Current Campaigns

Hometown Hospital, First Rate Care - 2024 Spring Appeal

Erik Ellis thought a pulled muscle was responsible for his painful limp. He never expected that he had osteoarthritis and needed a total hip replacement.

“My diagnosis had me worrying if I would ever get back to my normal pace and all of the activities that keep me young. Fortunately, we live in a community with advanced hospital services. In fact, Ross Memorial was the first hospital in Ontario to use the new hip replacement implant technology that got me back up and moving!”

Both Erik and his wife Denise appreciate how smoothly everything went, from the pre-op appointment to the check-ups during Erik’s recovery. And they're grateful that Erik could get the new, less invasive procedure at Ross Memorial, his hometown hospital.

That’s why Erik and Denise are sharing their experience in the Ross Memorial Hospital’s spring appeal letter that will be mailed throughout Kawartha Lakes.

“The Ross has always been there when we needed it,” said Erik. “With our local population set to double in the next decade, we must ensure the Ross is equipped with the tools and facilities it needs to provide the best care and services.”

“So many people are involved in a patient’s care. That includes our family of donors,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “As the hospital needs to grow services and spaces, and implement advancements in medical science, we count on our generous community to help fund equipment, technology and capital projects that are not covered through government funding. It takes all of us to keep our hometown hospital providing first rate care.”

The highest priority investments at Ross Memorial include the future expansion and modernization of the hospital’s Emergency Department and ICU, the community’s new MRI and CT Scanner, bedside equipment including the new fleet of IV pumps, and the clinical information system that connects patients’ digital health information records to medical technology and bedside tools so every test and treatment is noted in real time and available to the entire care team.

“We’re grateful to Erik and Denise for sharing their story and helping to raise funds to ensure the best medical equipment and facilities are available in Kawartha Lakes, now and for years to come,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation board chair. “We hope everyone will watch for their letter, and consider making a donation. Every gift makes a difference.”

View or download the 2024 Spring Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

Gratitude - 2023 Holiday Appeal

Some of the most important moments of Rosemary Joudrie’s life have taken place at Ross Memorial Hospital. Over her lifetime, the timely care she and her loved ones received made all the difference when every moment mattered. The talented physicians and staff at the Ross have been with her and her family every step of the way; from navigating complications at birth for the youngest, to life threatening emergencies for the oldest, and many moments in between.

When asked what fills her with gratitude, Rosemary says it’s the special people in her life — and those who saved their lives. “Like so many people, I am grateful to everyone at Ross Memorial Hospital for being there during our most critical moments,” said Rosemary.

Rosemary is also grateful to the donors whose gifts to the RMH Foundation help fund the bedside tools and life-saving technology that helps the Ross Team care for patients in their time of need. These include equipment and projects that are not covered by government funding, such as the new MRI and CT Scanner, the new fleet of IV pumps and the clinical information system.

This holiday, Rosemary wants to give more people reasons to be grateful. She is sharing her story through the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation’s holiday appeal to inspire giving for priority needs at the hospital.

She’s also volunteering in a role her Dad, Ralph Griffin, was proud to do during his decades volunteering at the Ross. This holiday, Rosemary will tie ribbons to the paper ornaments donors send with their gifts and hang the messages and attached pictures on the Christmas trees in the main lobby.

“My Dad loved to see how caring people were,” said Rosemary. “He always told me that it didn’t matter how much a person was able to give, because everyone’s donations add up, and together we make a difference. To me, that’s what it means when we say WE ARE THE ROSS.”

“Like Rosemary, so many of us have stories of our care at the Ross that stretch back our entire lives,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “The Ross is more than our community hospital. It’s where lives are touched.”

“We hope everyone will watch for Rosemary’s letter in the mail and share their gratitude this holiday,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “With our community ballooning in size, it’s never been more important to ensure our hospital is equipped to respond, during emergencies and milestone moments. We can all help patients like Rosemary.”

View or download the 2023 Holiday Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

We Are The Ross - 2023 Spring Appeal

As our community grows, hospital services become even more important. So do the donors whose gifts help fund essential medical equipment and technology needs at Ross Memorial. From doctors to donors, we all play a role in patient care.

RMH Chief of Staff, Dr. Bharat Chawla is proud of the hospital team that works hard to care for our community — and he’s grateful for the generous donors who ensure the team has the tools and technology needed to give patients the best care possible. These connections are life changing.

“At the Ross Memorial, we do our best to adapt our services to meet the needs of our community. As your healthcare needs evolve and grow, the Ross Memorial evolves and grows,” said Dr. Chawla.

“We’re grateful to be working with Dr. Chawla to raise awareness of essential technology and equipment needs from MRI and the CT Scanner to the new Clinical Information System that connects patients’ digital health records to our diagnostic and clinical tools,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “We’re mailing Dr. Chawla’s letter throughout the Kawartha Lakes to give everyone the opportunity to have an impact on patient care. By working together, we’re advancing care close to home.”

“It takes all of us to keep the Ross functioning at the level we all expect, and to ensure we as a community have access to the best medical tools in a timely fashion,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “Just as Dr. Chawla says—we all have some connection to the Ross Memorial Hospital. Whether we were born there, experienced a life changing event there, received care following an injury, work or volunteer there … we all count on the Ross.”

Read for Dr. Chawla’s spring appeal letter below, or follow the Online Donation link to make a gift. Together, WE ARE THE ROSS.

View or download the 2022 Spring Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

Our Best to You - 2022 Holiday Appeal

One of the biggest changes in the delivery of patient care is underway at Ross Memorial right now. It’s a digital transformation that connects bedside medical equipment and life-saving technology to patients’ medical records, and connects those digital records to care providers and patients — wherever they are.

The RMH Foundation is grateful to Hospitalist Dr. Sara-Lynn Francis for highlighting the value of the Hospital’s new clinical information system in her Holiday Appeal letter that is being delivered throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“Patients’ complex care requires many vital steps,” said Dr. Francis. “It might mean lab work, imaging scans, procedures or consultations with specialists. I also reach out to family physicians, pharmacists, regional partners, and patient families to ensure each person’s care is safe and effective. Fortunately, I have a great team around me. And thanks to donors, the Ross is implementing the best resources and technology to help us care for you better and faster than ever before. This includes the new clinical information system … Simply put, it connects everything we need to care for you.”

As a Hospitalist, it’s critical for Dr. Francis to have timely connections to the people and the tools that inform her clinical decisions,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “The new clinical information system marks an evolutionary leap in patient care at the Ross, but it’s not covered by provincial funding. We hope people will watch for Dr. Francis’ letter and support this transformational technology with a donation.”

“As our community grows, it’s up to all of us to make sure our local Hospital modernizes to meet patients’ changing needs,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “The new clinical information system is the building block that will enable information sharing throughout the health system, ensuring the best care for every patient. It’s an exciting advancement, and one the entire community can support and celebrate.”

View or download the 2022 Holiday Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

Every picture Tells a Story - 2022 Spring Appeal

There are moments from Kate Winn’s breast cancer experience that she will never forget. Thanks to the exceptional care she received at the Ross Memorial Hospital, including an MRI to guide her surgery, Kate is cancer free.

“As a teacher, I know that the best stories are the ones with the most colourful detail. As a cancer survivor, I have no doubt: the more details our doctors have, the better our stories end,” said Kate Winn. “With cancer behind me, I can picture a healthier future ahead. And by donating funds for the community’s new MRI, we can all make sure our community hospital continues to offer the best care possible.”

MRI was among the technology that helped to pinpoint Kate’s tumour and ensure there were no others. When Kate learned that the community’s aging MRI must be replaced and that government funding doesn’t cover the cost, she wanted to help fundraise the $2.5 million cost of the MRI and encourage others to give, too.

Kate’s experience is featured in the Every Picture Tells A Story spring appeal letter, which is being mailed throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. The letter includes an expert testimonial from Dr. Mario Voros, Ross Memorial’s Chief of Radiology.

“I want to thank the donors who keep the Ross at the forefront of exceptional care with support for essential acquisitions like our community’s MRI,” said Dr. Voros. “Better imaging helps us detect problems earlier, treat patients sooner, and improve your outcomes. Your support for MRI has a far-reaching impact.”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps physicians confidently diagnose disease and injury in the brain, spine, joints, breasts and organs. It’s a vital tool for detecting herniated or bulging disks, arthritic changes, and cancer. More than 500 patient exams are scanned at the Ross every month.

“It’s been just over a decade that local donors funded our community’s MRI, changing the nature of patient care at the Ross, and reducing the need for patients to travel to other areas for imaging. That might not feel like a long time, but it’s already impossible to imagine our hospital care without access to MRI technology,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “By giving together, we can ensure our hospital has vital equipment it needs, not otherwise funded by the government.”

View or download the 2022 Spring Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

Make This Your Moment - 2021 Holiday Appeal

Exactly one year ago, Kate Winn was diagnosed with breast cancer. That news set in motion what Kate calls her cancer story. Thanks to her early diagnosis and timely care at the Ross, Kate’s story has a happy ending. This holiday season, Kate is sharing her story to help others when they need it most.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is among the technology that helped to pinpoint Kate’s tumour and ensure there were no others. When Kate learned that the ten-year-old MRI must be replaced and that government funding doesn’t cover the cost, she was quick to offer her help by sharing her story through the RMH Foundation’s Holiday Appeal. 

“I’m so incredibly grateful. Grateful for the care I received, for the support of my family, friends and community, for my good outcome … and for the chance to pay it forward,” said Kate Winn. “Just as it took a broad healthcare team to help me beat cancer, it takes all of us to ensure the best care is available at our local hospital. It’s only with the generous support of donors that our hospital team has the medical equipment and advanced technology it needs to diagnose and treat patients.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Kate for helping to highlight this important community need,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps physicians confidently diagnose disease and injury in the brain, spine, joints, breasts and organs. It’s a vital tool for detecting herniated or bulging disks, arthritic changes, tumours and other lesions. More than 500 patient exams are scanned at the Ross every month.” 

“MRI is a diagnostic tool our community simply can’t do without. The provincial government doesn’t fund the cost to replace medical equipment such as this, so it’s up to us to make it happen,” said Ryan O’Neill, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “We hope everyone will watch the mail for Kate’s letter, and make this your moment to keep the best care close to home.” 

View or download the 2021 Holiday Appeal letter

Make an Online Donation

Partners in Precision Care - 2021 Spring Appeal

Exactly 20 years ago, local health care was transformed with the acquisition of the community’s first CT Scanner.

Today, donors continue to be Partners in Precision Care

CT imaging is a critical tool for diagnosing injuries and disease, and for guiding surgeries and cancer treatments. However, the pace of scientific advancements and constant use are a challenge. This is not a cost the hospital receives government funding to cover. It’s up to us as a community to keep the best CT imaging here at the Ross.

“As a general surgeon, I am keenly aware of how important it is for patients to get CT scans as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Jamie McNabb.

Dr. McNabb is partnering with the RMH Foundation to highlight the urgent need for a new, state-of-the-art CT scanner for the community. Dr. McNabb joined the Ross Memorial’s team of surgeons in 2001, the same year the hospital launched CT imaging services.

You can be a Partner in Precision Care. General Surgeon Dr. Jamie McNabb invites all CKL residents — permanent, seasonal and newcomers — to support this high-priority need.

View or download the 2021 Spring Appeal letter

Make an online donation

Brighter Tomorrows - 2020 Holiday Appeal

The past months have been challenging with the world in a state of constant change. What hasn’t changed is the community’s need for timely health care: to locate internal bleeding, to map blood flow to the brain, to diagnose blood clots. These patients need careful medical treatment to give them their best chance at recovery – and they need access to precision CT imaging.

With the help of the RMH Chief of Radiology, Dr. Mario Voros, the RMH Foundation is launching the Brighter Tomorrows holiday appeal to help replace the community’s CT scanner.

“I’ve been a Radiologist at the Ross for 15 years now, and I call the hospital’s CT scanner ‘the workhorse’ of the Diagnostic Imaging department,” said Dr. Voros. “It’s one of our most vital pieces of hospital equipment and provides life-saving support to the Emergency department day and night.”

Computerized Tomography scanning combines a series of images taken from various angles to create cross-sectional views of a patient’s bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. Our CT scanner allows radiologists such as Dr. Voros to confidently diagnose disease and injuries, to provide precise direction for surgeries, and to guide cancer treatments.

At the Ross, the CT team conducts more than 12,000 scans every year. The scanner is in almost constant use. After ten years, however, the CT scanner is reaching the end of its useful lifespan. “It’s imperative that we replace it immediately,” said Dr. Voros.

“It was community donors that made it possible to buy the first CT scanner 20 years ago, and the second CT scanner 10 years ago,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “We’re asking for your help once again. The CT scanner is vitally important to our patients’ timely diagnosis and treatment. We hope people will support this appeal and help the hospital replace our community’s aging CT scanner with new technology that can produce high quality images and more accurate data, faster and with a lower dose of radiation.”

“We all look forward to brighter tomorrows,” said Heather Richardson, RMH Foundation Board Chair. “Please watch your mailbox for Dr. Voros’ letter or visit the Foundation’s website to give online. By working together, we can ensure our hospital is equipped with the tools that help give patients their best chance at recovery.”

View or download the 2020 Holiday Appeal letter

Make an online donation.

Heroes at Heart

In the last few months, our lives have changed. What hasn’t changed is the way our community feels about its healthcare system. In fact, we appreciate it more than ever.

The Ross Team is grateful for your support. In fact, they couldn’t provide exceptional care without it. With no government funding to purchase life-saving medical equipment and technology, the Ross Memorial Hospital has always depended on the generosity of its donor community.

“From my years working at the Ross Memorial Hospital, I know the need to acquire and replace vital medical equipment is constant,” said Dr. Jeremy Jones, RMH General Internist. “The need is even greater at this difficult time to give our patients the care they require.”

The RMH Foundation is grateful for Dr. Jones’ help as it launches the 2020 Spring Appeal. Dr. Jones has penned a letter seeking donor support for the Heroes at Heart Appeal. The letter will be delivered throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes in the coming weeks.

The Heroes at Heart Appeal will help fund urgent COVID-related equipment and technology needs at RMH, and buy seven new electrocardiography machines (ECGs).

“The sooner we see a patient’s ECG results, the faster we can diagnose the issue and begin to treat it … heart attacks and arrhythmia, even problems that aren’t heart-related, like lung disease and kidney failure,” said Dr. Jones. “This is vital information for patients of all ages. ECG machines help us save lives.”

“We’ve been so touched by the outpouring of emotional support in recent weeks,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “We hope people will watch for Dr. Jones’ letter in the mail, and extend their support for the Ross Team with a donation during these difficult times. Donors are heroes at heart.”

View or download the 2020 Heroes at Heart appeal letter

Comfort and Care - 2019 Holiday Appeal

From the Intensive Care Unit to the Surgical ward, the Palliative/Complex Care Unit to the Maternity and Medical Units, patients at Ross Memorial Hospital rely on bedside intravenous (IV) pumps to safely receive medication, fluids and nutrition.

“IV pumps are our partners,” says Steven Lofkrantz RPN. Steven, along with Registered Nurses Rebecca Karkoulas and Kristen Parson, is helping the Foundation launch the  Comfort and Care Holiday Appeal to fundraise for new IV pumps.

“IV pumps are integral to patients’ care — whether they’re receiving life-saving treatment in the ICU, or recovering from surgery, or spending meaningful time with family in the Palliative Care Unit,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “IV pumps are in use throughout the hospital, night and day. As a result of their constant use, they need to be replaced regularly, and that’s why we’re reaching out to the community for support.”

The hospital has 170 IV pumps, each equipped with a wireless computer and the latest  safety software that can dispense various medications and fluids simultaneously and ensure each dose is accurate and appropriate for the patient. Each costs on average $5,000.

“Most of us have been connected to an IV pump at some point in our lives, and we know just how important it is to have IV pumps at the ready 24/7,” said Heather Richardson, RMHF Board Chair. “Government funding doesn’t cover the cost of replacing vital medical equipment. Without the generosity of our donors, the healthcare team at the Ross would be hard-pressed to provide the exceptional care our patients need. Your support makes all the difference.”

View or download the 2019 Holiday Appeal letter