We are so grateful to each and every person who supports the Hospital Foundation and we really want you to know that. But as the saying goes –It’s hard to please all of the people all of the time.

 We do many things to let you know how grateful we are.

 We send you a personal thank you, we send you newsletters that update you on how your donations are being used, and we share stories of the patients you have helped.

 We work hard to let you know that your trust in us is so greatly valued. We want you to know we are taking care of your money and using it to make a difference.

 Sometimes, donors may get upset with us. They may feel we spend too much money on mail. They may not agree with the projects we support. Simply put  sometimes we cannot please everyone.

 We are always looking for more efficient ways to do our jobs. We make sure that our programs make sense and are always returning much more than they are costing.

 Last year, our costs were lower than the national average and the Canadian Revenue Agency Guidelines for charities. The reality is we must spend some money to make money – and we are doing this well.

 This year, we are pleased to tell you that all our direct mail and newsletters are being supported by Cape Breton Beverages. This means, your donations will continue to make a difference at theRegionalHospital.

 While we do know how the saying goes –we will continue to prove it wrong in everything we do.

 Finally, please know you can always call or email us if you have a question or concern. We will answer it honestly and openly. We will work with you to ensure that you feel as proud of your donation to us as we do.

Last week I had the great pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Jeannie Fraser.

If you think her name sounds familiar, you’re probably correct. Jeannie has received quite a bit of attention in the last month regarding her blog called, “Calm Down, it’s Just a Little Cancer.”Jeannie has been featured in both the Cape Breton Post and Chronicle Herald and on Live at 5 about her candid and often humorous thoughts, views and experience with breast cancer.

Although Jeannie’s blog is light and full of comic relief about cancer, her serious side also shows. She encourages her readers to take care of their over health and most of all, encourages women to book regular mammograms.

Jeannie has a wonderful, contagious presence about her. She is always dressed to the nines, looking like she just stepped off the runway. You can also expect to have a spirited and funny conversation with her if you stop to say ”hi”, just as I did at the Screaming Eagles hockey game this past weekend.

I recommend reading this blog, although reader discretion is advised. She tells her story without holding anything back.

Throughout her blog, and while talking to Jeannie, another topic popped up as well. And that was the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Jeannie spoke in the highest regard of the staff in the cancer centre and how thankful she is to have this facility so close to home.

It’s cancer patients, like Jeannie, and thousands like her all across Cape Breton who know firsthand, how important is to have a cancer centre which is ranked number one ranked in patient satisfaction here in Cape Breton. It’s donors, like you, who helped make this possible.

The Cape Breton community, and beyond donated so generously to open the Cancer Centre, and then again to the Cancer Centre expansion. What an accomplishment.

So, Jeannie, hats off to you for sharing your story so openly and providing other women, and their families, who may be going through the same thing, an opportunity to laugh and to get some information they may not get in books or from their doctors and nurses.

http://www.pinkribbonfunbags.blogspot.com/

Stephanie.

In recent discussion with the staff about our hopes and plans for 2012, we discovered a very interesting fact.

 The Cape Breton Regional Hospital is the only hospital in Nova Scotia that treats patients of all ages and stages.

 From before a baby even takes its first breath, through delivery into the world, and every day thereafter, the Hospital is there for you.

 I have never thought of the Hospital in this way before and it really caused me to pause and think about what that means. It means that no matter the illness and no matter the age – the Hospital can help you and your loved ones.

•  From Pediatrics to Palliative Care,
• From the Cancer Centre to the Coronary Care Unit,
• From Renal Dialysis to Intensive Care,
• From the ER to the OR
• From Mental Health to Occupational Health and many other services in between.

 This is in large part because of our very committed donors who continue to support these specialized services here in Cape Breton.

 We know that 2012 is not going to be an easy for healthcare in Nova Scotia. The government is cutting budgets and that will mean significant changes across the province, including the Regional Hospital.

  I hope that you will remember the very significant role the Hospital fills in our community – the role of keeping Cape Bretoners in Cape Breton for care. And I hope that we can rely on your support this year. Because together, we can ensure that all of the specialized services remain in the community whenever you or I may need them.

Barbara.

Last evening I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Foundation’s donors during a Holidayreception.

What struck me most was how passionate these people were about the Hospital. They each had their own story of why the give. Some had needed care, some had family members who needed care and some just want to give back to our community.

 As the holidays approach at warp speed – it was so lovely to take a moment to say thank you to them but also to hear their stories and share a kind word.

 At the end of the evening I was left with a sense of pride, accomplishment and a wonderful belief that there are remarkable people in this world. People who give to make a difference, people who care about others and people who want to make our community a better place.

 As you prepare for the holidays please take a moment to be part of an act of kindness – big or small – it can make such a difference.

 I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and a blessed 2012.

When I was seven years old, my parents moved me from my old school to a new school, right in the middle of the school year. Thanks for that, Mom and Dad!

I don’t have many memories from when I was that young, but I do remember, so vividly, that first day as “the new kid” and the feelings I had. I was scared to death. Butterflies in my stomach.  The thought of faking sick crossed my mind.

I can remember walking up the hill to my new school, maybe a little slower than usual. Waiting by myself in the school yard for the bell to ring. And then the embarrassing introductions to my new classmates. After that, I remember nothing. So it must not have been that traumatizing. But I will never forget how I felt that morning.

Although it’s nearly 20 years later, I again had the butterflies in the stomach, anxious feeling the morning I started my new job at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

Walking up the parking lot to my new official building, Waiting by myself for someone to let me in the office. The embarrassing introductions to my new co-workers and hospital staff.   

Okay, maybe it wasn’t that dramatic, but the same feelings were there. But instead of forgetting what comes next, I am still, even in week two, feeling the butterflies and nerves.  And I think those anxious feelings are going to stick with me a litter longer this time.

As excited as I am to be working for an organization that does amazing things for our community and the people who live in it, fear often creeps in and pops my excitement like a needle to a balloon.

My biggest fear is simple. This is a new position. I was successful in my last position. I did my job, and I did it very well. And it took a long time and hard work to get to that point. And now I’m starting from scratch with whole new recipe.

I never to get to the point where I consider my work easy. I’d get bored that way. With an organization that relies so much on donors and volunteers, I know there will always be challenges.  But they are challenges that I am up for.

As Public Relations Manager I will work towards understanding a boarder scope of communications practices. I want to become a better communicator and I want to make this position my own. And most of all, I want to gain back the confidence and level of success I had before.

And when that time comes, I’ll be ready for a new challenge!

Hi everyone,

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Stephanie McLean and I am the newest member of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation as the Public Relations Manager. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this fantastic team! (Yes, I am moving into Danielle’s position, but not to worry, she’s not going anywhere.)

Starting a new job is always challenging and sometimes scary. Everyone at the Foundation has been so welcoming and willing to help me in any way.

Today was my official tour of the Regional Hospital, provided by the one and only Danielle Johnston.  Danielle showed me all the inner workings of the hospital, such as the mail room, cafeteria, IT, human resources and engineering services.

Then we got into the nuts and bolts of the  major departments. I have lived in Cape Breton all my life and drive by the Regional Hospital nearly every day. I know what an asset this hospital is to our community. But when I got into the specialized departments, met some of the staff and saw the amazing areas and spaces that exist, it really opened my eyes to the services that are offered.

Some of the areas we visited, just to name a few:

• Cape Breton Cancer Centre
• Pediatrics unit
• An Cala palliative care unit
• Mom and Baby Unit
• Neonatal Unit
• Diagnostic Imaging

Each department was so welcoming and although we were in a hospital, at some points, it did not feel that way.  Especially in the palliative care unit. It felt like I was walking into a neighbour’s home. The atmosphere and the staff provide as much comfort and care as possible to patients and families.

And then, of course, there was the pediatric unit.  Children’s drawings on the walls, bright colourful murals and friendly staff. I even got a peek at the famous Logan Harris. Logan was very busy looking for important photos, though.  There was no time for introductions. (You can learn more about Logan by clicking here.) I’m looking forward the facelift that is about to happen in pediatric unit; stand by for more information on that one.

After the official tour was over and I got back to my desk, it hit me.  Many of those departments, and the specialized equipment and the areas that provide comfort and relaxation, could not have been possible without the generous and continuing support from our community.  It makes me proud to be a Cape Bretoner.

I am looking forward to my new position and meeting new faces as I go along.

Stephanie.

What matters?

2011 has been an interesting year – hasn’t it?

It is fair to say that the economy is not where most of us would like it to be. The stock market is still up and down. People are still worried about their job security if they have one, or are looking for one if they don’t. People are holding on to their money a little tighter.

But, in spite of all this, people are still choosing to support causes that matter to them – and there are many to choose from.

What do you want to give your hard earned money to? Is it to make a global impact, to help an individual, to care for animals, to support a community group?

The choices are endless and, if you are like me, you can’t support all of them.

Recently, during our Cape Breton Cares Radiothon, many of you gave to us and we are truly grateful. I hope you know that you money is making a difference today at theRegionalHospital.

I am pleased to share some interesting facts about the Radiothon:

• More than $16,000 was raised by the bucket brigade
• More than $5,000 was raised online
• 29 new monthly and 73 new payroll deduction donors joined the Foundation family
• More than $22,000 was raised through our auction
• More than $336,793.81 was donated by groups and individuals.

It’s quite amazing really.

Why did you give? Well, some people say they give back because they have needed the Hospital, some to pay tribute to a lost loved one, some because a friend or family member needs the Hospital right now, and some because they believe that the Hospital fills an important role in our community. These are just some of the reasons we hear.

I guess my point is this – it doesn’t really matter where, why, when or how much you give – it is the simple but powerful act of giving that makes a difference to your favorite organizations.

To us, it means that you believe in our work. You believe in your Hospital and the staff who, each and every day, do their best to take care of their patients.

So, thank you for reminding us that, to you, the Hospital and the Foundation matter.

Just like a child as Christmas approaches, we are counting the days to radiothon.

The planning has come together, the volunteers are booked and the food donated to keep us going.

We have one new, exciting addition to this year’s programming – live streaming on one of Atlantic Canada’s busiest website – www.bellaliant.net

It happened during a meeting with BellAliant.  Alan, our board member from Cape Breton Radio said “What else can we do to help the Hospital?”

Kevin Hashem, from BellAliant, planted the seed but said – “Barbara, don’t get all excited just yet – we need to see if this is possible.”

Danielle and I left the meeting, looked at each other and said “this could be so cool!”Well, Kevin was only a couple days confirming the details that we could live stream through www.bellaliant.net for 12 hours!

So now on Sept 29^th you can log on and listen and watch.

With the help of Jason from Seaside Communications, you will have a front row seat to all the excitement of radiothon day. You will see gift announcements, hear stories from patients who have needed the Hospital and much more.

Each hour will be a combination of live radio coverage and up to the minute photo coverage mixed in with live video from behind the scenes.

I hope you will join us as we raise money to keep Cape Bretoners home for care.

Where does the time go?

It seems almost impossible that it has been four years since we started the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon.

I remember that first meeting like it was yesterday.

It was a warm, sunny, summer day and my colleague, Dianne, and I were sitting in my office trying to come up with a way to raise awareness and much needed money to expand the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

Somehow, the idea of a radiothon came up.

We called Alan Peddle and Fred Denney from Cape Breton Radio and asked them if we could meet to talk about doing a radiothon with them. A few hours later, they were in our office and the partnership was born.

I remember Fred saying, let’s do it next month (this was July) and Dianne and I looking at each other with a mix of excitement and fear.

We settled on October.

When Fred and Alan left, we looked at each other and thought, “Ok now what?”  So we did what anyone else would do – we googled “How to run a radiothon.”

That first year was truly a rollercoaster – we had no idea what to expect.

Rounds of meetings with the radio station, contacting dozens of volunteers, arranging event day entertainment and food, partnering with BellAliant to provide phones and the Credit Unions as a pledge collection partner, meeting with patients to share their stories – it was all a blur.

When we arrived at the radio station on radiothon day at 5:00am, we had no idea what to expect. As anticipation and excitement rose, we thought about how amazing it would be if we could raise $50,000. This excited was mixed with a lot of questions—would the phones ring? Would anyone listen? Would anyone donate?

Well, our fears were quickly put to rest as we hit the airwaves at 6:00am and the phones began to ring. All day, we continued to be overwhelmed as people stopped by to make their donation and share their experience at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

At 6pm, when we announced that the radiothon raised $264,000 almost every person in theRadioBuildingwas brought to tears. We could not believe the generosity and support of our community—it was simply amazing!

It is hard to put into words what radiothon means – but to us at the Foundation – it is a day that now belongs to the community and we are so blessed to be a part of it.

In three years, you have donated more than $1M – WOW.

Now as we are a week away from year number four – the same fears are there. Will the phones ring? Will people donate? Will Cape Breton, once again, care?

I know that no matter how much we raise, how many phone calls come in, or how many people drop by to donate – the day will be a success because with every dollar you donate you are helping keep Cape Bretoners home in Cape Breton for care.

Thank you Cape Breton!

Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation