Our hospital is Here for Us, but it needs our help. Give this Holiday Season!

A letter from a community member:

My wife Lauren and I were busy building our lives and our family. We hadn’t given much thought to the importance of community health care and having a hospital close to home.

Spencer and Marc prep for CTThat changed after a surgical biopsy at Lakeridge Health Port Perry Hospital four years ago to investigate a swollen lymph node. I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cancer!

What followed was a roller coaster of treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, tests and diagnostic scans, and finally, the relief of remission. Then 18 months later, more gut-wrenching news. The cancer had returned. More treatment was required – a bone marrow transplant, another full year of chemotherapy, and of course, continued tests and scans.

Through all of this, I have been incredibly grateful for my family, and for the friends and community who’ve supported us. I’ve also been grateful for the care I’ve received. Durham Regional Cancer Centre and Princess Margaret Hospital have provided lifesaving cancer care.

But today, I want to talk to you about the incredible care I received at my local hospital, Lakeridge Health Port Perry Hospital, and to ask for your help.

It was to Port Perry Hospital that I went when I was feverish and in need of urgent treatment.

It was Port Perry where I was hospitalized, too sick to be home due to complications of chemotherapy.

And very recently, where I had my first post-treatment follow-up CT scan.

The medical team at Port Perry Hospital needs our continued assistance in caring for our community.

I’m writing to ask for your help this holiday season. Will you lend your support? You will be helping to provide the very best patient care right here for our community.

You and I cannot take health care for granted. This is something I didn’t understand when I first moved to Port Perry nine years ago, but so much has happened since then and this hospital has always been here for me and my family. It is here for you as well.

Did you know the hospital receives little to no government funding for new or replacement equipment? But with our support, the Foundation can provide that much-needed assistance to our medical team. I’m so grateful for our local hospital. For the nurses and doctors who provide incredible care. For the hospital’s proximity to my home so travel didn’t add to the stress on my family when I was so unwell.

I have witnessed the impact of community support. Equipment in the Emergency Department and the In-Patient Ward is in the hands of our medical team because of people like you. The very recent addition of a CT Scanner at Port Perry is a game changer for patient care.

Please take a moment today to make your gift by donating online at www.pphfoundation.ca or call the Foundation office at 905-985-7321 X 45580.Marc Gibbons family in circular gift tag with bow

Your special holiday donation will help purchase vital medical equipment and compassionate patient supports across the hospital.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I was honoured to be asked to share it with you, and I hope you will join me in supporting our hospital this holiday season.

My family and I are looking forward to celebrating Christmas and the New Year ahead. We have much to be grateful for.

From our home to yours, may you enjoy a holiday season filled with health and happiness. Sincerely,

Marc Gibbons signature

Marc Gibbons Grateful Patient

P.S. I will never again underestimate the importance of having excellent health care close to home! You can be assured your donation will be directed to your community hospital.