Grateful family fundraising for pediatric cancer care expansion

Peterborough mom Victoria Wasson says a part of her will forever relive the day her son, Wyatt, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. Two years ago at just eight months old, Wyatt received a scan on a donor-funded CT machine at PRHC which led to the diagnosis. 

Victoria shares, “On that day we were surrounded by the most compassionate and empathetic nurses and doctors. They immediately began to fight with us to save our son and to keep our family together.” 

Thanks to donors, Wyatt was able to receive some of his treatment at PRHC. This allowed the Wassons to stay close to home, pick up their daughter from school, and be home to have family dinner together. 

As of March 2023, Wyatt is in remission. Inspired by the expert, compassionate care he received, Victoria has launched a $5,000 fundraiser in support of pediatric cancer care expansion, one of the priorities of the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC. The Wassons are dedicated to giving back as thanks for Wyatt’s care, and to help expand pediatric cancer care at PRHC so other children like him can receive their treatment there. 

Please visit the Wassons’ personal fundraising page to learn more about Wyatt’s journey or to make a donation.

A message from Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s President & CEO

Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s President & CEO, believes that Peterborough Regional Health Centre is at a crucial turning point and ready to accomplish great things, but that it won’t be possible without the support of PRHC Foundation donors. Endorsing the $60 million Campaign for PRHC, she says: 

“PRHC is a thriving organization that’s home to incredibly dedicated and compassionate professionals. But it’s safe to say that the last few years haven’t been easy ones—they’ve tested us all. However, everyone on our PRHC team continues to deliver the best care they can under these circumstances. 

Our hospital may have opened in 2008, but it was designed and built more than 16 years ago. Equipment that was once state-of-the-art is out-of-date. We’re running out of space. The population is growing and aging, leading to more complex care needs and increasing patient numbers. Plus, hospitals across Ontario have a shortage of healthcare workers. It’s taking a toll on our hardworking frontline professionals. 

There are obstacles—and we need fresh, smart, and creative ideas to address them. I’m confident that PRHC’s healthcare professionals are up to the challenge. Together, we’re ready to achieve great things!

In April 2024, we launched PRHC’s new vision for the future. It recognizes the realities we’re working within and reflects the inspiration, talent, and willingness of the PRHC team. Our people have the energy, expertise, imagination, and drive to respond to an evolving environment, but they can’t do it alone. Your support is critical to success in our mission to provide compassionate care and innovative solutions to our region’s healthcare challenges.

On behalf of everyone here at your regional hospital, thank you for supporting the $60 million Campaign for PRHC.” 

For more information or to support the Campaign for PRHC, please donate online or call 705-876-5000.

The impact of your early campaign support is being felt through exciting investments

PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC focuses on raising funds for extensive hospital advancements in cardiac care, cancer care, minimally invasive surgeries, interventional radiology, mental health and addictions services, and a physician-driven innovation accelerator research fund. Since 2020, the Foundation has been working with donors to build support for the campaign, and these efforts have already raised $45.5 million – or 75% – of the $60 million goal. 

The impact of the funds raised to date is being felt through exciting campaign investments already made – thank you! These include: 

  • A second MRI (pictured above) to facilitate up to 5,000 more procedures a year, addressing wait times from a 53% increase in demand and improving diagnostic care close to home
  • The upgrade and replacement of two Cardiac Cath Lab suites with state-of-the-art technology for better visualization and shorter, safer procedures
  • Two new cutting-edge CT scanners to support the early diagnosis of cancer and other conditions
  • The renovation and upgrade of the interventional radiology suites to enhance patient care and introduce endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) here for the first time to stop strokes as they’re happening
  • The upgrade of four general operating rooms with advanced minimally invasive tools so experts can perform essential surgeries with new, fluorescence-guided imaging and increased precision
  • The opening of the new Scotiabank Youth Eating Disorders Day Treatment Clinic to support youth aged 12-25 who need lifesaving care to normalize eating and restore weight
  • Urgent needs as identified by the hospital, including critical equipment and technology that supported PRHC’s new designation as a Level III Trauma Centre 
For more information or to support the Campaign for PRHC, please donate online or call 705-876-5000.

We can design our healthcare future or let it be designed for us

A message to donors from Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation’s President & CEO:

“What an incredible feeling it is to share the biggest news in our Foundation’s history: the launch of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC.

Walking the Health Centre hallways, I see firsthand the power and joy of your philanthropy. Your donations touch every part of our hospital, ensuring top-quality healthcare is available close to home. You’ve funded millions of dollars in equipment and technology, and the very building where we all receive care.

For some patients, your generosity has meant the difference between life and death. For others, it’s meant accessing the best care available instead of none at all. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

But our work isn’t done. Twenty-five years ago, donors started the campaign to build this hospital, and now, we stand on the cusp of the next generation of care.

Our Health Centre and the communities we serve face serious challenges, and we need creative, efficient solutions to tackle them. The choice is ours: design our healthcare future or let it be designed for us.

For 16 years, I’ve had the honour and privilege of working with generous and caring donors every day. The collective pride and sense of responsibility we feel for PRHC’s patients is unparalleled. So, at this pivotal moment in our journey, we’re rallying once again and rising to the occasion, refusing to accept the status quo.

Your gifts to the Campaign for PRHC uphold our shared belief that we are the architects of our healthcare future. By funding state-of-the-art technology, fuelling innovation, bringing lifesaving new services, and positioning our hospital to attract expert healthcare providers, we’re ushering in a new era of care for our region.

Together, we’re reimagining health and care at our hospital.

On behalf of everyone at the PRHC Foundation and PRHC, especially patients and their loved ones, thank you for your support.”

WATCH Heart of Healthcare, Episode 4, where Lesley Heighway talks to local media personality and Foundation donor, Mike Melnik, about the $60 million Campaign for PRHC – the biggest in its history – and addresses a common concern: Facing system-wide healthcare challenges, how can we make sure PRHC’s patients don’t get left behind?

For more information or to support the Campaign for PRHC, please donate online or call 705-876-5000.

Cancer Takedown: A spirit-raiser and fundraiser

Cancer Takedown is a spirit-raiser for anyone touched by cancer. This night of song and solidarity brings attention to the mental and emotional burden of cancer and unites people through shared experience, while fundraising for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. 

The third annual event will feature performances by Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne, The Weber Brothers, Linda Kash, Megan Murphy, Kate Brioux, Denise Oucharek, and Anthony Bastianon.  

  • Date: Thursday, November 7th, 2024  
  • Location: Market Hall 
  • Tickets: Buy here
  • T-shirts: Email Amy

Check out the highlights reel from last year’s concert…

Get ready to ride: Join the Hunter Fondo in support of lifesaving care at two hospitals

The Peterborough Cycling Club presents the 3rd Annual Hunter Fondo, Saturday, September 14th, in memory of cycling enthusiast John Hunter. 

This year’s ride will feature a choose your own adventure poker ride. Sign up for the:

  • 30k Trail Heaven
  • 50k Pastry Ride
  • 75k Frappe le Rue 
  • 125k It’s Going to be an Easy Ride

Whichever ride you pick, all cyclists will start at 100 Acre Brewery. On your way, grab a coffee and pastry at local favourite Pastry Peddler, and visit Sprinkle n’ Things before heading home to enjoy a meal prepared by Ashburnham Ale House at 100 Acre Brewery.

Proceeds will be split between the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation. At PRHC, funds raised will support the advancement of world-class cardiac care in our region. Visit the PCC website for more information or to register.

Rock ‘N You For The NICU in support of PRHC’s tiniest patients

Calling all music lovers! On September 28, Erben will be hosting a night of live music benefitting Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The concert, sponsored by David O’Connor Real Estate and Johnny on the Spot, will be emceed by Bill Porter of Oldies 96.7. With headliners Washboard Hank and Cadence Grace, the night will showcase a mix of local and visiting talent, spanning genres such as rock, country, pop, folk, and Irish — all in support of PRHC’s tiniest patients. 

David O’Connor was inspired to create this event in honour of the care his son received in the NICU. David shared: “My son was a patient at the Peterborough NICU for five days after he was born and it was a very scary time for us. Our experience with the NICU was extremely positive as the care was outstanding.”

Rock ‘N You For The NICU 

  • Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024 – doors open at 6pm   
  • Location: Erben at 379 George St. N, Peterborough, ON
  • Tickets: $10 each, can be purchased here or at the door 
  • Direct donations can be made here – your donation will go twice as far because the two title sponsors are generously matching donations up to $500 each ($1,000 total) 

For more information about the event, please visit the event page.

Karma Yoga in the Park supporting cancer care at PRHC

Karma Yoga in the Park is a community-driven initiative where Bobcaygeon yoga teachers offer classes on a donation basis, with all proceeds supporting local causes and organizations. PRHC Foundation is honoured to have been chosen as beneficiary of DiscoverTree Holistic Support Services’ Lauren Bernard’s upcoming class. 

All funds raised at Lauren’s Yoga in the Park class will be donated in support of cancer care at PRHC – inspired by the care she received as part of her own journey with breast cancer. 

  • Date: August 31, 2024 at 10am
  • Location: Lock 32 Pavillion, Bobcaygeon, ON 
  • Donations: Classes are by donation, please bring cash or give online here

No reservations required, but please bring your own yoga mat and water. For more information or questions, please visit the DiscoverTree Holistic Support Services website. 

Tastely Box hosting fundraiser in support of cancer care at PRHC

Tastely Box has launched a sweet months-long fundraiser in support of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and in turn, cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre! Owners Polly and James Laneville were inspired to host this fundraiser in honour of the care Polly’s late mother received at PRHC.

20%-40% from almost all in-store and online purchases will be donated to the PRHC Foundation. PLUS, in-store customers will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a gift basket courtesy of Modern Makers Shop. And customers who donate through the onsite Tiptap machine (pictured with Polly, above) get a free PRHC & Dragon Boat mini mix!

  • Date: Until November 2024
  • Location: Tastely Box at 651 Chamberlain St, Unit 1, Peterborough, ON or online
  • In-store shopping hours:
    • Sunday 12-4pm
    • Monday-Tuesday closed
    • Wednesday-Saturday 12-6pm

For more information or questions, please visit the Tastely Box website.