March 17, 2008 - Media Release

“Good Lookin’ verses Better Lookin’”
making good things happen!

Curling event raises $11,000 for palliative care equipment

Front left to right: Joe Dupuis, Carl Leblanc, Carol Embree, Don Smith; back row Brian Wood, Curt Speight, Mitch Estabrooks, Stu Colson, Robert Bird

AMHERST, NS (March 17th) – St. Paddy’s Day is looking greener for the Palliative Care Fund of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation after being the beneficiary of the annual curling bonspiel of a group of Amherst business men.

On Friday evening March 14th, the Good Lookin’ Guys, skipped by Don Smith, and the Better Lookin’ Guys, skipped by Carl Leblanc, took to the ice to raise money for new syringe drivers for the Palliative Care Program of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. A syringe driver is a small infusion pump, which is used to gradually administer analgesics (painkillers), antiemetics (medication to suppress nausea and vomiting) and other drugs. This prevents periods during which medication levels in the blood are too high or too low, and avoids the use of multiple tablets (especially in people who have difficulty swallowing).

For Palliative Care nurse, Carol Embree, it was an overwhelming evening of support. “You know how emotional it can be for patients, their families, loved ones, and even co-workers dealing with end-of-life situations,” said Embree “but it’s also very emotional and overwhelming when you have people who care enough to make a difference like the way these guys did. My heart is filled with warmth purely from witnessing such a great act of kindness to help so many others going through what can be a difficult and complex part of life.”

“We’re deeply honored”, said the Foundation’s Managing Director, Joe Gauthier “that such a great group of guys would support the Foundation’s Palliative Care Fund and help fund this equipment for the program. “ The Palliative Care Fund administered by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation provides funding for equipment and services which would not otherwise be funded in the short-term.

Donations to the palliative care fund can be made at the Cumberland Health Care Foundation office located at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, by calling 902 667-5400 ext. 6210 or by visiting the website www.chcfoundation.com.