2018 Family First Radiothon to raise funds for additional cutting-edge medical equipment at Dr F.H. Wigmore Hospital
For 12 years, the City of Moose Jaw has been working to make its hospital an elite one, with top-notch medical equipment, complimented by a team of hardworking and dedicated medical professionals. Every year, volunteers and the local business community come together from across the city to ensure that the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital continues to receive the cutting-edge equipment it needs to carry-out medical procedures, through the annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon. This year, the community will come together again for the 2018 Family First Radiothon, that will be held on Thursday, May 3 starting at 6:00 a.m. to Friday, May 4, ending at 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital. The 36-hour event sees hundreds of volunteers coming together to host the Radiothon that will again raise money to purchase much needed medical equipment. This year, the Radiothon is aiming to raise $125,000. There will be free parking at the hospital for the duration of the event.
Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, Kelly McElree says over the past years, the Radiothon has contributed over $3.6 million to the hospital. “This is the 12th year for the Family First Radiothon and it is an amazing event in the community. The community has very much embraced the Radiothon over the years. In 12 years, the Radiothon has raised over $3.6 million for medical equipment at both the Moose Jaw Union Hospital and the Dr F.H. Wigmore Hospital. The Radiothon is all volunteer driven. We have hundreds of volunteers for the two-day Radiothon. From businesses throughout the community to service clubs, City Council and other organizations, we have many volunteers who make this possible.”
He noted that there were over 3,300 surgical procedures last year and surgeons performed over 2,100 endoscopic procedures. Due to this amount of procedures being done, McElree says the best travelling endoscopy cart is needed. “Every year, over 3,300 surgeries are performed at the hospital. Operations range from the gallbladder, cataract, orthopedic, cancer surgeries, colonoscopy, endoscopy and other surgical procedures. At any moment, during a routine surgical procedure, a patient’s condition may change dramatically—heart attack, or a stroke could occur, reaction to anesthesia or other complications. When these unexpected life-threatening challenges occur, surgical teams need the best new medical tools at their fingertips. If they have to share equipment, the best possible outcome for the patient may not be possible. Without Radiothon donor support, surgeons may not have the cutting-edge tools they need to provide the best care for their patient.”
McElree added that there are priority needs that require immediate attention. In addition to the travelling endoscopy cart which will cost $57,563, some of the most essential surgical equipment that are needed include: glidescope which cost 21,000, a defibrillator which will cost $23, 287 and surgical cart, valued at 6,000. The Foundation thanks donors, the community and local businesses for always supporting the hospital and working to enhance medical care. McElree encourages other businesses to get involved and/or continue supporting the Foundation’s bid to provide cutting-edge equipment to the hospital.