Better care for breast cancer patients

Earlier this year, PRHC introduced exciting, new donor-funded technology for breast cancer patients called breast seed localization. As PRHC general surgeon Dr. Brie Banks explained at the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival donation presentation in June, the technology is already making an impact on care. 

Essentially, breast seed localization is a tiny radioactive seed, about the size of a grain of rice, placed directly at the site of a patient’s tumour. It helps surgeons locate the tumour more precisely during surgery. 

This process is a big improvement from older methods, which were less comfortable, more invasive and stressful for patients. And the best part? Because of this donor-funded advancement, PRHC can perform more breast cancer surgeries every day. That means more patients are getting the care they need, faster.

“Having breast seed at PRHC has dramatically increased access to state-of-the-art surgery for breast cancer patients. Not only are we able to look after more patients in the day, but the process is much less difficult for them. Seed localization is more comfortable and convenient,” says Dr. Banks. “I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the donors who made this advancement possible.”

Our hearts are on the line – let’s bring new cardiac services to PRHC

“You never expect it to happen to you until it does,” says Nick Beamish.

It was Christmas time in 2018, when Nick started feeling ‘off’. An athletic guy, who coached high school sports, Nick was used to pushing his limits, so when he began experiencing extreme exhaustion, he chalked it up to stress. But as the days went on, it became harder to ignore.

With a nudge from his wife, Nick went to the emergency department at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. There, doctors hooked him up to an electrocardiogram (ECG) to test his heart. Within minutes, alarm bells started going off. “Doctors were rushing over with carts, with paddles to shock me,” he says.

Doctors discovered he had a life-threatening issue with his heart rhythm. PRHC didn’t have a Cardiac Electrophysiology – or EP – Lab to provide the necessary treatment, so Nick was rushed to Kingston for care. He spent Christmas in the ICU there, far from home and family. “It was tough and a mental struggle,” says Nick.

Since then, he hasn’t had any issues with his heart. But Nick worries it could happen again – to himself or someone else. That’s why he’s become a donor, volunteer and ambassador for the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC, supporting bringing lifesaving electrophysiology to our region.

With donor support, an advanced Cardiac EP Lab at PRHC will bring new, world-class cardiac treatment and therapies to our region for the first time, eliminating the need for patients to travel far from home for care during an already stressful and urgent time.

“It’s important to be able to get care closer to home. Donors can help make that happen,” says Nick.

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

Hair by Fusion fundraiser supporting pediatric cancer care at PRHC in memory of Sofie Roberts

Sherri Wilfong, owner of Hair by Fusion, was inspired to host her “Blow-dry For a Cause” fundraiser in memory of Sofie Roberts, the daughter of her friend and former salon sales representative Brooke.

All proceeds from blow-dries and select sales at Hair by Fusion up until December 14th will be donated in support of pediatric cancer care at PRHC – inspired by the care Sofie received at the Health Centre.

Plus, those who make a $20 donation to the fundraiser – either online or in-store – will have their name entered to win one of four gift baskets filled with salon products (including $1,000 worth of products donated by Redken). 

The gift basket draw will take place at a special birthday party event on December 14th at 4pm, two days before what would have been Sofie’s tenth birthday.  

Thank you to the team at Hair by Fusion, and the Roberts family, for choosing to honour Sofie in this way. Donations raised will directly support an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer care space designed for the expert delivery of care close to home for vulnerable, young patients. 

Together we thank on Giving Tuesday

December 3rd is Giving Tuesday—a global movement that started in 2012. It’s a day to encourage kindness, generosity, and doing good. Over the years, it’s grown into something incredible, inspiring millions of people around the world to give back and make a difference.

Here at the PRHC Foundation, we see the power of generosity every single day. From donations to volunteering to spreading the word about the $60 million Campaign for PRHC, our supporters never stop rallying around Peterborough Regional Health Centre. We can’t thank you enough for all the ways you’re helping us reimagine healthcare for the 600,000 people who rely on our regional hospital.

“Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives—right here at home,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway. “Thank you for your kindness and for your continuous support.”

As we enter the holiday season, we’re celebrating the generosity of our community with a new initiative: the Sharing Tree.

The tree is traveling around Peterborough, stopping at local businesses and organizations, where people are invited to share their stories, memories, or words of thanks about PRHC by writing them on ornaments. It’s been amazing to see the tree fill up with heartfelt messages that highlight just how much this hospital means to so many people.

When the tree returns to PRHC in time for Christmas, it’ll spread warmth and encouragement to everyone who sees it.

If you’d like to help decorate the tree, we invite you to share your stories or messages on the Sharing Tree webpage.

To donate to the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC, please click here.

Your support is helping shape the future of healthcare in our region. Thank you!

PRHC Foundation volunteers bring Sharing Tree project to life to connect the community and support PRHC

The PRHC Foundation reImagineers, a group of ambassadors passionate about their community, regional hospital and the Campaign for PRHC, have launched a heartwarming project called the Sharing Tree.

This holiday season initiative invites community members to rally around our regional hospital by sharing their connections with PRHC – whether it’s a story of exceptional care, a cherished memory, or a message for PRHC’s doctors, nurses, staff and patients.

“We hope that by sharing our own stories, we can inspire others to reflect on their connections with the hospital,” says Lisa Couture, a reImagineer, donor and owner of Couture Candy PTBO. “Each message on the Sharing Tree serves as a reminder of the care, compassion and support that bring us all together.”

The project launched Saturday, November 23 at Lisa’s shop in downtown Peterborough. The idea is simple but powerful: anyone with a connection to PRHC is encouraged to write down a message, story or words of encouragement on an ornament, which will then be placed on the Sharing Tree. Lisa celebrated the launch of the tree with her own fundraiser in support of the PRHC Foundation: from now until December 24, 2024, $1 from each $19.99 mixed candy bag will be donated towards the Campaign for PRHC.

“We’re grateful for the dedication of the reImagineers and their work to connect the community and hospital in such a meaningful way,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. “The tree will spread warmth and encouragement through the community, then bring cheer to the hospital over the holiday season, while supporting the Campaign for PRHC.”

The Sharing Tree will travel to locations around the region and will come ‘home’ to PRHC in time for Christmas. The heartfelt messages will be on display in the hospital where doctors, nurses, staff and patients can find inspiration from each shared story. There’s also an online version of the tree, making it easy for everyone to take part. As the tree makes its physical journey around the area, website visitors can add their messages digitally.

“Help us decorate the tree with hope, warmth and gratitude,” says Nick Beamish, a reImagineer, grateful patient and donor. He and his fellow reImagineers are committed to supporting the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC. They’ll continue to develop initiatives throughout the campaign that will engage and inspire the community to think about their connections to the hospital and give in support. PRHC serves a population of up to 600,000 and relies on community donations to fund the tools needed to save and change patient lives.

To see an ongoing list of locations where the tree will be stopping this holiday season, visit the Sharing Tree webpage and stay tuned to our social media for updates. Thank you to our Sharing Tree partner locations and all participants for contributing to our Campaign for PRHC efforts!

Photo: From left, PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway, Matt and Lisa Couture, Susan Dunkley, Noah Crowley, Nick Beamish and son Luke, Jess Crowley and son Theo, and Darryl Porter. In front is PRHC Foundation Manager, Community Giving & Engagement Jane Lovett with son Sam.

Giving options during the Canada Post strike

During the postal strike, we want you to know that our commitment to reimagining health and care in our region remains strong. Through your support of the Campaign for PRHC, we’re transforming healthcare by fuelling innovation and bringing new, lifesaving services to our region.

There are other convenient ways to give today. Please consider making your donation…

  • Online: By clicking here or the “Donate Now” button at the top right hand of your screen
  • By phone: Call us at 705-876-5000
  • In person: Stop by our offices inside PRHC – Enter through the main doors, pass the cafeteria, and follow the hall to your left to office W4770 (4th floor, next to the main visitor elevators). We’re here Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

If you’ve already given this season, thank you for empowering world-class care, close to home.

 

Celebrating National Philanthropy Day and all that donors make possible at PRHC

Today marks National Philanthropy Day, a time to honour those who demonstrate the spirit of giving and are helping us reimagine healthcare.    

Philanthropy fuels our mission at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and inspires our dedicated team everyday. Because of your generous support, our colleagues at PRHC are able to expand services, create a healing environment for patients, and use state-of-the-art technology.    

Earlier this year we launched the $60 million Campaign for PRHC, our most ambitious initiative yet. With our growing population and the volume of patients on the rise, support is necessary so our hospital colleagues can continue to provide excellent patient care.   

“Many people are surprised to learn the government doesn’t fund hospital equipment,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Your donations are vital to helping PRHC continue delivering world-class care with up-to-date technology.”   

Heighway announced that because of the community’s generous ongoing support, the Foundation has now achieved 82% of its campaign goal to date. “This is wonderful,” Heighway said. “Thanks to our donors who continue to rally around our hospital, the campaign has now reached over $49.5 million raised.”

PRHC is already seeing the benefits of this ambitious campaign. The hospital has introduced two new CT scanners and an additional MRI machine which are allowing doctors to provide patients with faster diagnoses, follow up and treatment. Your gifts have also helped bring new minimally invasive technology to the Operating Rooms and trauma equipment to the Emergency Department to support lifesaving care.  

Construction is underway on a secure, outdoor courtyard for patients in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Currently, patients in the PICU have no access to the outside. This courtyard will give them a place to get fresh air, visit with family, and receive compassionate care. 

With your continued investment, we’ll also bring digital pathology to our region. This groundbreaking technology will allow the lab team at PRHC to get vital diagnostic information into the hands of doctors sooner. “With chronic diseases like cancer on the rise,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC, “now is the time to make a difference. Your support can help fund innovative digital diagnostic tools, supporting early detection and lifesaving treatments.”    

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Mikula added. “There’s so much more we have planned, and together, we’ll increase access to care for everyone while creating a top-notch environment doctors want to work in.” 

On National Philanthropy Day, we want to thank our community of supporters who champion healthcare everyday. Together, we can continue reimagining health and care, for a brighter and healthier future.   

Holiday urns in support of patient care at PRHC

This holiday season, why not buy something that benefits both your porch and your hospital? Diana Mcculloch from the PRHC Lab and D. Mcculloch Events is back this year with her festive holiday urn fundraiser. 

The 10″ pots feature fresh greens and your choice of red, white, gold, silver, or neutral-coloured accents. When you buy a holiday urn from Diana, $5 will be donated to the PRHC Foundation in support of empowering world-class patient care, right here, close to home. 

To place your order or learn more, email Diana. 

Thank you Diana and customers for your merry support! 

Give local this holiday season in support of PRHC

A selection of products on offer through Living Local's corporate gifting, including a cozy knit blanket, peppermint bark, hand soaps, candles, cider, and hot cocoa.
A selection of products on offer through Living Local's corporate gifting, including a cozy knit blanket, peppermint bark, hand soaps, candles, cider, and hot cocoa.

This holiday season, Living Local Marketplace has teamed up with Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of reimagining health and care at your regional hospital! 

When you build a corporate gift box for a client or colleague, choosing from over a dozen curated holiday items sourced from across the province, $1 will be donated to the PRHC Foundation and Hospice Peterborough. 

All corporate gifts are completely customized, and Living Local Marketplace owner Alicia Doris and her team are there to help with ideas and inspiration every step of the way. Read the holiday gift guide here or shop in-store at Chemong Rd. and Milroy Dr. in Peterborough, Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-5pm.

Thank you Living Local Marketplace and customers for your festive support! 

Your hospital, your story: Inspire your community as a campaign ambassador

To volunteer as a Campaign for PRHC ambassador, please reach out to Valerie Gagnon, Charitable Giving Advisor, by email or call 705-743-2121, ext. 4184.

We’re looking for dedicated community members like you to make a positive difference and inspire others by becoming volunteer ambassadors for the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC – the largest fundraising initiative in our history.

Your participation will encourage others to think about their own connections to PRHC, show them how to get involved in the campaign beyond their generous donations, help rally their colleagues and loved ones to join, and raise awareness about the incredible impact we can all make together. Volunteers and donors are at the heart of what we do. With your help as an ambassador, we can ensure that our hospital continues to deliver the exceptional care our region deserves.

There are so many ways to get involved in the campaign!

  • Share your patient or donor story
  • Volunteer or speak at events
  • Host an event
  • Organize a fundraiser
  • Create a cause marketing initiative
  • Sponsor the campaign
  • Network on behalf of the Foundation
  • Suggest another way to support the campaign

Your involvement will inspire participation and connection, fundraising for the state-of-the-art technology used to save lives, and ultimately a healthier, stronger community. This is a chance for us all to give back to the hospital our community built, that’s been here for us when it matters most.

To volunteer as a Campaign for PRHC ambassador, please reach out to Valerie Gagnon, Charitable Giving Advisor, by email or call 705-743-2121, ext. 4184.

Download a copy of the PRHC Foundation’s related media release. 

Feature photo: Charitable Giving Advisor Valerie Gagnon at PRHC’s Health & Wellness Fair on September 26 where she chatted with PRHC staff about how to get involved with the campaign.

Inset photo: Members of the PRHC Foundation team were honoured to meet so many community members inspired to share what PRHC means to them at The Local Show organized by the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, hosted at Lansdowne Place on September 14. Left to right are Lesley Heighway, President & CEO; Jane Lovett, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement; and Hanna Méthot, Community Giving & Engagement Coordinator.