reimagining healthcare with their giving hearts, through the Campaign for PRHC!

“Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of philanthropy and what our regional community has made possible by reimagining healthcare right here, close to home,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway. “It’s the entire community coming together to make world-class care possible.”

Thank you for demonstrating the incredible difference that can be made when individuals, families, organizations and businesses – a whole regional community – unite in the spirit of giving. Your support is ensuring that PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff have access to the cutting-edge tools and technology needed to provide exceptional patient care at your regional hospital now and in the future – equipment not funded by the government. You’re fuelling innovation, bringing new lifesaving services to the region, helping PRHC attract the best and brightest experts, and inspiring solutions to critical hospital challenges.

Because of you, we’ve reached 84% of the Campaign for PRHC’s $70 million goal. This milestone reflects the joy of philanthropy, the power of community and what can happen when people come together to change their world with a giving heart.

Thank you! Together, we’re reimagining health and care for our region.

Connect through the Sharing Tree

The Sharing Tree is back for the 2025 holiday season. This special initiative was created to connect our community with PRHC and the $70 million Campaign for PRHC while spreading warmth, gratitude and hope throughout your regional hospital during this meaningful time of year.

When we first launched the Sharing Tree last year, the response was incredible. Donors, patients, doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers and community members came together to share their stories, express their appreciation and offer messages of encouragement. This year, we’re excited to continue the tradition and once again fill the Sharing Tree with notes that inspire and uplift everyone who passes by.

Here’s how it works…

In person:
  • Anyone with a connection to PRHC can write a message, story or note of gratitude on a paper ornament and hang it on the Sharing Tree. You can thank a care provider, share your PRHC story, send well wishes to patients, or simply offer a message of hope for the season.
  • You’ll find the Sharing Tree and a member of our Foundation team in the PRHC lobby every Friday from now until December 12. If you’re visiting the hospital, stop by to say hello and add your message.
Online:
  • For those who can’t visit in person, a digital version of the tree is available here. You can fill out an online form to share your message to our website, which we’ll print and add as a physical ornament to the tree.

Throughout the holiday season, all of the ornaments will end up displayed on the big Christmas tree in PRHC’s lobby, where doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers, patients and visitors can enjoy them all season long. We’ll also be sharing some of your messages on our social media channels throughout the holidays and into the New Year. And don’t be surprised if you spot the Sharing Tree around town as some of our generous business partners are joining in the fun.

The Sharing Tree is a simple but meaningful way to lift spirits, spread joy and remind everyone what community is all about. Join us and help make this season a little brighter through your connection to PRHC.