THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – It was with great excitement that The Paterson Foundation announced a $1 million donation to the Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign today at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Alexander Paterson, on behalf of The Paterson Foundation said, “When we became aware of the cardiovascular surgery program being developed here in Northwestern Ontario, in partnership with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, we knew this program would be life-changing for patients needing surgery and their families who want to be by their sides.”
“Our family’s giving history began with Senator N.M. Paterson,” continued Paterson. “He was always very interested in philanthropy, and, in 1970 he incorporated a private, charitable Foundation bearing his name, that has since been operated under the guidance of the Board of Directors since the Senator’s death in 1983. We’ve been proud to support projects in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario – particularly in areas of education, health care, religion, social welfare, and the arts.”
“One of the most memorable donations Senator N.M. Paterson made was when he gave the ‘Cobalt Bomb’ to the Port Arthur General Hospital in 1952,” added Paterson. “The arrival of this unit was a new chapter in Northwestern Ontario’s healthcare history as it was the first time residents were able to access radiation therapy locally. We felt inspired by the Senator’s actions to make this donation to the cardiovascular surgery program knowing that local access to cardiac and vascular surgery will begin another new chapter in our region’s history. Recognizing the campaign’s goal of $14 million dollars, and appreciating the very high cost of the specialized equipment needed for this surgical program motivated us to make this $1 million donation.”
“The Paterson Foundation has always been a philanthropic leader in our community and they continue that tradition today,” said Our Hearts At Home Cardiovascular Campaign Chair, Paul Fitzpatrick. “With their donation, we will be able to help over 1,000 patients annually who currently need to travel away from home to access the life- and limb-saving surgeries that this new program will provide.”
Dr. Stewart Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Regional Programs, Clinical Supports & Medical Affairs, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre reflected on The Paterson Foundation’s long history of giving. “The Paterson Foundation’s previous donations continue to impact patients and families. Donations of $500,000 each to the building of our Hospital, and to the Exceptional Cancer Care Campaign have given thousands of people in our community enhanced access to safe, quality health care closer-to-home. The Paterson Foundation also contributed to local angioplasty services, and I’m delighted that they have continued their support of cardiovascular care. I cannot say thank you enough to them for making this surgical program a reality for our residents.”
“You can never underestimate the power of home,” said Meaghan Sharp, Director, Cardiovascular and Stroke Program, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Having had to leave town for cardiac surgery herself five years ago, Sharp knows the toll the trip takes on patients and families. “Despite the excellent care I received in Toronto, it was extremely difficult for me to leave my young daughter and only have my husband with me. There is no substitute to the care your family and friends can provide, both to you as a patient, but also to your immediate family as they look after you. I’m very proud to be part of the team helping to make this surgical program a reality, both as a staff member, and also as a donor. It is with my most sincere thanks that I acknowledge The Paterson Foundation for their most generous donation which will keep patients and families at home.”
Donations to the Our Hearts At Home Campaign can be made:
Online: OurHeartsAtHome.ca
Phone: (807) 345-4673
In-Person: At the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (Donation Centre)
By Mail: 980 Oliver Rd. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
