‘Stay ABreast’ raises $7,630 for Northumberland Hills Hospital
By West Northumberland Independent staff
A recent evening in Port Hope bringing together women living with or recovering from breast cancer has raised more than $7,000 for Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation said “Stronger Together: Stay ABreast” was a success, generating $7,630 to support breast cancer care at NHH. The event, which took place Oct. 7 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, encompassed education and helped foster encouragement and a strong sense of community and support, said the foundation.
“This was an important event and a fitting partnership as we focus efforts on supporting major investments in the breast health program at NHH in the coming year,” said Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation CEO. “We are grateful to all who attended, sponsored and supported this event.
“Together with our community, we can continue the conversations started during this impactful evening, invest in the future, and ensure modern care remains accessible for patients and families facing breast cancer in our community.”
Emcee Jenny McCaig kicked off remarks for the evening, sharing a brief reflection on her own breast cancer journey before turning things over to the first speaker Jennifer Ellis, who shared details of the journey and treatment she is actively undergoing. Ellis was supported by a panel of health-care professionals including Dr. Sepideh Karkhanechi, a radiologist with clinical fellowship in women’s imaging, Dr. Kaes Al-Ali, a fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist with oncoplastic training, and Dr. Leta Forbes, a medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecological cancers.
Speaker Sandy Ward also took to the podium to share her story of survivorship.
A more than 20-year survivor of breast cancer, Ward reflected on the community of support that has helped her live her best post-cancer life, the foundation noted. She was supported by a panel of speakers including Sharyn Dunn, president of Survivor Thrivers, Dr. Stacey Fritsch, a naturopathic doctor, and Mike Walton, a strength and resilience coach.
Concluding the event, Susan Walsh, NHH President and CEO, shared a look at four substantial investments that will be made at NHH in the year ahead. Walsh referenced a new 3D mammography unit with contrast capabilities, an additional ultrasound unit, a new bone mineral density scanner, and wire-free breast tissue localization technology.
Hosted in partnership by NHH Foundation and the Survivor Thrivers, Stronger Together: Stay ABreast served as both an event to raise awareness and money for the two organizations.
Proceeds will help to modernize the breast health program at NHH and support the Survivor Thrivers in purchasing a new dragon boat for their team of residents living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Event sponsors included Cobourg Nissan, TD Wealth Harbourstone Wealth Management – Kristy MacDonald and Gunther Rappl – and J.J. Laracy Contracting.
“The support of these sponsors, along with that of attendees, silent auction donors, and exhibitors helped raise awareness, strengthen local breast cancer care, and support those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer,” said the foundation.
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