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.

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 Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Kate Brioux, Linda Kash, Megan Murphy, Anthony Bastianon, and Denise Oucharek. 

  • Date: Thursday, November 7th, 2024  
  • Location: Market Hall 
  • Tickets: On sale September 12th 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

Grateful cancer patient sharing her journey through her personal fundraising page

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.

Trent River Stables hosting Jackpot Barrel Race in support of PRHC cancer care

On May 20, Trent River Stables will be hosting a fun-filled day at the barrel races in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. In addition to barrel racing and polebending, there will also be vendors, a silent auction, and a canteen lunch!

Trent River Stables’ Jackpot Barrel Race
  • Date: Monday, May 20th, 2024 
  • Location: Trent River Stables at 202 Donegal Road, Norwood, ON 
  • Schedule:
    • 8:00am Exhibitions 
    • 9:00am Open riding 
    • 10:00am Show starts

Please note that the races will take place rain or shine. There is no fee for spectators, just bring your lawn chair and be ready to cheer! All ages and skill levels are welcome to compete, and you can pre-register at the email below or enter on the day of the event.

For more information or questions about the event, please contact Trent River Stables by phone at 705-931-4692 or by email.

Jellybean’s Market ornament sale in support of PRHC cancer care

Recently, Natasha from Jellybean’s Market in Peterborough shared with us the inspiration behind her ornament fundraiser in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre:
“If you know me personally, you know my dad has been fighting stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma for almost a year. Although he will never be cancer-free, he is most definitely a survivor.”

To help him say thanks for his care at PRHC, Natasha and her daughter joined forces to design and produce two different customizable Christmas ornaments. A portion of proceeds from each ornament sold will help support cancer care close to home at PRHC!

Ornaments are available to order online up to Christmas:

You’re invited to Bennett’s first annual Designer Tree Benefit

Are you ready for some festive fun? Then get your tickets for Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses’ first annual Peterborough Designer Tree Benefit on December 1st! Featuring food and beverage tastings, silent auction items, door prizes, live music, Christmas photos, an exclusive shopping surprise AND a chance to win a beautiful, professionally designed Christmas tree – with proceeds supporting PRHC.

Two types of tickets are available now from all Bennett’s locations:

  • $50 to attend the benefit in person
  • $25 to view and enter for a door prize online

To learn more, visit Bennett’s website.