“What you’ve done means so much”

For years, Jessica endured a deep pain and “heaviness” in her pelvis. It worsened over time and with each pregnancy. “I’m a busy mom of three, was in my early 40s, and working full time,” she says. “I assumed it was my new normal.”

An exam and medical imaging for an unrelated issue led to an answer to the years of pain. Jessica was diagnosed with severe pelvic congestion syndrome, a chronic condition linked to blood flow that causes pelvic veins to swell and twist.

Doctors were able to offer relief through a procedure that could be done quickly in the new, donor-funded interventional radiology suites. “I was grateful when I learned there was a
procedure that could treat it, available right here at PRHC. I don’t think I could have travelled out of town,” she says.

In November, Jessica underwent a minimally invasive pelvic vein embolization with interventional radiologist Dr. Fady Abdelsayed in one of the three advanced suites. “From the
moment I arrived, I felt safe and cared for,” she recalls. “The space was bright, open and calming, and I couldn’t believe the tiny tools that were used through just one small incision to block off the veins.” The team explained each step with the state-of-art technology and ensured she was comfortable. 

Having delivered her children at PRHC and donated to Foundation initiatives, Jessica says the hospital has long been part of her story. “I trust the people at PRHC because they’re part of my community,” she says. And she reiterates that it’s thanks to donors that she didn’t have to travel far from home for that personalized, life-changing care.

“I went in on a Friday and was at work Tuesday without much pain,” Jessica says. Soon she was back to running, hiking and camping. “I realized the huge change in my quality of life, what
it’s like to do the things I love with the people I love without pain,” she says. “I have so much appreciation for the donors who made this possible. What you’ve done means so much to me, to the people who will receive care here. You’ve made all the difference for us.”

For more information on your impact, please call 705-876-5000.

The innovative technology of a donor-funded hybrid OR isn’t optional, it’s essential

As a Level 2 vascular centre serving a regional population of 600,000, Peterborough Regional Health Centre is ready to raise its level of excellence in vascular care with a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room (OR). It’s a $6 million priority of the Campaign for PRHC that’s essential to patient care and donors can help bring it to our hospital.

Vascular disease is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Canada. Patients often face multiple serious conditions at once, requiring complex, time-sensitive care. Each year, experts at PRHC perform more than 1,000 vascular procedures, with nearly three-quarters of patients travelling from outside Peterborough City and County to receive care at PRHC. For these patients and their families, timely access to advanced surgical care close to home is vital—preventing strokes and loss of limbs.

Now, patients who need multiple vascular procedures undergo each one and its recovery separately. If there will be a need for real-time medical imaging during surgery, the range of procedures that can be performed is limited due to the image quality of the current onsite diagnostic tools. This results in patients being referred to other hospitals where they’ll wait longer to receive the care they need.

An alternative exists: A hybrid OR combines a fully equipped surgical suite with advanced medical imaging in one, bigger space. There, specialized teams can perform multiple open and minimally invasive procedures in one surgical session with access to high resolution imaging. But PRHC is one of only a handful of Ontario’s Level 2 vascular centres without a hybrid OR. When having one is the standard of care, not having it means challenges recruiting surgeons who’ve trained on the technology and sending patients elsewhere for care, putting patients and PRHC’s vascular program at risk.

“In medical school I had access to a hybrid OR. It allows me to operate on patients safely, with extreme precision,” says Dr. Sajjid Hossain, PRHC vascular surgeon. “In vascular surgery, technology isn’t optional. It’s essential to care. A lot of the time patients come to us in life-threatening scenarios where minutes matter. Being able to access state-of-the-art imaging and advanced technologies is a difference between saving a life, saving a limb, or losing both. This is what vascular surgery should be.”

PRHC agrees and has self-funded the creation of the space in the hospital building to enable the hybrid OR. The PRHC Foundation is committed to raising the $6 million needed to outfit the space with its cutting-edge equipment.

“A hybrid OR is vital for the future of patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Donor support will ensure patients from across our region can receive their lifesaving care close to home.” A hybrid OR will also help reduce patient wait times and help treat more patients, safely and efficiently, with better results. 

For Dr. Hossain and PRHC, the need is clear. But he realizes it can’t be resolved without support from generous donors. “When I came to Peterborough, I learned that crucial equipment and technology is funded by donors. That was eye-opening. Since then I’ve been regularly surprised and touched by the generosity of this community,” says Dr. Hossain. “People here really stand behind their healthcare professionals. Thank you so much.”

For more information or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.

Saddle up for the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race at Trent River Stables

Get ready for another thrilling day at Trent River Stables as the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race returns on Monday, May 18 in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. As the first show of the season, this much-anticipated event brings together riders, spectators and supporters for a high-energy day rooted in community spirit and giving back.

From fast-paced barrel racing to exciting pole bending, the event showcases talented riders of all ages and skill levels across multiple divisions. And there’s plenty more to enjoy – browse local vendors, bid in the silent auction, or grab a bite from the canteen.

Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a great way to kick off the season while supporting a meaningful cause.

Schedule:
• 7:00am – Open riding
• 8:00am – Exhibitions
• 9:00am – Open riding
• 10:00am – Show starts

Races will take place rain or shine at Trent River Stables, 202 Donegal Road, Norwood. Spectators are welcome – please remember to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day!

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the PRHC Foundation, helping fund vital equipment and technology for cancer care at your regional hospital. For more information, please contact Trent River Stables by phone at 705-931-4692 or by email.

Green thumbs unite for PRHC Foundation

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection, this is a great way to celebrate spring while supporting health and care in our region. The PRHC Foundation is grateful to once again be the beneficiary of the Peterborough Houseplant & Garden Social, a celebration of all things green, growing and local. This event brings together plant lovers, artisans and community members for a day that captures the spirit of spring while helping to fund essential equipment and technology at PRHC.

  • Sunday, April 12 / 10am – 4pm
  • Peterborough Golf & Country Club: 1030 Armour Rd. Peterborough ON

With 20+ vendors, browse a beautiful selection of tropical plants and seedlings, and discover unique finds like handmade pottery, jewelry, candles and more. Be sure to take part in the free plant swap, an opportunity to share, trade, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Admission is $5 cash and includes raffle entry, giving you another chance to take home something special.

Casino Royale in support of world-class care

Chemong Lodge presents Casino Royale in support of keeping care close to home at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

This elegant black-tie affair will feature live jazz from 2x JUNO award winner Fergus Hambleton, casino-style fun, passed canapés, a signature oyster bar, and exciting auction hosted by Campaign for PRHC ambassador Pete Dalliday. 100% of net auction proceeds will support PRHC Foundation.

  • Saturday, March 28
  • 7pm – midnight
  • Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St. Bridgenorth ON)
  • Find out more or get tickets here

Thank you, Chemong Lodge, and everyone involved! Creative community fundraising events like this are essential to helping the Campaign for PRHC reach its $70 million goal, supporting world-class patient care from across our region.

A sweet night out for a great cause

Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress Peterborough is partnering with Board in a Box to host a magical Winter Wonderland Workshop in support of PRHC.

Guests will enjoy making:

  • A dessert charcuterie board
  • A festive winter mocktail
  • A fun, seasonal floral craft

Even sweeter? $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation to benefit patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The fun is taking place on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm. To purchase a ticket, click here.

Thank you, Bennett’s! Gather your friends, get creative, and enjoy a wonderful winter evening.