When Jennie Ireland got the diagnosis she’d been dreading, she suddenly found herself a 42-year-old single mom with breast cancer, scared of what her illness would mean for her son. But being able to get care in her community with donor-funded equipment meant less worry. “Receiving care at PRHC was my lifeline,” she says.
Continue reading
On Saturday June 14, 2025 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival will be back at Little Lake in Del Crary Park, Peterborough for a great day on the water in support of PRHC Foundation and cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre!
Continue reading
In 2024, 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.”
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.
On October 9th, the PRHC Foundation proudly hosted this year’s Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival gift announcement. Together, the Festival’s host team, Survivors Abreast, the Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, Platinum Sponsor Kawartha Credit Union, paddlers, volunteers, and supporters, presented the Foundation with a record-breaking donation of $312,025.18 – the largest single gift in the Festival’s history!
Continue reading
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.
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.
Check out the highlights reel from last year’s concert…
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.
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 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!
For more information or questions, please visit the Tastely Box website.
“I was worried. I have two young daughters; how could I not be scared for how this could alter their lives? My youngest is 5, would she even remember me?”
Meet Diana Freeman, a devoted mom, loving wife, and dedicated professional. At just 38, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March.
Diana shares, “Surviving cancer is not just clearing your body of the disease; it is healing the body while battling the fears and emotions that come with it. And to survive, it starts with having hope. For many, including myself, the seed of hope is first planted at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.”
Inspired by the desire to give back for the expert, compassionate care she is receiving, Diana has launched a fundraiser in support of cancer care at PRHC. She is sharing her journey through breast cancer treatment on her social media channels and personal fundraising page, to inspire others, raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of self-assessments, and to highlight the significance of expert, compassionate cancer care close to home.
As of May 2024, just two months after her diagnosis, Diana has already raised almost $5,000 for cancer care at PRHC. The funds raised will help the Health Centre invest in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments for more patients.
By supporting Diana’s fundraiser, you can help PRHC continue to provide the highest quality of cancer care, close to home.
Follow Diana’s brave journey and support her mission by clicking here to stay updated and make a donation.
