Hospitals of Regina Foundation 2011 Spring Newsletter

S p r i n g N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 1

Melissa and Ryder Gerl in the new Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care

Spring Newsletter 2011

“The bedside monitor kept our boy alive.”

“The [Rawlco] centre felt like home. We almost didn’t want to leave.”

“Our baby wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for the equipment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

These statements are from the heart of real people who know how invaluable it is to have the right equipment at the right time. When we hear from patients and medical professionals what a difference the Foundation makes, it confirms what we already know: we have the privilege of doing the work we do only because of you, our donors. Your contributions sustain the journey to enhance healthcare, and that journey has meant over $110 million for healthcare since 1987.

The Heart of the Community

“We have the privilege of doing the work we do only because of you, our donors.” - Judy Davis

You have a lot to be proud of in 2010, including: the grand opening of the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care; the completion of the Prostate Assessment Centre; the successful conclusion to our two-year campaign for bedside monitors; and the construction of the Electrophysiology Lab, which will open this spring.

There are so many other special stories: eight-year-old Anthony Leipert who donated his birthday presents to the children’s ward; the numerous people who remembered us in their will; the small business owners like Candyce Bakke who took the initiative to plan an event in support of stroke care; and the generous donations from companies like Partner Technologies Incorporated (PTI). To have such a diverse group of people believe in what we do, to engage the heart of the community, is truly an honour and a responsibility we never take for granted.

One final note: I’d like to thank Sask Business magazine for recognizing the great work of my peers. I am honoured to be included with them on the 2011 “Women of Influence” list.

Judy Davis, CFRE Chief Executive Officer

P.S. You can now find the Foundation on Facebook and Twitter. As well, our website is under redevelopment and will bring the rebranding we underwent two years ago full circle. Please visit us at www.hrf.sk.ca.


In This Issue

The official newsletter of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation is published twice a year. Total distribution is approximately 13,000. Cover photo courtesy of Medical Media Services.

4 Welcome to the New Rawlco Centre

6 Spencer’s Story

8 2011 Annual Campaign

9 Leverage Your Legacy

10 Celebrating 25 Years of Home Lottery

11 Events Calendar

12 Photo Gallery

16 Donor Spotlight: The Co-operators

18 Expanding Hemodialysis Services

20 Readying for Southern Saskatchewan’s First EP Lab

22 Saluting Our Youngest Donors

10th Annual Women of Influence

Congratulations to Judy Davis who has received the honour of being chosen for Sask Business Magazine’s annual “Women of Influence” list! The January/February issue features Judy and nine other women who are making a difference in Saskatchewan. This honour is much deserved and we are proud of the work she does as an advocate for healthcare.


Welcome to the New Rawlco Centre

Southern Saskatchewan will long remember November 2, 2010 as the day the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care at the Regina General Hospital (RGH) officially opened. Joining in the grand opening celebration were dignitaries, children born at the RGH, staff, donors and the public.

Melissa Gerl holding her newborn son Ryder, the first baby to receive care in the new Mother Baby Unit.

The journey began in 2004 when the Foundation launched the Small is Big campaign, with a lead donation from Gordon and Doug Rawlinson of Rawlco Radio. Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, the campaign raised $6 million to furnish and equip the Rawlco Centre.

Spring Newsletter 2011 5

The Mother Baby Unit now offers 36 private rooms with full bathrooms, baby baths and baby change areas. Melissa Gerl, who stayed in both the old and new units with her baby Ryder, could not believe the difference. “It was like night and day for us. The new unit was so much brighter, larger and more welcoming,” says Melissa. “The biggest thing for me was having my own bathtub versus a shared one.

“As a first-time mom, I would like to thank every donor who contributed to this project,” Melissa adds. “The centre felt like home. We almost didn’t want to leave.”

The Labour and Birth Unit includes eight patient rooms where women can deliver their babies in new birthing beds with leading-edge equipment close at hand.

Visit www.hrf.sk.ca and watch our special video about the Rawlco Centre.

“We’ve always had good people providing good care, and now we have an environment that’s as good as that care.” - Dr. George Carson, Department Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. George Carson speaks to the media at the Rawlco Centre grand opening.

Children help celebrate the unveiling of the Rawlco Centre sign.

“Our community believed in the need for a better experience for moms giving birth,” says Gail Rosseker, Manager of the Labour and Birth Unit. “The vision came to reality with the Rawlco Centre, and donors were the driving force behind it.”

Donations also equipped all 21 stations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with the latest monitors for babies.

Dr. George Carson, Department Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who was involved in the planning of the Rawlco Centre from the earliest stages, is excited about what the centre will mean to families and staff.

“We’ve always had good people providing good care, and now we have an environment that’s as good as that care,” says Dr. Carson. “The new Rawlco Centre will also help us to recruit and retain top-notch staff and physicians.”

Future developments include a new Fetal Assessment Unit and an eight-room hostel for parents while their babies are in hospital.

“The Foundation is very grateful to both the Rawlinsons for their leadership and to all the donors who supported the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care,” says Judy Davis, CEO, HRF.

“The grand opening was a dream come true for not only medical staff, but also moms, dads and families from southern Saskatchewan who will have access to the best care in the best environment.”


Spencer’s Story

Awaiting the birth of a baby is a tremendous journey, filled with many joyful moments. Sometimes, however, unexpected complications arise and some babies are born needing special care. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Regina General Hospital cares for these at-risk, fragile newborns who need the best equipment possible to help them get better.

Aaron and Allison were prepared to spend at least eight weeks in Calgary; however, when Spencer was just five days old, a bed in the Regina NICU opened up. Amidst a flurry of activity, Spencer was flown back to Regina in an incubator attended to by a medical team from Regina, while Allison and Aaron drove home. “We were so happy that Spencer got to go home. It made things so much easier,” recalls Aaron.

Spencer spent the next 62 days in the NICU, where the Sauferts came to think of the staff as a second family. “Not only does the NICU staff provide exceptional care and love for the tiniest of babies but they are also a huge support system for the parents,” says Allison. “We had many emotional days during our stay and there was always someone there to offer a tissue or a shoulder to cry on.We will always remember their kindness and hard work in helping Spencer become the healthy little boy he is today.”

“These little guys don’t have a fighting chance without this equipment.” - Aaron Saufert

Aaron and Allison with Spencer

When the NICU opened in 1976, approximately 50 infants were transported to the unit in a year. Today, the yearly admission rate is around 750 and, on average, 21 babies are in the unit each day. While some babies stay in the NICU for only a few hours for observation, others spend several months.

Allison and Aaron Saufert learned first-hand what a special unit this is when their baby boy Spencer spent 62 days there. At just 24 weeks gestation, Allison went into labour. She was sent to Calgary because the NICU in Regina was full; fortunately, doctors were able to stop her labour and send her back to Regina.

Then, four weeks later, Allison again went into early labour. The NICU in Regina was still at full capacity, so she was once more flown to Calgary where her son Spencer was born, weighing just 2 lbs, 12 oz. “After the first scare, they gave him medicine in utero to help develop his lungs, so he was in good health,” says his father Aaron. “Unfortunately, he was eight hours from home.”


How You Can Help

Listen to Z99 on March 17 & 18 and hear how you can make a difference in the lives of babies! Z99 will be broadcasting live from the Cornwall Centre for 36 hours for the 24th Annual Z99 Radiothon. Your support will mean the NICU will get essential equipment including Giraffe™ Omnibeds and blanket warmers.

“The Radiothon is everything to us,” emphasizes Tom Sorensen, Manager of the NICU. “Without it, the unit would be a different place. What we had before was adequate, but since the support of the Radiothon, babies have access to state-of-the-art equipment and parents have access to tools that reduce stress and help them connect to their babies in a relaxed environment.”

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Pledge your support today. Visit www.hrf.sk.ca to donate.

Spencer Saufert

The Sauferts are also grateful to the Z99 Radiothon and all the donors who helped buy equipment over the years. They had supported the Radiothon in the past, but say they now have a new appreciation of how important the equipment is to saving newborn babies’ lives. “These little guys don’t have a fighting chance without this equipment,” says Aaron.


2011 Annual CampaignFocus on Safety & Efficiency................................................................

Pyxis machines are automated dispensing cabinets that transform the management and delivery of medications and narcotics.

Over 8,000. That is the number of drug doses dispensed daily in Regina’s hospitals. The safe and efficient delivery of those medications is crucial to providing the best care possible.

It is such an important factor in patient care that the Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s 2011 Annual Campaign has committed to supporting the purchase of Pyxis machines for Regina’s three hospitals. Pyxis machines are automated dispensing cabinets that transform the management and delivery of medications and narcotics.

The difference between having a Pyxis machine and not having one is like night and day. Traditionally, hospitals have stored narcotics and prescription drugs in locked drawers with all drug distribution documented manually by nurses. Pyxis machines change all of that. With Pyxis, drug distribution is electronically tracked and documented, which increases safety and efficiency, eliminates the need for cumbersome manual record-keeping and improves nursing and pharmacy staff collaboration.

Lois VanDerVelden, Director, Emergency Services, RQHR, says, “Pyxis machines save our charge nurses many hours previously spent re-stocking, ordering and counting medications – not only is there less waste and a reduced risk of giving a patient expired medications, but that time can now be spent on patients and clinical activities.”

Pyxis machines use barcode scanning to help ensure accurate medication dispensing, have features to prevent loading of the wrong medication and include alerts to provide added safety precautions for high-risk medications.

Doug Sellinger, Manager, Pharmacy Informatics, RQHR, points out another important benefit, “Without Pyxis, delivery of routine medications may take up to 90 minutes after a physician’s order has been validated by a pharmacist. With Pyxis, the nurse is able to administer that same medication less than a minute after the pharmacist validates the order. This improves the workflow of medication administration for nurses and reduces needless waiting for patients to receive their medications.”

By instantly delivering medication in a secure, safe manner, Pyxis machines change a previously labour- and paperwork-intensive process that is prone to errors, to an efficient, safe and accurate system that puts patients first.

Donate online today at www.hrf.sk.ca and help bring more state-of-the-art equipment to Regina’s hospitals!


Leverage Your Legacy

Robert (right), Wendy and Christopher Bespflug are using insurance strategies in their estate plan to benefit the Hospitals of Regina Foundation in memory of Robert’s mother, Bernice (seated).

Two common themes financial planners hear from clients are their desire to support causes and charities beyond their lifetimes, and their horror at the size of the projected tax bill at their passing. What many people may not realize is that there is a way to minimize their tax bill, increase loved ones’ inheritance and leave a significant legacy to charity.

While there is no estate or inheritance tax in Canada, there are income taxes and capital gains taxes. The biggest taxation impact is on registered savings. This includes the “alphabet soup” of plans such as RRSP’s and RRIF’s and defined contribution pension plans. Saskatchewan residents especially feel this impact because so many employers have defined contribution pension plans (also called “money purchase plans”).

Since the 1970’s, all provincial Crown Corporations, government departments and agencies, as well as most cooperatives, have had this type of pension plan. As well, many other plans, such as the City of Regina and University of Regina, have commutable pensions under certain conditions that may also be affected. Canada Revenue Agency deems these tax sheltered plans to be redeemed

Here is an example:

John and Anne are 65; other than their home, they own the following:

• A cottage worth $150,000 that has a cost base of $50,000

• RRSP’s and defined contribution pension plans worth $450,000

The tax bill at the passing of the second of the couple would be:

• Taxable capital gain on cottage: $50,000• Taxable amount from RRSP’s/Pension: $450,000• Additional income at death: $500,000

If the entire amount of additional income at death is taxed at Saskatchewan’s highest marginal tax rate of 44%, then the tax bill would be about $220,000, leaving $280,000 for their children and charitable bequests. What can they do to enhance their estate plan and lessen the size of their tax bill?

Fortunately, there are charitable giving strategies that can help them, including leaving a gift of life insurance in their will to a registered charity. If John and Anne were to purchase a $500,000 “joint and last to die” life insurance policy at a cost of about $600 per month and name a charity such as the Hospitals of Regina Foundation as beneficiary, it would create a charitable tax credit large enough to eliminate virtually all of the tax on the cottage, RRSP’s and pensions, leave an extra $220,000 to their children and $500,000 to charity.

A gift of life insurance is just one charitable giving strategy you can include in your estate plan that will benefit your estate, your loved ones and the charities you want to support. If you would like to learn more, contact Jeanette Kelly at the Foundation at 766.7523 or a Registered Financial Planner.

at the date of death. If there is a spouse designated as the beneficiary the problem is deferred. At the death of the second person, however, the full tax effect hits.

Article contributed by Chet Brothers, CFP, R.F.P., of Brothers & Company Financial, a Regina-based financial planning and wealth management firm.


Celebrating 25 years of the Home Lottery

“The lottery proceeds, combined with all of the other fundraising we do throughout the year, have really left an impact on this community,” - Judy Davis, CEO, HRF

A N N I V E R S A R Y

L O T T E R Y

The Hospitals of Regina Foundation joined just a handful of charities when it established a lottery program 25 years ago. It would be the beginning of a very successful annual fundraising effort for the Foundation, to the degree that a second lottery – the Fall Lifestyles Lottery – would be added in 2006 and achieve equal success and popularity.

The 2011 Spring Home Lottery will bring more state-of-the-art equipment to Regina’s hospitals by supporting technology that will transform the medication delivery system. This technology includes a small, robotic intravenous preparation device that precisely prepares the dosages of drugs necessary for high-risk newborns, premature babies and critically-ill patients. This device is portable and can be placed in an area with the greatest need, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“This is incredible technology,” emphasizes Judy. “Because of our lottery supporters, the care and safety of patients will be improved.”

The 2011 Spring Home Lottery officially launches on March 9th. Visit www.hrfhomelottery.com for more details.

“Our lottery ticket buyers have been very loyal,” says Judy Davis, CEO, HRF. “We know people buy tickets because of the great prizes, but we also know they believe in what the Foundation does. As a result of their support, almost $18 million has gone to Regina’s hospitals from our spring home lottery. Our supporters should be very proud.”

While 19,577 prizes have been awarded over the past 24 years, it’s the amount of medical equipment that has been purchased for Regina’s hospitals that is really remarkable. Proceeds have supported many areas of care including intensive care, trauma, critical care, pediatrics, cardiac care and operating rooms; and have purchased much-needed equipment including ventilators, bedside monitors, defibrillators, gastro-investigationaI scopes and surgical towers, as well as an anesthetic machine and a fetal assessment ultrasound.


Number of prizesGrand Prize

Early Bird Prize

Number of tickets for sale Chances of winning a prizeCost of ticket

309 Home in Varsity Park, worth $150,000

1987 Plymouth Hatchback

6,000 1 in 20

$100

1,902Home in Harbour Landing,

worth $1.1 million (plus $25,000 cash)2011 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

(plus $25,000 cash)37,000 1 in 20

$100

1987 2011

Spring Home Lottery, then and now....................................................................................

2011 Events CalendarZ99 RadiothonMarch 17 & 18, Cornwall CentreIn support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Power of PinkApril 7, Casino Regina Show LoungeIn support of the Breast Assessment Centre

Uncover the Cure Cocktail PartyMay 5, Wascana Country ClubIn support of the Prostate Assessment Centre

CCU 5Km Walk/RunMay 28, Wascana Park In support of the Cardiac Care Unit

Great-West Life Charity Golf ClassicMay 30, Wascana Country ClubIn support of enhanced medical equipment

Who’s Your Daddy Ride for Prostate CancerJune 11, In support of the Prostate Assessment Centre

Champagne ClassicJune 16, Tor Hill Golf CourseIn support of Pediatrics

Pipeline of Dreams Golf TournamentJune 23, Deer Valley Golf CourseIn support of Pediatrics

Plywood CupJuly 1, Wascana ParkIn support of Pediatrics

O.S.C.A.R. Charity Golf ClassicJuly 18, Wascana Country ClubIn support of Pediatric Outpatient Unit

For more details visit www.hrf.sk.ca


Photo Gallery

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Judy Davis (centre), CEO, HRF, stands with the grand prize winners of the 2010 Lifestyles Lottery. Bob Fluter (left) of Regina (with his wife Colleen) won the Grand Prize Cottage Lifestyle. Sherrie Arneson (second from right) of Milestone won the Grand Prize showhome package. Also pictured are Sherrie’s husband Ryan and kids Caine and Mercedes.

Dutch Growers’ 5th annual Plant it Pink raised $9,000 for the Breast Assessment Centre. Carson Van Duyvendyk (middle), son of Karen and Tim Van Duyvendyk (far left and second from right), owners of Dutch Growers, created a charity called Carson’s Colours Fund inspired by his grandmother and aunt who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Also pictured are Edie Holzapfel, HRF (right) and Dutch Growers staff.

The Regina Road Runners Club raised $3,000 for cardiac care from their Flatlander Road Race. Nora Yeates (left), HRF, accepted the cheque from club members Vicky Bonnell, Tom Maher, Greg Dyck and Doug Leask.

Candyce Bakke (right), owner, Shear Escape Salon & Spa, presented a cheque for $6,422 to Ron Cooper, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. The funds, in support of the Wolfe Stroke Unit, were raised from the salon’s fundraiser “Behind the Chair Monologues.”

Nora Yeates, HRF, stands with Kevin Bilan from All Weather Windows. All Weather Windows President’s Cup Golf Tournament raised $7,090 for the Prostate Assessment Centre.

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Shoppers Drug Mart generously donated $27,294 through their annual Tree of Life Campaign. Customers could purchase a leaf at their local Shoppers Drug Mart, with proceeds in support of the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care. Since 2004, the Tree of Life Campaign has raised $169,369 for Regina’s hospitals. Gail Rosseker, Manager, Labour and Birth (centre) is pictured with Nora Yeates, HRF, and George Furneaux, Marlon Bessel and Scott Szabo from Shoppers.

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7 Husband and wife team Marci and Kirby Punshon of Koko Patisserie found a sweet way to celebrate their first year of business – by giving back to the community. Through their Cupcakes for Kids program, they raised $3,500 in support of pediatrics at the RGH.

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The 5th annual Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk raised over $7,000 towards the purchase of a specialty bed for the SICU at the RGH.

The Coming Together for a Time of Giving Campaign is an annual campaign conducted by the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region that encourages Region employees and physicians to donate to a registered charity including the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. The 2010 campaign raised over $78,000 for the Foundation. Susan Cameron from HRF (far right) is pictured with United Way representatives. Photo credit: Medical Media Services

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China Night, presented by the Chinese Cultural Society of Saskatchewan, raised $10,000 for the Wolfe Stroke Unit at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. The funds will purchase a special adult bed with pediatric side rails, which is very important for providing larger children with high–level care.

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The Regina General Hospital Auxiliary (left) and the Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary each raised over $100,000 to support the purchase of equipment for Therapy Services at their respective hospitals. Each auxiliary has raised almost $3 million in over 25 years and dedicates more than 15,000 volunteer hours every year to support healthcare.

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The SaskTel Pioneers won the award for outstanding community group volunteer fundraiser from the Association for Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Regina Chapter. In 27 years, the SaskTel Pioneers have donated over $440,000 to Regina’s hospitals.


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15Fritz Solomon of the Saskatchewan Caribbean-Canadian Association (SCCA) presents Susan Cameron of HRF with a cheque for $2,030. The money was raised from the SCCA’s fundraiser, A Night to Remember, and will go to units 4A (Family Medicine) and 4D (General Surgery) at the Pasqua Hospital.

The Chanh-Tin Buddhist Association of Regina, a group of Vietnamese people who arrived in Canada since 1979, held their “Our Thanks to Regina” event. The event was their way to thank the community who adopted them. The evening raised $9,915 in support of bedside monitors for Intensive Care Units.

Each year for their “12 Days of Giving,” The Phoenix Group donates time and resources to 12 different charities, local groups and performs random acts of kindness to unsuspecting strangers. On the 12th day, representatives from Phoenix (wearing the festive hats) presented HRF with a cheque for$1,500 in support of patient comfort items.


Donor Spotlight: The Co-operators

Bringing about meaningful change and contributing to the sustainability of our communities is a belief The Co-operators has long stood behind. Since the beginning of the Foundation’s 22-year partnership with The Co-operators, they have been an important part of our journey to raising over $110 million for Regina’s hospitals.

Judy Grant, VP of Group Benefits, The Co-operators, holding the 2010 Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award.

Named Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist of 2010 by the Association for Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Regina Chapter, The Co-operators has contributed over $500,000 to the Foundation over the years. Founded in 1945, the company continues to make a profound impact on the community in a number of areas. Among them is the health of babies.


Peggy Maloney, employee of The Co-operators and volunteer, cuddling a newborn.

The Co-operators donated $200,000 to the new Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care in support of the special care nursery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These funds have also allowed The Co-operators Cuddlers program to be created, where employees volunteer two and a half hours every week to provide special care to infants while their parents and healthcare providers are unavailable.

“It’s such an amazing program,” says Peggy Maloney, employee of The Co-operators and volunteer cuddler. “The nurses are so appreciative that a company would be generous enough to offer work time for their employees to help out this way.”

The Co-operators has also made an impact on the lives of people affected by stroke, investing $80,000 to improve stroke care and help establish the Jacob and Leopoldine

Wolfe Family Stroke Unit at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. Opening in 2009, the new centre saw upgrades to existing patient rooms and added space.

Cardiac care and mental health patients have also benefited from The Co-operators’ community investment, which has made new diagnostic and treatment equipment available to them.

“The Hospitals of Regina Foundation is a perfect fit for us, as we share their commitment to Regina’s hospitals,” says Kevin Daniel, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, The Co-operators.

“As a life insurance company in the business of handling life, health and disability–related issues, we believe continuous improvement of medical equipment contributes to a stronger, healthier community, which benefits everyone,” he adds.

“We greatly value our relationship with The Co-operators,” says Judy Davis, CEO, HRF. “They are a company that is dedicated to improving healthcare for our community.”

“The Hospitals of Regina Foundation is a perfect fit for us, as we share their commitment to Regina’s hospitals.” - Kevin Daniel, Senior Vice President

& Chief Operating Officer, The Co-operators


Expanding Hemodialysis Services

For people like Bonnie Olson, hemodialysis is a lifeline. After the birth of her first child 12 years ago at the age of 26, Bonnie went into renal failure. She now has either limited or no function in her kidneys.

The demands for dialysis are climbing; the number of people needing dialysis increases between 12% and 15% each year.

Bonnie Olson and her family.

and chronic kidney disease, the number of people needing dialysis is increasing between 12% and 15% each year. With the demands for dialysis climbing, the Hemodialysis Unit has exceeded maximum capacity.

In order to help meet the urgent need for more stations, the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region is developing a four-station Hemodialysis Unit at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (WRC) for completion by summer 2011. The space will have the potential to expand up to a 12-station unit to address

Bonnie knows all too well how important hemodialysis is to sustaining people’s lives, like hers. She visits the Hemodiaylsis Unit at the RGH three times a week, with each treatment lasting about three hours. Hemodialysis replaces the function of the kidneys by cycling a patient’s blood through a machine that filters the toxins and excess fluid, after which the blood is returned to the body. Without hemodialysis, patients suffer from fatigue, nausea and internal bleeding; many patients would die without it.

The Hemodialysis Unit currently provides services for about 250 patients and includes 40 stations, each equipped with a dialysis machine. However, due to an aging population and the rising prevalence of disorders such as diabetes

future demands. The Hospitals of Regina Foundation has committed to raising $370,000 to help with this expansion.

Long-term care residents of the WRC who require dialysis currently need to be transferred back and forth between the WRC and the RGH three times a week (156 trips per patient, per year). Not only does such frequent travel place a burden on them, but it also becomes a safety issue on the road.

This new unit at the WRC will eliminate the need for WRC long-term care patients to travel and will greatly reduce travel time for those living in surrounding long-term care facilities. Dr. Cameron B. Wilson, Director of the Renal Unit, cannot overemphasize the need for this expansion.

“Traveling for these patients can be harder on them than hemodialysis itself,” says Dr. Wilson. “The expansion project would significantly lessen the amount of traveling required and keep these patients closer to their doctor.”


Bonnie knows the difference new stations will make. Until the day comes when she can have a kidney transplant, Bonnie depends on hemodialysis. “Hemodialysis changes your and your family’s lives forever,” she says. “I’d like to thank all donors who support this project,” says Bonnie. “It will mean so much to so many people.”

Please consider a donation today in support of this important need. Visit www.hrf.sk.ca to donate online or call us at 766-7500.

Bonnie receiving hemodialysis.


Readying for Southern Saskatchewan’s First EP Lab

Lynn Knoll, former EP patient, standing in the future EP Lab.


Thanks to the generosity of our donors, and the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation’s lead gift of $1.25 million, the new Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation Electrophysiology (EP) Lab will soon become a reality early this year at the Mosaic Heart Centre.

The EP Lab will provide critical services to people who suffer from an abnormal heartbeat. Last year, over 700 patients were admitted to the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) due to atrial fibrillation, which is the most common type of abnormal heartbeat. This condition can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and a number of other debilitating symptoms.

The EP Lab will enable physicians to perform a procedure called “catheter ablation,” a treatment that burns heart cells which are causing an irregular heart rhythm.

Lynn Knoll of Regina can appreciate the impact that the new EP Lab will have in our community. “In 2008 I was experiencing an irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations – or, to put it simply, my heart had a ‘short circuit,’” Lynn recalls. “I frequently had episodes where my heart would race and I’d suddenly feel like I was going to pass out – and on one occasion I actually did. It was a very frightening time for me and my family.”

Since southern Saskatchewan currently does not provide EP services, patients with an abnormal heartbeat either need to travel out of province for treatment or to be prescribed expensive medications, which may have harmful side effects.

“I got back the quality of life I’d once enjoyed.” - Lynn Knoll, former EP patient

“The medication I was on gave me terrible headaches and often made me feel tired,” Lynn explains. “I wished we had an EP Lab closer to home, but at least I was able to receive treatment in the EP Lab in Saskatoon. Lots of other people aren’t so lucky. They need to travel to other provinces, which can be very expensive and stressful.”

The new Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation Lab, however, will address those challenges. “EP patients from southern Saskatchewan will no longer need to travel far away, nor have to take medications which may lead to harmful and life-threatening side effects,” says Dr. Dakshina Murthy, Acting Head of Cardiology and Director of the Heart Function Clinic.

“After I had that single procedure done in 2009, I got back the quality of life I’d once enjoyed. Now, it’s like nothing ever happened to me,” Lynn is pleased to say. “It’s so amazing to know we will soon have an EP Lab so close to home. I’d like to thank everyone who has made this possible.”

“We are very grateful to our donors and community partners who recognized this urgent need in our healthcare,” says Judy Davis, CEO, HRF. “Their generosity serves as yet another example of what the power of community can do.”


Saluting Our Youngest Donors

Helping children and babies in need has always been a priority for Hospitals of Regina Foundation donors; but, when those donors are children themselves, it truly is inspiring.

What did Anthony Leipert want for his 8th birthday? Not the latest and greatest toy or game; instead, he wanted to ‘help sick kids in the hospital.’ He then asked his friends to give unwrapped presents so he could donate them to kids in need.With the help of his mom and grandma, Anthony handed out 12 presents to the children in the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Pasqua Hospital.

While there, Anthony met Riley, another eight-year-old boy, who had just been diagnosed with cancer the week before. Riley made such an impression on Anthony that Anthony gave him two of the presents and was thrilled to explain to Riley all the extra gadgets that came with the Iron Man toy. Riley also learned from Wendy Breit, Child Life Specialist, some of the procedures that kids on the unit go through. “It was such a great experience for Anthony,” says his proud mom Tammy.

The students at École St. Mary make giving back an annual event by holding a penny drive as an Advent Service Project. Over the past few years, the school has raised thousands of dollars in loose change for local charities. In 2010, they chose to support the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care. For one week, the kids dug into their piggy banks, bringing coins to school and receiving pledges from their parents. The drive raised over $4,700 for items such as a newborn stethoscope, baby scale and bassinet.

Ten-year-old Sarah Kriska also wanted to help babies. Sarah attended the media event announcing the grand opening of the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care with her mom and baby brother Kian. She was excited to be asked to participate in the confetti-throwing finale.

Being a part of the event and having a new baby brother compelled Sarah to think about how she can help. Sarah’s mom Salina said, “It was her idea to help, so I asked her where she wanted to give and she said she wanted to help babies.”

Adds Sarah, “I thought that if anything happened to my baby brother I would be so sad, so I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen.” Sarah donated $50 of her savings to the Rawlco Centre and plans on making it an annual tradition. “I’ve started saving for next year already,” she says.

“These kids are amazing,” says Judy Davis, CEO, HRF. “We so often hear about the large gifts or the corporate gifts. The gifts from people like Sarah and Anthony, however, are just as big because they are from the heart. When we say ‘every donation counts,’ we mean it.”

Right: Sarah Kriska donated part of her savings to help moms and babies.

Left: Anthony Leipert with his mom, Tammy Leipert de Montas, his grandma Pauline Leipert and Wendy Breit, Child Life Specialist.


Don Wilson, Chair Managing Partner, MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP

Tom Newton, Vice-ChairVice President & General Manager, Rawlco Radio

Brian Hardy, Secretary Retired, Senior Vice President, TD Canada Trust

Dr. Ram Abdulla Respirologist, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

Norm BeugSenior Vice President, Potash Operations, The Mosaic Company

Kevin BilanRegina Branch Manager, All Weather Windows

Kevin DanielChief Operating Officer, The Co-operators Life Insurance Company

Kevin Knight Knight Automotive Group

Bob Linner Retired City Manager, City of Regina

Corinna Mitchell-BeaudinVice President, Portfolio Management, Farm Credit Canada

Rick TurchetVice President, Corporate Development, Century West/Walker Projects

Janet WightmanCorporate Director

HRF Volunteer Board

Judy Davis, CFREChief Executive Officer

Edie Holzapfel, CFREDirector of Donor Services

Nora YeatesDirector of Development

Laura RobinsonExecutive Assistant

Bob Gilongos, CMAManager, Finance & Systems

Jennifer BaileyManager, Communications

Pablo de LucasCommunications Officer

Carla EckertDevelopment Assistant

Susan CameronEvents Co-ordinator

Jeanette KellyDevelopment Officer

Marlisa SucherDatabase Officer

Foundation Staff

Box 1697 #225-1874 Scarth Street Regina SK S4P 3C6 Tel: 306.766.7500 Fax: 306.766.7504 Toll Free: 1.888.766.7500 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hrf.sk.ca

Heather Balfour, monthly giving donor

“I give to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation because health services are important. The doctors, nurses and staff of Regina’s hospitals are committed to delivering care efficiently and effectively and I’m proud

to support the good work that they do. Giving by pre-authorized monthly payments is painless! My donations are withdrawn from my bank account automatically so I never think about it.”

To learn more about monthly giving, please call 766.7500 or visit www.hrf.sk.ca

Documents

Hospitals of Regina Foundation 2011 Spring Newsletter