MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2026
Stronger Together: Stay ABreast Raises Funds and Spreads Awareness
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – Organizers of Stronger Together: Stay ABreast are pleased to announce event success, with $7,630 raised. The event, which took place at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope on the evening of October 7, 2026, brought together community members and individuals living with or recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis, offering education, encouragement, and a strong sense of community and support.
Emcee Jenny McCaig kicked off remarks for the evening sharing a brief reflection on her own personal breast cancer journey before turning things over to the first speaker, Jennifer Ellis, who shared details of the journey and treatment she is actively undergoing. Throughout her remarks, Ellis was supported by a panel of healthcare professionals including: Dr. Sepideh Karkhanechi, Radiologist with Clinical Fellowship in Women’s Imaging; Dr. Kaes Al-Ali, Fellowship trained Breast Surgical Oncologist with Oncoplastic Training; and Dr. Leta Forbes, Medical Oncologist specializing in Breast and Gynecological Cancers. Ellis concluded her remarks with an optimistic look to what the future holds and encouragement to those in attendance to get mammograms.
Following a quick flip of the stage, the second key speaker, Sandy Ward, took to the podium to share her story of survivorship. A more than 20-year survivor of breast cancer, Ward reflected on the community of support that has helped her live her best post-cancer life, and was supported by a panel of speakers including: Sharyn Dunn, President of Survivor Thrivers; Dr. Stacey Fritsch, Naturopathic Doctor; and Mike Walton, Strength and Resilience Coach.
Closing out the evening, Susan Walsh, NHH President and CEO, shared a look at four substantial investments to be made at NHH in the year ahead. Referenced in Walsh’s remarks were a new 3D mammography unit with contrast capabilities, an additional ultrasound unit, new bone mineral density scanner, and wire-free breast tissue localization technology.
Hosted in partnership by Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation and the Survivor Thrivers, Stronger Together: Stay ABreast served as both an event to raise awareness and funds for the two organizations. Proceeds will help to modernize the breast health program at NHH and support the Survivor Thrivers in purchasing a new dragon boat for their team of local individuals living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
“This was an important event and a fitting partnership as we focus efforts on supporting major investments in the breast health program at NHH in the coming year,” shares Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation CEO. “We are grateful to all who attended, sponsored, and supported this event. Together with our community, we can continue the conversations started during this impactful evening, invest in the future, and ensure modern care remains accessible for patients and families facing breast cancer in our community.”
Event sponsors included Cobourg Nissan, TD Wealth Harbourstone Wealth Management – Kristy MacDonald and Gunther Rappl – and J.J. Laracy Contracting. The support of these sponsors, along with that of attendees, silent auction donors, and exhibitors helped raise awareness, strengthen local breast cancer care, and support those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
For more information on the difference community support makes at NHH, please visit www.NHHFoundation.ca.
