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.

Local artisans team up to support PRHC Foundation

Two talented local makers, Asta Johnston Pyrography and Christine’s Creations, have partnered to support PRHC Foundation with a special fundraiser that combines creativity with community impact. Through this ongoing initiative, 50% of every sale will be donated to PRHC Foundation, helping support expert, compassionate cancer care close to home.

Supporters can purchase a handmade dog scrunchie bandana and a custom wooden ribbon together for $20 or choose either item individually for $10 each.

Each wooden ribbon is handcrafted and fully customizable. Buyers can choose the cancer awareness ribbon they would like, add a name or meaningful date, and select whether they would like it made as a keychain, ornament, or bookmark. These personalized keepsakes make thoughtful gifts or meaningful tributes to honour loved ones and raise awareness.

At this time, orders are cash only and available for pickup in Lakefield. To place an order, message Asta Johnston Pyrography on Facebook or send her an email.

Thank you to Asta Johnston Pyrography and Christine’s Creations for supporting PRHC Foundation and helping make a difference for PRHC patients and their loved ones from across our region!

Three cheers for PRHC

Because of the incredible generosity of our donors and the unwavering dedication of PRHC’s healthcare teams and leadership, the hospital continues to be recognized as a thriving workplace where patients receive exceptional care.

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Healthy Fresh Charlotte Pantry is giving back

Great things happen when local businesses and community members come together with a shared purpose.

PRHC Foundation is grateful to welcome Healthy Fresh Charlotte Pantry as a new community partner supporting exceptional patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Through this ongoing partnership, owner Saji is donating 1% of sales to PRHC Foundation, helping ensure patients from across our region have access to exceptional care, close to home.

Visitors to the 348 Charlotte St. storefront in Peterborough can browse an ever-growing selection of bakery treats, snacks and fresh produce, including hydroponic and organic greens grown in partnership with SMG Aquaponics Corp. from Curve Lake First Nation. And for those with a sweet tooth, the store’s new ice cream parlour serves up delicious scoops from Central Smith.

Every purchase made at Healthy Fresh Charlotte Pantry helps make a difference for patients and families who rely on care at PRHC. It’s a simple way to support local businesses, enjoy fresh food and invest in the health of our region all at the same time.

Thank you, Healthy Fresh Charlotte Pantry, for growing something truly special. 

Hitting all the right notes as Pay to Play radiothon raises $17,515 for PRHC

The Hustle and Heart Oldies 96.7 (now 96.7 WOW FM) Pay to Play radiothon, presented by Home Instead, hit all the right notes this year, raising $17,515 in support of patient care at PRHC.

On Friday, June 5, the airwaves were filled with more than just classic hits, favourite themes and personal anthems. Every song request, dedication and inspiring patient story reminded us what makes our community so special: people coming together to make a real difference for each other.

As part of the Campaign for PRHC, the radiothon was a true team effort. 96.7 host Bill Porter kept the music and the momentum going all day long, while the MBC team, generous sponsors, grateful patients, dedicated fundraisers, PRHC leadership, physicians, nurses, staff, Foundation supporters and music lovers across the region all played an important role in making the radiothon a success.

We’re grateful to presenting sponsor, Home Instead, for helping bring this event to life and to our outstanding hourly sponsors: the Santos Auto Group, including Mercedes-Benz Peterborough, Port Hope Volkswagen, Port Hope Chrysler and Port Hope Hyundai, The Wilson Team-Real Estate, Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, Whelans Flooring Centre and Suzi HomeMaker Ptbo.

A big thank you to everyone who donated, requested a song, shared a personal story or made a special dedication. Together, you’re helping fund state-of-the-art equipment, bring lifesaving new services to our region, fuel innovation and attract the talented healthcare professionals our community depends on. That’s music to all our ears!

Festival Chair Michelle Thornton reflects on 25 years of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

For 25 years, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has united the community in a powerful show of support for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Thanks to the dedication of the Festival Organizing Committee, host team Survivors Abreast, and so many participating paddlers, volunteers, sponsors and donors, the Festival has raised more than $4.9 million in donations to the PRHC Foundation—helping fund vital equipment and technology that keeps cancer care close to home.

Now, as the Festival prepares to celebrate its silver anniversary on Saturday, June 13 at Del Crary Park, organizers are hoping to surpass the $5 million milestone.

We spoke with 2026 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Chair, Michelle Thornton, about her personal connection to the event, the impact it has had on cancer care in our region and what makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. How long have you been involved with the Festival and what first inspired you to join?

Michelle: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Luckily it was caught early and surgery at Peterborough Regional Health Centre was the only treatment I needed. I had my operation that September and joined Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat team in November. I attended my first Festival in 2015 as a brand-new paddler. I remember being in the boat thinking—because in the beginning after diagnosis, all you think about is cancer—but I remember being in the boat thinking, “I’m focusing on paddling and I’m not thinking about anything else.” It was great! Then in 2017, I was approached by one of the founding members of the Festival to become Chair. Carol Mutton offered to co-chair with me as a bit of an incentive. It’s a really rewarding experience. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, made some great friends and heard some really inspiring stories.

You attended your first Festival in 2015, and now—more than a decade later—you’re chairing the Festival’s silver anniversary. What is it about this event that continues to inspire your commitment year after year?

Michelle: When I first came to the 2015 Festival, it really opened my eyes. I thought the government paid for hospital equipment and technology. It dawned on me that it was events like the Dragon Boat Festival that helped fund the equipment that helped diagnose me at PRHC. I realized then that this was way bigger than me. Being a part of this event is a way to give back and also pay it forward for somebody in the future. This is a huge community event that does a lot of good and can make a real difference in someone’s life. Along the road, I’ve met some amazing volunteers and committee members that keep coming back every year. They truly inspire me to keep going.

Beyond the excitement and community spirit, this Festival has a very real impact on cancer care in our region. Why is supporting PRHC Foundation through events like this so important to you personally?

Michelle: The thing is, I had my surgery at PRHC. My family was able to be with me without having to travel, so I know how important it is that care is close to home as much as possible. I actually did a deep dive in terms of all the equipment that has been fundraised with the money Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has raised and it’s just, it’s amazing. You know, we’ve replaced mammogram machines, ultrasounds, we supported new CT scanners, an additional MRI… The list goes on. The Festival has really touched every part of the cancer care spectrum at PRHC. Our mandate is breast cancer, but really the equipment that we fundraise for supports all cancer care. I think everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. The Festival’s contribution is significant and it’s important. I’m really proud of these accomplishments and what we’ve managed to do to help our regional hospital over the 25 years.

The Festival has raised nearly $5 million for cancer care at PRHC. This year’s fundraising goal is especially meaningful. Can you explain the significance behind the number $325,018.01?

Michelle: This year we increased our goal by 25%, so it’s $325,018.01. The 25 reflects the 2 out of 5 Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. The 18 is for the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer and the .01 is the percentage of men who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. So, all of the numbers mean something.

As you look ahead to this milestone Festival on Saturday, June 13, what are you most looking forward to on race day?

Michelle: We have five out-of-town survivor teams coming to help us celebrate this year, which is significant. So, the flower ceremony is going to be special. It’s a really festive day, although the purpose is a serious one, we make it fun. We have a beer garden and a Festival branded merchandise tent. There’s a petting zoo, games for the kids, face painting. The food and artisan vendors are amazing. And really, it’s the atmosphere. It’s electric. You can feel it, people are high-fiving and smiling, there’s music, and they’re hugging. It’s a community that comes together to make a difference, and you can really feel that connectivity. I get shivers thinking about it and my passion just grows as I visualize it.

Supporting the Campaign for PRHC one bite at a time

This June, dining out in Peterborough comes with an opportunity to support the $70 million Campaign for PRHC. Here’s how you can help simply by enjoying a meal at one of two restaurants by The Imperial Group:

  • $2 from every butter chicken sold at The Imperial Tandoor will be donated to PRHC Foundation
  • $2 from every burrito bowl sold at Agave will be donated to PRHC Foundation

Plus, The Imperial Group will match the donated proceeds up to $500!

We’re so grateful to these local businesses for giving back to our community in such a meaningful way. Treat yourself this June, support local and help strengthen healthcare for patients and families across our region.

Community generosity is advancing cardiac care at PRHC

Experts at Peterborough Regional Health Centre recently performed the first-ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in the hospital’s donor-funded Cardiac Cath Lab. It’s another important milestone on the journey towards full-service cardiac care at PRHC and it would not have been possible without donor support.

Through the Campaign for PRHC, donors invested $3.55 million to renovate and upgrade PRHC’s two cardiac cath lab suites with state-of-the-art technology. Not only are these advancements making cardiac care faster and safer, but they’re supporting lifesaving services not previously available at PRHC. 

Until recently, patients who needed an ICD procedure had to travel to Kingston or Toronto for care. Today, patients can receive this lifesaving treatment at PRHC, close to home and surrounded by loved ones, thanks to the donor-funded Cath Lab facilities.

An ICD is a small battery-operated device placed under the left or right collarbone with leads inserted into the heart to monitor its rhythm. If a life-threatening change occurs, the ICD can automatically shock the heart back into a safe rhythm, even if the patient is unconscious and alone.

For patients living with serious cardiac conditions, having access to this procedure close to home can be life-changing.

“It’s extremely exciting to see another example of how donor generosity coupled with PRHC’s vision and the skills of its doctors, nurses and staff can so significantly transform patient care,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. “Donor investment in building PRHC’s capability and capacity to transition to a comprehensive cardiac care program has enabled the introduction of ICD insertion right here, close to home. We’re incredibly grateful to every single donor who’s been a part of this ongoing journey. Thank you!”

PRHC’s first ICD procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Heather Cox in March 2026, with support and training provided through collaboration with University Health Network. PRHC is now the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough offering this surgery.

For PRHC Foundation donor Jim Neill, whose visionary philanthropy inspired so many others to support the future of cardiac care in our region through the Campaign for PRHC, this latest advancement reflects the incredible impact a community can have when it comes together.

“The new lifesaving treatments coming to PRHC will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” says Mr. Neill. “I’m glad that my commitment is helping ‘keep our hearts here’ as PRHC builds on a donor-funded cardiac care foundation, on its way to a third cardiac lab and ultimately a full-service heart centre. I’m honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported this hospital since the beginning. I hope that my donation and what it’s helping to make possible will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”