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

As we recognize 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.

MILK + TEA extends their “Eat local. Give local.” philosophy to PRHC

There’s a delicious new way to support patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

For a limited time, MILK + TEA in downtown Peterborough is donating a portion of online sales of sourdough bagels, cookies, cinnamon rolls, English muffins, and Bubble Tea Boba Kits to the PRHC Foundation in support of the $70 million Campaign for PRHC.

Every purchase helps keep world-class care close to home. So when you enjoy a treat, you’re also supporting PRHC doctors, nurses, staff, patients and their families. Thank you, MILK + TEA!

You can browse their delicious menu items here.

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at PRHC

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is gaining momentum. What began as a goal of $12,000 has already been surpassed, and she’s not stopping there. Tracey has now raised her sights to $15,000 in support of cancer care.

Her commitment to this cause is personal. In February 2021, Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy shortly after and completed 20 rounds of radiation that summer. For the past five years, she has continued her treatment with Tamoxifen. Now, as she approaches the end of her treatment on May 31st, she’s marking this milestone in a meaningful way by giving back to the place that supported her through it all.

Tracey is reviving a fundraiser she first launched during her recovery. She’s selling packs of blank-inside cards in support of cancer care at PRHC.

This year’s cards feature new artwork created by her husband, James. The design is inspired by a powerful moment during Tracey’s recovery. After her surgery, she noticed a single leaf clinging to a tree in her backyard throughout the winter. It became a quiet but powerful symbol of strength and resilience. Over time, that same tree has grown and flourished, mirroring Tracey’s own journey. The updated design reflects this story of renewal and includes imagery of regrowth alongside the word “hope.”

To learn more about Tracey’s story, support her fundraiser, or purchase a set of cards, please visit her personal fundraising page for full details.

PRHC on Forbes best list again

For the second consecutive year, PRHC has been named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, ranking among the top hospital employers nationwide.

Based on independent surveys evaluating compensation, flexibility, and growth opportunities, this honour reflects what many already know: PRHC is a place where team members thrive.

With over 3,100 staff, 450 physicians with privileges, and 250 volunteers focused on patient care for a region of more than 600,000, our hospital’s greatest strength is its people and we’re proud to support them.

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.

Thank you, volunteers!

April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week! The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation team is pleased to join the rest of the country in honouring all the generous ways volunteers contribute to their communities.

Here in our region, we’re particularly grateful for the wonderful volunteers who support our mission and the $70 million Campaign for PRHC.

Thank you, volunteers! Whether you serve on our Foundation Board of Directors or committees, lend your time in the PRHC Foundation Gift Shop or office, participate in the Allied Professional Advisory Council, champion fundraising as a Campaign Council member or campaign ambassador, organize community events and personal fundraisers, or support those initiatives, you’re helping reimagine health and care at PRHC. This year’s Volunteer Week theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” is a perfect reflection of your passion and generosity. You’re igniting our regional community in support of the PRHC Foundation and your hospital—helping everyone see themselves in the campaign—and we couldn’t do it without you!

“Thank you for your time, your energy, your enthusiasm, your generosity,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway. “Your commitment to the Foundation, PRHC and your community makes it possible to fund state-of-the-art equipment, fuel innovation, bring lifesaving, new services to our region, and recruit top healthcare experts. You’re helping to make the $70 million Campaign for PRHC an ongoing community success, so far raising over $60.6 million in support of world-class patient care. Thank you!”

From all of us at the PRHC Foundation and on behalf of patients and their families, thank YOU—together we’re igniting the flames of change through volunteerism, reimagining healthcare.

Smile Cookie makes a return to PRHC April 27-May 3

From Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, the scrumptious Smile Cookie returns to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre cafeteria’s Compass Canada Tim Hortons location – they’ll be serving up those famous chocolate chunk smiles all week long (while supplies last).

These cookies are more than just a delicious treat. Each one, topped with a pink icing smile and bright blue icing eyes, helps make a real difference. 100% of proceeds from Smile Cookie sales at this location are donated to the PRHC Foundation, funding essential equipment and technology that empowers life-changing and lifesaving care at our regional hospital.

A big thank you to Compass Canada Manager, Warren, and his amazing team for bringing this initiative to life year after year. And to every supporter, thank you! Each cookie purchased helps turn a small moment into big, meaningful impact.

If you’re at PRHC, please grab a cookie, share a smile, and help us make this week extra sweet!

“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.