50/50 Impact
Every ticket you buy in the Thunder Bay 50/50 funds vital medical equipment right here in Thunder Bay & NWO. Since the program began in 2021; millions of dollars in equipment has been purchased for our hospital and regional programs. It's important to us that our supporters know where this money is spent; for a full list of equipment funded by the Foundation click here.
Come for a tour of the NEW $2.3 Million Dollar Cath Lab here at our Hospital!
We could not be more excited to share this INCREDIBLE news with you: our loyal supporters who've helped make truly remarkable things happen for our local healthcare here in Northwestern Ontario! It's because of you, that just one year ago we were able to provide over $2 MILLION in funding for a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab here at our hospital!
Today we're happy to share, this lab is now officially in use and our healthcare professionals are saving lives, right here in Thunder Bay, Ontario! Did you know there are over 3,000 procedures completed in our two Cath Labs every year?
Why Samantha Frade Supports the Thunder Bay 50/50!
Samantha Frade knows firsthand how crucial it is to have access to exceptional cancer care close to home. During her cancer treatment at our Cancer Centre in January, she had full trust in her healthcare professionals!
"The Thunder Bay 50/50 feels like a fundraiser that anybody can win," Samantha said. "If you have some money in your expendable income and you can buy a ticket, whether it's only one ticket or a group of tickets, that's fantastic for our hospital."
The proceeds from both March and April's Thunder Bay 50/50 draws, totaling over $2 million, will directly support patient care in our Cancer Centre. This includes initiatives such as the Linda Buchan Centre for Breast Screening and Assessment, the Tbaytel Tamarack House, and replacing/maintaining essential equipment needed for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Northwestern Ontario.
“I Received World Class Cardiac Care in Thunder Bay” – Paul Carr's Story
“It was during one of my rides, that I initially noticed some pain my chest while going up a hill. Thinking it was just indigestion, I took a small break, and continued to finish my ride,” he said. “A few days later, I went back to do the exact same 50 km ride, and again, I got that same feeling at the exact same spot, but still thinking it wasn't anything concerning, I finished the ride.”
Paul got checked right away and bloodwork determined he had had a heart attack. “I was very, very surprised, as was the doctor who indicated I had no risk factors for heart disease. I was fit, I didn't smoke, and I ate well. I never thought it would be me!” “I can clearly remember thinking ‘I've got lots of life left to live and I still have kids in school'.”
The Thunder Bay 50/50 funds critical cardiac services here at our hospital, so people like Paul can get the healthcare they need close to home.
“Words Matter” – Lisa Vescio Shares Her Breast Cancer Story
The words you use matter. That was one of Lisa Vescio's key messages when she spoke at the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope Thursday afternoon at the Victoria Inn and Conference Centre.
“Many people describe their journeys as a battle or a struggle,” Lisa said. “No, I couldn't do that – that would put my body in a state of constant tension, ready for the battle. I wasn't battling it. I was beating it. So I pushed it all to the end of my breast, and when my breast got cut off, so did all the bad stuff.”
The Thunder Bay 50/50 funds critical cancer care services here at our hospital, so people like Lisa can get the healthcare they need close to home.
New 3T MRI Provides Countless New Imaging Opportunities
Thanks to funding from the Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw, Diagnostic Imaging at our Hospital installed a new 3T MRI unit this summer – and the things it can do are amazing.
Sandra Willson, Manager Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging, MRI, Ultrasound and Clerical Services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, said that this advanced technology will open up countless new imaging and treatment options. For the most part, clinicians will drive new innovations using the scanner.
The new unit was funded in part by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw in September, 2022. That means everyone who bought a ticket in the past year has helped bring this remarkable equipment to patients in Northwestern Ontario.
Large Volume Infusion Pumps funded by Northern Cancer Fund and Thunder Bay 50/50
A fleet of IV pumps are on their way to our Hospital, thanks to donors to our Northern Cancer Fund and Thunder Bay 50/50 participants. Large volume infusion pumps (commonly known as IV pumps) are used in nearly all areas of the Hospital to safely administer medication and/or fluids intravenously. The hospital's current fleet of IV pumps is in need of replacement – that's 665 new pumps that are needed.
Thanks to donors and 50/50 supporters, the existing fleet of IV pumps is being replaced with new ones. These newer pumps are easier to use, and offer many great safety features to provide safer care for patients. Infusion pumps work by pulling fluids or medications from the bag and controlling the rate at which it goes into the patient. Health care providers are able to program the pumps into the specified rate for treatment.
To see the full list of equipment funded by the Foundation each year, click here.