Cornwall Seaway Lions Club donates $30,000 to CCH Foundation
A strong show of support for the new chemotherapy program at Cornwall Community Hospital was evident at the last Cornwall Seaway Lions Club meeting. Together their members approved a $30,000 donation to CCH Foundation to fund equipment for this new service which is anticipated to come to the hospital by the end of this year.
CCH Foundation Board Treasurer, Dale McSween, along with Executive Director, Erin Killoran, accepted the cheque from Cornwall Seaway Lions Club President, Marcel Ravary, and Ribfest Chairman, Phil Shorey. These funds were proceeds of Ribfest, and Lions Club members were proud to give these funds to such a worthwhile cause in our community. This brings the Cornwall Seaway Lions Club to a total of over $47,000 donated to CCH since 2010.
KEY POINTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY PROGRAM:
The program initially became public knowledge when Jeanette Despatie made a presentation about the hospital at a city council meeting last fall.
In 2015, Cornwall Community Hospital will implement a new chemotherapy program. This is not a service currently offered here in Cornwall, but unfortunately is desperately needed to help individuals in our community who are fighting cancer.
This program is expected to treat 275 patients per year.
Currently, hundreds of cancer patients in our area are relying on family or friends to transport them to Ottawa, and Winchester, and sometimes Kingston or Montreal for their cancer treatment and appointments.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2012 more than 400 people in Cornwall and SD&G needed transportation services to get to their cancer related appointments.
While some patients rely on these volunteer transportation programs, others have family or friends who are able to transport them to treatment. This however, involves taking time off work, not to mention the obvious costs of gas, parking and even hotel stays during the winter months.
- The average transportation cost (not including parking, meals and lost wages) to one round trip appointment is $66.
- On average cancer treatment requires a minimum of 14 trips resulting in a minimum of 42 hours of travelling time.
- Just the transportation costs alone for an average cancer treatment can be a minimum of $942.
The basis for the chemotherapy program at our hospital is the specialized Sterile Preparation Room. With dedicated air systems and specific design requirements, the cost of the room itself is $100,000. This room is the link between the pharmacy and the patient treatment room. The total equipment cost is $300,000. Therefore the total project cost is $400,000.
Although the Ontario government funds hospital operations and building capital, there has not been an increase in CCH’s base funding budget to accommodate this project. In the face of restrained government funding, there is an expectation for local communities to contribute towards the purchase of equipment and services. Where the government leaves off, CCH Foundation reaches out for donor investment.
CHEMOTHERAPY FUNDRAISING:
- Chemotherapy fundraising kick-off with the Lions Club cheque for $30,000.
- Fundraising for chemotherapy will continue with the annual Radiothon on Thursday, April 2 from 6am-7pm
- This year’s Radiothon will be held in the main entrance of CCH
- Donors can call the donation hotline or bring their donations to the donation desk at the main entrance
- NEW! Drive thru donations will also be offered this year. Donors will be able to donate right from their car at the Janet Macdonell Pavillion entrance.
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