Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation’s 31st annual Light Up a Life fundraising campaign launches this week and will aim to fund the purchase of two hematology analyzers for the laboratory.
“Chances are, if you have ever needed in-patient care at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), the team in the laboratory would have been called into action. This team is made up of 36 people, including technicians, technologists, clerks, and myself, a pathologist – a medical doctor specializing in diagnostic laboratory medicine,” states Dr. Katie O’Reilly.
“The lab team is one I am proud to be a part of and proud to be representing as this year’s Light Up a Life Campaign Chair.”
Whether a routine blood test, an ECG, a swab, or blood transfusion, NHH’s laboratory team is there for you. Last year alone, they performed 463,557 lab tests: an increase of almost 11% from the previous year.
“This year, we invite you, the community, to be the 37th member of our team – to stand with us by supporting the 2024 Light up a Life campaign to replace our hematology analyzers,” says O’Reilly.
This crucial equipment performs blood counts for hemoglobin, red and white blood cells, and platelet counts – testing that provides critical information to your care team to help determine what is happening in your body.
This testing is used for diagnosis of anemia, infections, inflammation, blood loss, blood cancers, and other blood-related disorders. In addition to supporting many diagnoses, it is also used before every single chemotherapy treatment to ensure a cancer patient’s blood counts are high enough to safely proceed with chemotherapy.
With the hematology analyzers playing such a key role in both diagnosis and treatment across the hospital, it is imperative we replace this equipment, which is now 15 years old. Community support will provide the funds to support the newest and most modern technology available, leading to extremely accurate and precise results.
In addition to campaign appeal letters making their way to mailboxes across the County this week, two third party fundraisers are returning in support of this campaign:
The 10th Annual Family Christmas at the Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm will take place at the Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm (8329 Danforth Road) on December 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. As is tradition, this event will include a bonfire, chilli lunch, hot chocolate, coffee, and treats. This year, both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site to take photos with families. Most trees are priced at just $70 except fir trees, which will be available for $100.
JJ’s Steak & Burgers in Cobourg is hosting a Christmas Tree Raffle throughout the month of November. Those interested in the chance to win a one-of-a-kind, fully decorated, pre-lit flocked Christmas tree can drop by the restaurant, located at 8 Elgin St. E, Cobourg, ON, between November 1 and December 1, 2024, to purchase tickets (priced at five dollars each or three for ten dollars).
Those interested in learning more about the Light Up a Life campaign are invited to visit NHH Foundation’s website at www.NHHFoundation.ca/Events
