"I am very pleased to be able to announce the improvements that are taking place to the chemotherapy program at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre," said Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation.
"Chemotherapy treatment is a very challenging time in a person's life and it is important they be supported and encouraged in every way. A person's state of mind can be important to recovery, which is why you want to see a treatment environment that is comfortable and as uplifting as possible in a hospital," he continued.
Those extra's that are important to the care and comfort of patients, to help with their spiritual well-being, are sometimes lacking in the day to day of a hospital environment. That's why this donation today is so important, because it addresses that aspect of patient care.
Greg and Leone Ottenbreit, through the Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer Local Initiatives are donating $5,500 for the purchase of two chemotherapy chairs. These are the chairs that the patients sit in while they are receiving their treatment.
The SaskTel Pioneers, represented by President Jasmine Dreger, Past President Jean Bryski, and Executive Member Sheila Johnson are contributing $4,500 for the purchase of a vital signs monitor, a flat screen TV for the wall of the Chemotherapy treatment room, a reclining chair for patient visitors to Chemotherapy, several cans of paint so the chemo area can be re-painted in bright uplifting colours, and, decals for the walls.
"Several years ago we started the local initiatives program as part of Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer; the funds raised through the local initiatives will stay in the community and be used for local care or to purchase equipment which will enable the treatment or diagnosis of cancer," said Greg Ottenbreit.
"We are very gratified that so many groups and individuals work so hard, raising funds that will be used locally for cancer programs. These funds are raised through many bar-b-ques, book sales, raffles and cash donations. We are very thankful for the work everyone does, and for making the local initiatives program such a success," said Leone Ottenbreit.
"We are proud to be able to give these funds to improve the chemotherapy program on behalf of everyone who worked so hard to raise funds for the local initiatives. We are so pleased that these improvements are taking place. Here we are in the Christmas season, and what better way can there be to celebrate the season than trying to help others, and letting them know that people care, continued Leone Ottenbreit.
"The purpose of the SaskTel Pioneers is to raise funds to help with needs we see in the community," said Jasmine Dreger. "Some of our members know people that are going through chemotherapy, and have attended the hospital with friends taking treatment. We talked about how the Chemotherapy area could use a facelift and become a warmer and more uplifting environment."
"Once you identify that something should be done, it isn't hard to get people to work in support of a project like this. Helping to improve the chemotherapy area isn't really about chairs and paint, it's about people. It's about people seeing what others are going through and wanting to reach out and help in whatever way they can," continued Ms. Dreger.
The Health Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization, led by dedicated community volunteers to raise funds to improve healthcare throughout the region.
