November, 2004

Lighting the way

When members of the former Highland View Regional Hospital Foundation first came up with the idea of lighting up a giant Christmas tree at the former hospital as a fundraiser they figured it would be the perfect way to raise a few dollars while celebrating the festive season.

Today, seven years later, the Light the Way Campaign is going strong and has provided nearly $200,000 in much-needed medical equipment for Highland View and the new Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan.

The Cumberland Heath Care Foundation's annual Light the Way celebration will kick-off with its gala light-up ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at the main entrance to the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre with entertainment and an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

As it did last year, the foundation has once again set its fundraising target at $65,000 to purchase a portable ultrasound machine for obstetrics/gynecology as well as a pair of syringe drives for the palliative care and surgical departments and motility study equipment that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders.

Last year's campaign marked a bold step forward for the foundation in that it raised the bar from $50,000 to $65,000 and while it fell just short of its goal it still managed to set a record for the amount of funds the campaign has ever raised.

Foundation officials are showing optimism that the community will help it achieve its goal this year so it can purchase this important equipment and fulfill its mandate.

In the last year or so, since the new hospital was opened, there has been plenty of negative publicity in the media surrounding the hospital and the Cumberland Health Authority. There have been shortages and physician disputes, but through it all the foundation has continued to move forward by raising awareness and funds that will help ensure we have the best health care system possible.

In the coming days you will receive in the mail a Christmas letter from the foundation urging you to make a contribution to the campaign in someone's name or just because you want to support the health-care system.

Instead of casting this note aside, as you would a piece of junk mail, please take the time to read the letter and purchase a light, wreath or angel.

Often we don't appreciate the work being done by the dedicated and committed staff at the hospital until we need it or someone we know is sick or injured.

By supporting Light The Way, the community is giving our physicians and nurses the equipment they need to the job to the best of their abilities.

Join this team by supporting Light the Way. Do it because you have used the hospital or know someone who has or do it simply because you care.