Foundation Blog: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Every now and then I am reminded how lucky we are at the Foundation to be the beneficiary of those that have laid the track for healthcare in Cape Breton. As we celebrated Canada Health Day with the Donald Ferguson Community Health Leadership Award and the Dr. M.A. Naqvi Outstanding Healthcare Professional of the Year Award, I was reminded of the hard work and dedication that brought us to where we are today at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

What an outstanding group of people in the room.  Our first Medical Director, Dr. Naqvi.  John Malcom, long time Cape Breton District Health Authority CEO, and Donald Ferguson, the first Board Chair of the Cape Breton District Health Authority.  As wellas, our own George Unsworth, Foundation fundraising volunteer extraordinaire who helped in the early stages of the building of the hospital and the Foundation, and who chaired our $1.35M campaign for Mental Health & Addictions.  And many other award winners and health care heroes!

They are all significant contributors to the success of our healthcare system in Cape Breton.  They have all worked hard to make a difference.  They have all been incredibly successful in their field.  And they all found a reason to give, as all four are donors.  Their collective passion for healthcare and their caring spirit is overwhelmingly inspiring.

They have all stood tall for Cape Breton, and have been proud ambassadors and champions for our cause!  I am reminded that because of their significant contributions (along with many others) we at the Foundation have the privilege of waking up every day to work with our donors, volunteers and staff to continue their good work to strengthen health care for Cape Bretoners.

Congrats to all award winners, especially George Unsworth for being named the Donald Ferguson Community Health Leadership Award winner.  And thank you to Dr. Naqvi, John, Donald and George for building a road for us to follow!

Brad Jacobs

CEO, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation