Cancer Care Comes Closer To Home After Exceeding Campaign Goal

Donors Give Over $188,000 for Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Equipment

NANAIMO, BC – June 27, 2024 –532 donors from across Central and North Vancouver Island came together to raise over $188,000 to fund cancer diagnostic and treatment equipment for NRGH.

The Mopec 400, more commonly referred to as a “grossing station,” is a piece of diagnostic equipment, costing $159,956, that allows pathology technicians to detect cancerous tissue more quickly and accurately, leading to quicker diagnoses and earlier treatment for cancer care in this region.

In addition to individual donors, four Save-on-Foods locations supported the Cancer Care campaign with a recently concluded point-of-sale promotion, raising $20,680 during the campaign.

Through the generosity of donors, funds were raised to purchase a second piece of cancer equipment used in reconstructive surgery for people experiencing breast cancer, in addition to the Mopec 400. Both pieces have now been approved for purchase and will be implemented this year in the cancer department at NRGH.

In April of this year, the province confirmed that Nanaimo will be the site of a Cancer Centre for Central Vancouver Island, set to open in 2027. Improvements are needed at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, the host site for the cancer center, to ensure that the full spectrum of care is available from diagnostics through to post-treatment care.

“We asked our community to help bring cancer care closer to home, and they did exactly that. Funding these two pieces of equipment is an incredible start to meet our collective goal of having comprehensive cancer care in our region,” shared NDHF CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.

The campaign has concluded, but if you would like to continue to donate in support of cancer equipment at NRGH, you can do so here, and use the drop-down menu to designate your gift to cancer care.

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About Nanaimo Hospital Foundation
The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation was founded on December 30, 1977 as a means for grateful patients and loved ones to support Island Health facilities. The Foundation procures vital equipment, patient comfort items and funds medical staff education to ensure healthcare professionals have the tools and resources they need to provide the best healthcare for the central Vancouver Island communities. For over 40 years, the Foundation has stewarded donations to expand services and reduce wait times for patients right here at home.
Learn more: nanaimohospitalfoundation.com

Media Contact: Andrea Bava
778-908-1764
andrea@blitzme.ca