The province-wide Radiothon continues today (Wed), raising funds for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation for essential pediatric cardiology and respirology equipment, including vital signs monitors. Martie Davies manages the pediatric outpatient department and is responsible for a couple of subspecialty programs, specifically general pediatrics and pediatric surgical services.
She says having new technology is always really important in health care. She explains that while we get healthcare dollars to fund our system, there are a lot of additional costs so something like a radiothon can help them purchase the latest technology not necessarily in the budget, which in this case with the cardiology and respirology equipment, can improve assessments. Davies believes with the latest technology, they may come across health concerns in a timelier manner.
Deanna Woodard is a mom of two sons, both of whom were diagnosed with serious illnesses and spent time in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Logan was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and Mark has leukemia. Woodard says when they were diagnosed, she felt helpless because she and her husband had to hand over her children to strangers and there wasn’t a whole lot she could do for them.
A good memory from the hospital though is when Mark was suffering with a lot of pain and had his first experience with music therapy. “He was just this really sick kid. I just remember that first scene. My husband and I were sitting across the room from him. They were sitting on the floor with drums and ukeleles spread out around them and he was just having a great time. We had tears streaming down our faces because this was the first time we really got to see him as himself again.”
A news release from the JPCH Foundation says contributions not only enhance clinical capabilities, it also provides hope and improves the quality of life for countless children. Donors can call 1-888-808-KIDS (5437) or go online to donate and to learn more about the equipment you’re helping to purchase.
