MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2010
 

Community Generosity Sets New Record for Foundation’s Annual Appeal

Leeds/Grenville—The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) has set a new record for its Annual Appeal—with 2010 total funds raised reaching $223,513, eclipsing the targeted goal of $135,000.

“This is an amazing success,” says David Bryer, Chair of the BDHF. “The generosity of our community is extremely gratifying—from the three major donors who put our total over the top this year, to those individuals, businesses and community groups who consistently sustain our fundraising efforts with the Annual Appeal. We appreciate that the community continues to view the Foundation and Brockville General Hospital as worthy of its support.”

The focus of the 2010 BDHF Annual Appeal is an Orthopedic Package that includes power equipment, positioning devices and arthroscopic instrumentation (camera system to view, diagnose and repair) for joint repair and replacement surgery—one of the growing service areas at Brockville General Hospital.

“Over the past decade,” explains Dr. Paul Shim, BGH Orthopedic Surgeon, “our hospital has seen its total orthopedic surgeries quadruple, in response to our aging population. Arthroscopy—the use of a camera to look into the joint to visualize, diagnose, and repair—is central to successful care/surgery required for not only hips and knees, but also shoulders and ankles.”

“At BGH, we are ecstatic with the outcome of this year’s Annual Appeal,” says Ray Marshall, President and CEO of Brockville General Hospital. “The Orthopedic Package will allow us to continue to provide excellent orthopedic care. The hospital and the Foundation will be working together in the next few weeks to determine the pieces of equipment we will purchase with the extra funds, based on our current list of equipment needs.”

This is all good news for residents of Leeds/Grenville. One former patient had two total knee replacements in 2007 at BGH, and is grateful to have her mobility back.

“If you don’t suffer from painful joints,” she explains, “you can’t imagine how hard your basic day is. Simple things like getting out of bed, getting mobile again after sitting, and just moving around are challenges. I had to take the stairs sideways to go up. And the pain is constant. Needless to say, sleep is hard to come by.”

After both knees were done, one in March of 2007 and one in October, her active life returned.

“The surgery and the work I did with the physiotherapist made for a good recovery,” she says. “The nurses at BGH were great. It takes a bit of time to heal but the time is worth it. Last week, I shoveled snow out of our driveway. Last summer, I mowed the lawn with a power push mower. I enjoy doing that but hadn’t done it in years. It’s all these simple things you take for granted until they’re gone.

“And, of course,” she adds, “I certainly don’t miss the pain.”


Sharing the great news with Ray Marshall (top right), BGH President and CEO, are Foundation board members (from top, l – r) Doris Hallett, Tom Blanchard, Ruth Lockett, David Gilliland, Joan McLaughlin (BDHF Executive Director), Kevin Tackaberry, Dr. David Bryer (BDHF Board Chair) and Dave Publow.

For more information, please contact:

Joan McLaughlin Executive Director Brockville and District Hospital Foundation 613-345-4478 mcljo@bgh-on.ca

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