Light Up A Life campaign will replace vital lab equipment
01-11-24 8:54 a.m.
COBOURG
The 31st annual Light Up A Life campaign at Northumberland Hills Hospital will focus this year on replacing hematology analyzers for the lab
As much a part of Christmas season in Northumberland County as anything, the 31st annual Light Up A Life campaign has been launched by the NHH Foundation.
Each year, the foundation makes a holiday push to raise funds for a specific piece of equipment, and 2024 donations will purchase two hematology analyzers for the laboratory.
The NHH lab team is made up of 36 professionals – technicians, technologists and clerks, as well as pathologist Dr. Katie O'Reilly, who specializes in diagnostic laboratory medicine.
“The lab team is one I am proud to be a part of, and proud to be representing as this year's Light up A Life campaign chair,” Dr. O'Reilly said in the announcement.
Last year alone, this team performed 463,557 lab tests, representing an increase of almost 11% from the previous year.
This year, we invite you, the community, to be the 37th member of our team – to stand with us by supporting the 2024 Light up A Life campaign to replace our hematology analyzers,” Dr. O'Reilly said.
This crucial equipment performs blood counts for hemoglobin, platelets, and red and white blood cells, providing critical information to care teams to help them determine what is happening in your body.
It also provides information that can help arrive at a diagnosis for such blood-related disorders as anemia, infections, inflammation, blood loss and blood cancers. In addition to supporting diagnoses, it is also used before every single chemotherapy treatment to ensure a cancer patient's blood counts are high enough to proceed safely with the chemotherapy.
This equipment at NHH is now 15 years old and – given the key role they play in diagnosis and treatment across the hospital – it is imperative that it be replaced. With the support of the community, NHH can obtain the newest and most modern technology available to yield extremely accurate and precise results.
Appeal letters will soon appear in mailboxes across the county, and two third-party fundraisers are back to help support this campaign.
JJ's Steak & Burgers in Cobourg are hosting their Christmas Tree Raffle throughout the month of November for a one-of-a-kind fully-decorated pre-lit flocked Christmas tree. Tickets are available at the restaurant (located at 8 Elgin St. E.) to purchase tickets at $5 each or three for $10.
The 10th annual Family Christmas event at the Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm (8329 Danforth Rd.) will take place Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tradition includes a bonfire, a chili lunch, coffee and hot chocolate, and treats. Santa and Mrs. Claus have agreed to make an appearance for photo ops, and it's the perfect opportunity to grab your Christmas tree. Most trees are priced at $70, with fir trees available for $100.
For more information, visit www.NHHFoundation.ca/Events