Holiday ornaments still to be lighted to give hope

At a time when the Canadian Health Care System is battling the H1N1 influenza virus, the Cumberland Health Care Foundation is asking people to help “Light the Way!” with a spirit of hope and goodwill for others.

“It’s a different time period for everyone,” said David Wood, Chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, “I don’t think many of us thought that we would be involved with such a healthcare concern as H1N1 going into the holidays this year.  It makes it all the more important that we remain positive and give hope to others in our community.”

The tradition has been to “launch” Light the Way the first Wednesday in December.   However, in Nova Scotia, H1N1 vaccinations will be ongoing for several weeks into November and December and will likely not be completed in time for the official Light the Way launch. 

“We’ve had to make some changes to Light the Way, on short notice, this year due to H1N1 concerns,” stated Wood, “and unfortunately our official launch night on Wednesday December 2nd has been cancelled.  The decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect both patients and visitors in light of the risks associated with H1N1”.

Normally the Light the Way launch event includes musical groups and choirs, children’s activities, and the official throwing of the overall “light switch” for all the lighted ornaments at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.   

“We’re told the most vulnerable groups are the young, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying or current health conditions,” Wood continued, “it would not be prudent to host a launch event where a good portion of attendees are within those higher risk groups – both for their health and for the health of other patients at the hospital.” 
  
“We’ll still be throwing the official lighting switch on the evening of Wednesday December 2nd,” said Wood, “and those lights sponsored in loving memory and respect will glow with a light of hope for others into the New Year.   It’s especially important this year with the additional stress and worry of H1N1 that we provide that sense of hope for others in community – especially those with a healthcare concern.”

As in previous years, the lights will remain lit throughout the Holiday season in honor of contributions to the Cumberland Health Care Foundation.  This will also enable hospital patients and their families to enjoy the lights and music during the entire holiday period. “It’s a time of year when we need to give hope to others.” said Wood, “Everyone has the ability to spark the light of hope for those that are sick, recovering, or not able to return home for the holidays.  It’s a truly a chance to Light the Way!”

“Light the Way!” is a very meaningful campaign which enables people to remember those who are no longer with us or to recognize others for their contributions in their lives at this very special time of year.   Started in 1997, “Light the Way!!” has raised more than $575,000 towards the purchase of needed medical equipment for Cumberland’s acute care centre - the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.  

This year the Foundation is looking to raise funds to support the purchase of 3 new beds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and a portable ventilator for Respiratory Therapy. These items are vital to the critical care treatment & recovery process and are very important in situations such as the threat currently posed by the H1N1 influenza.

Donations made to this year’s event will provide a new model of bed that will allow patients in the Intensive Care Unit to be brought to a chair position for improved breathing, reduce pressure on their backs & spine, decrease pressure sores and assist with turning. Ventilators assist patients when they cannot breathe effectively on their own.  A new portable ventilator will improve patient safety and can greatly benefit the patient should relocation be required due to critical illness or injury.   

“We all know how it feels when we can’t rest comfortably,” said David Wood, Chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, “and anyone who has experienced breathing difficulties will understand the importance of simply being able to breathe easier.”   The portable unit will also function as a back-up should one of the fixed ventilators need to be replaced or a shortage of ventilators occurs due to increased demand.

Light the Way “Launch” Cancellation
Questions & Answers

1. What is Light the Way?

"Light the Way” is an annual campaign run by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.   Donors and members of the public are asked to sponsor a lighted holiday ornament in honor or in memory of someone special to them.  Proceeds are used to purchase pieces of medical equipment for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

2. Is Light the Way happening this year?

Yes – the light display is being assembled for viewing again this year.  Lighted ornaments can be sponsored in honor or in memory and are available through the Cumberland Health Care Foundation.

3. When does it get officially launched?

It is normally officially launched on the first Wednesday evening of December each year.   The launch normally includes musical groups and choirs, children’s activities, and the official throwing of the overall “light switch” for all the lighted ornaments.

4. Will there be an Official Launch this year with the current H1N1 concern?

No.   There will not be an official launch this year.   However the overall “light switch” will still be turned on the first Wednesday evening in December.   There will simply be no additional public activities associated with it as previously stated in Light the Way letters (choirs, bands).

5. Why has the official launch been cancelled?

Currently the Canadian Health Care System is battling the H1N1 influenza virus which is placing additional strain on Canada’s healthcare system.  The most vulnerable groups are the young, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying or current health conditions.   It would not be prudent to host a launch event where a good portion of attendees are within those higher risk groups – both for their health and for the health of other patients at the hospital.

Here in Nova Scotia, H1N1 vaccinations will be ongoing for several weeks into November and December and will likely not be completed in time for the Light the Way launch.

6. What about the lighted ornament I sponsored?

All lighted ornaments will still be turned on Wednesday evening December 2nd and will remain lit until the first week of January to provide hope for others who must remain in hospital over the holidays and to provide hope & goodwill for everyone during the current H1N1 period being experienced.

7. Can I still come and see the Lights?

Yes

• The light display will be visible through the windows near the Auxiliary Café and the Cafeteria.  However, public access to the display from inside the building will be dependent upon whether or not any visitor restrictions have been imposed for patient and public safety.
  
  
• From outside the hospital building, the display can be seen by walking around the exterior facility (pathway to the left of the Main Entrance) the light show can be seen in the Auxiliary courtyard accompanied by an external music system.

8.  Why should I encourage others to sponsor a lighted ornament?

Regardless of whether an official launch night occurs, a sponsored lighted ornament does three important things

• it honors someone who was or is special to you at this time of year and that light of remembrance and honor will shine this holiday season;
  
  
• because of this caring act, your sponsored light(s) may help to provide a sense of hope and caring for someone who must remain in hospital during the holidays or must be here for a short period of time due to an illness such as H1N1;
  
  
• your donation will help to purchase 3 new beds for intensive care and a portable ventilator for the regional hospital in Cumberland – both items which in situations such as H1N1 could be used in the treatment process.

9. How can I donate to help?

The donation can be mailed to:  CHCF, 19428 Hwy 2 RR6, Amherst NS  B4H 1N6 or dropped off at the Cumberland Health Care Foundation offices located just inside the Main Entrance of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

If you wish to make a donation using a credit card (VISA, Mastercard or Amex) – please call (902) 667-5400 extension 6210 or visit the www.chcfoundation.com and select the “donate now” button.

If you are making a donation by cheque or money order, please make it payable to:

the Cumberland Health Care Foundation
(please note that it is for the “Light the Way” as this restricts the donation solely for this purpose).