Spring Appeal exceeds 70% of fundraising goal

There were numerous people involved in Susanne Wiese’s care when she was diagnosed with meningitis last fall. She knows she would never recognize most of them, since she was unconscious or asleep during much of her hospital stay.

Similarly, Susanne doesn’t know the people who have contributed to the Foundation’s spring appeal to help raise life-support equipment for the ER and the ICU at Ross Memorial, but she’s profoundly grateful nonetheless.

Thanks to the healthcare team at the Ross, and to the donors who help support the cost of the medical equipment needed to care for patients day and night, Susanne survived and is sharing her story in the hopes of helping others.

“The team at the Ross Memorial saved my life,” Susanne says.

Susanne is encouraging people to give to the RMH Foundation’s spring appeal. Right now, the hospital needs to purchase two life-support ventilators for patients in the ICU and a portable ultrasound to diagnose life-threatening injuries in the ER.

The cost of the equipment is $98,000. To date, the Foundation has received $69,776 in donations to support this need at the Hospital.

“The hospital doesn’t receive provincial funding to replace medical equipment, and the list of needs is long,” said Paul McPherson, Chair of the RMH Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Individually, we couldn’t afford such costs, but together, donors make it happen. With each donation we receive, we enhance patient care.”

The RMH Foundation mailed letters throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes asking donors if they will help with this important purchase. People who would like to help can read the letter and donate using the Foundation’s website, www.rmh.org/foundation, or by calling 705-328-6146.

“It’s been our pleasure to work with Susanne to share her experience and her gratitude,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation Executive Director. “We can all play a role in patient care, and give patients such as Susanne their best chance to recover when they’re sick or injured. The chance to help them is literally in your hands.”