Mining for Miracles protects what’s precious
For over 25 years, the mining industry has been a shining philanthropic example, saving countless lives through the support of research and equipment donations. One industry executive speaks on how this initiative saved one very dear to his own heart.
Dale Andres, a vice- president with Teck, one of Canada’s leading mining companies, had always been supportive of an industry fundraising initiative called Mining for Miracles in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
However, he never thought his own family would ever need the services of the hospital. That all changed six years ago when Dale’s wife, Monica Munn, gave birth to their second child, Amèlie. At just six days old, it became evident that their infant daughter was very ill, and brought her to the Emergency at BC Children’s Hospital.“When we got to the hospital, we couldn’t wake her up,” remembers Monica. “Doctors quickly discovered that Amèlie had multiple congenitive heart defects.” At the tender age of just eight days, Amèlie underwent 12 hours of open heart surgery. And while the surgery was successful, her health problems were just beginning— she contracted the flu while recovering in ICU from the heart operation. After this almost fatal bout, she was then diagnosed with a congenitive chromosome disorder.
“Her condition can cause up to 250 ailments, so it’s like a roll of the dice as to what she might get,” says Monica. “but we think we’ve discovered the most serious ones.” Amèlie has been hospitalized more than 100 times, 12 of those for pneumonia. She had another open heart surgery at the age of three, and because the parts they use don’t grow with her, she’ll require at least two more heart surgeries before she reaches adulthood. But this plucky and spirited girl has a real zest for life.
“It’s important for people to know that despite her tenuous health, she’s just like any six- year- sold,” Monica and Dale both say. “She’s very athletic and has participated in competitive gymnastics for the past three years. It’s nice for us to see that.”
Digging deep for positive change
Mining for Miracles has raised more than $ 18 million since its inception 25 years ago. Close to $ 2.5 million was raised in 2011, with funds helping support the hospital’s most urgent needs, including equipment purchases, research and training programs. In recent years, the mining community has also supported the construction of three high- tech operating rooms, a containment lab used for research, and the construction of a medical imaging facility. “Mining for Miracles is one of the foundation’s longest standing supporters,” says Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “There’s no question that important initiatives that have taken place with support from the mining community, such as the construction of new operating rooms, would not have moved forward as quickly without that support. They have made a difference in the lives of thousands of BC children.” While new equipment and facilities are critical for the hospital to continue providing quality care to its young patients, they also help to recruit and retain the best specialists.
Protecting what’s precious
“It makes me very proud to know that my company and the mining industry have supported the hospital in such a big way,” Dale says.“and my entire family is grateful for the care Amèlie has received. They saved her life a number of times.”