There are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation for transplantation. We hope that by busting some of these myths more people will register to be organ and tissue donors.

Gary and Leslie Savitsky are committed to making sure we all have the best cancer care possible, right here in Northwestern Ontario. And they’re prepared to match your donation dollar for dollar to reach that goal.

The Savitskys know firsthand how difficult it is to travel out of the region for healthcare. When Gary’s mother travelled to Winnipeg for eye surgery, the logistics of packing oxygen and ensuring she was comfortable during the long, arduous trip were overwhelming.

That was one procedure, travelling there and back. So when Gary’s mother had to undergo multiple radiation treatments for cancer, they were glad she could get the care she needed, right here in Thunder Bay.

“She gets anxious leaving home and can’t sit in one place for long,” Gary said. “Planning out everything for that one appointment was difficult enough. I can’t even think what it would be like for her to have to travel like that for cancer care. Luckily, she didn’t have to.”

And, as Leslie pointed out, travelling for cancer care isn’t only hard on the patient. “It’s difficult for family members, too,” she said. There is the caregiver – and usually, it’s only one – who is responsible for everything from making travel arrangements and finding hotels to navigating the streets of a foreign city. They have to be on 24/7 trying to make sure their loved ones have everything they need.

“It’s not easy for the family left back at home, either,” Leslie said. “Facetime and phone calls don’t replace being there – there’s no such thing as a virtual hug. Everyone feels so disjointed and out of touch.”

Of course, the Savitsky’s are not alone. Anyone who has had to leave their home for cancer care knows how difficult it can be – for patients and their families. Sometimes it can’t be avoided. But the Savitskys believe – as many in the region believe – that we should do everything we can to ensure we have the cancer care programs we need, right here in Northwestern Ontario.

“We see a future where we don’t need the Cancer Centre anymore,” Gary said. “But until then, wouldn’t it be amazing if people said, ‘I’m travelling to Thunder Bay because that’s the best place to get cancer care’?”

“We believe that time is here already, actually,” Leslie said. “The care Gary’s mother received from Dr. (Marlon) Hagerty was incredible. He truly went above and beyond, as did all the staff at the Cancer Centre.”

Regional Cancer Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre provides a number of homegrown programs to ensure closer-to-home care. Almost all adult cancers can be treated here. The Cancer Centre also supports a number of programs throughout the region such as chemotherapy at local hospitals to reduce the need to travel from their home communities.

The Savitskys want to inspire others to help support local cancer care by donating up to $10,000 in matching funds. For every dollar you donate to local cancer care in April, they will double it. That means your gift this month is worth twice as much.

“We want to give back,” Gary said. “We want to make sure that everyone who needs cancer care in Northwestern Ontario can get cancer care in Northwestern Ontario, closer to home.”

The Savitskys invite everyone to help support Regional Cancer Care together. Make your donation by calling 807-345-HOPE (4673) or donate online at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/double-my-gift and they will double your gift in April.

It’s National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize, celebrate and thank the volunteers who contribute to our Hospital and Health Sciences Foundation.

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Robert Scott Srigley has been a Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre employee for 30 years and works in the Information Technology Department. He has also dedicated countless hours volunteering for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation over the last seven years.

He is currently the Chair of our Employee Giving Committee and has been for the last four years. The committee of is a group of employees from different areas of the Hospital who work together to recruit new employee donors and conduct seasonal fundraising activities. Many employees donate though payroll deduction to the Employee Giving Fund, and the committee then chooses what pieces of equipment those donations will fund. When not working or volunteering at the Health Sciences Foundation, you can find him offering his technology expertise to the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame for the last 25 years and counting.

Apart from volunteering, he enjoys, learning how to play the drums, cooking for his family and travelling. Rob’s dedication to the Health Sciences Foundation has affected our community through helping to raise money for better healthcare in Northwestern Ontario and by helping put the tools needed in the hands of our medical professionals. We are very grateful to have Rob be part of our volunteer family at the Health Sciences Foundation. 

Many other outstanding individuals volunteer their time with the Health Sciences Foundation. Their combined efforts help ensure the success of fundraising events and initiatives. Each volunteer is valued and celebrated as a champion of health care in our community.

The Health Sciences Foundation always requires volunteers to assist with many of our events, ticket sales and office duties. If you are interested and are able to spare some time to raise funds for patient care, please contact the Health Sciences Foundation’s main office at (807) 345-4673 or email volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca

It’s National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize, celebrate and thank the volunteers who contribute to our Hospital and Health Sciences Foundation.

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Michelle Paziuk is one of the Gift Shop Sales Assistant Volunteers in Seasons Gift Shop at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).

When Michelle retired a few years ago she was looking for a way to be connected with people and use her computer and organization skills while giving back to the community. Volunteering at Season’s Gift Shop seemed like a perfect fit.

If you stop by Seasons Gift Shop on Friday mornings, you will surely receive a friendly and welcoming greeting from Michelle. A volunteer at TBRHSC since January 2019, Michelle is often busy with the lottery and Nevada ticket sales, putting out and organizing new merchandise and helping customers as needed. Her polite and friendly customer service focus makes her an excellent member of our volunteer team. We couldn’t be more thankful that she chooses to spend her time volunteering at TBRHSC.

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the contributions of volunteers like Michelle who take time out of their own schedule to share their skills and talents to give back to the Hospital. We are so lucky to have Michelle in our facility to help improve the patient and family experience by creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.

When she isn’t volunteering her time at Seasons Gift Shop, Michelle – an avid reader – can be found with a good book or playing with her puppy. 

There are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation for transplantation. We hope that by busting some of these myths more people will register to be organ and tissue donors.

Sent on behalf of Help Desk

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Shared on behalf of Anne-Marie Heron – Executive Director Capital Planning & Operations

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Kathryn Shewfelt has decided to leave the organization to pursue a new opportunity with Ontario Health North in a planning role – her professional passion.

She started her career with the Hospital in the Cancer Program before moving on to manage the Education Department. In her next role as Director Strategy and Performance Management, she built the foundation for the department which exists today. Further, as the Director Environmental Services for the last 10 years, she has been a key member of the Capital Planning & Operations portfolio and has provided great leadership for the areas of Housekeeping, Laundry & Linen, Portering, Nutrition and Food Service, MDRD, Security, and Emergency Preparedness.

Her dedication to her staff and ability to connect with people will be missed. Kathryn’s last day will be Friday May 6th. Join me in wishing her the very best in this new opportunity.