What does the term, bringing care close to home, mean to you?
When I think about our community here in Midland, I see it as breaking down barriers to care. It’s about ensuring that those who need it can access care without any obstacles.
As a general surgeon here at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), I see first-hand the impact of your generosity on our patients and our community. Donors like you are changing the landscape of this hospital and for that I can’t thank you enough.
But I have to be upfront. Right now, our region is facing a critical gap in breast cancer screening—only 60% of eligible women are getting their regular mammograms.
These are not just numbers—they represent lives at risk. They’re our mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, and friends we know and love.
The problem is that many women are faced with significant barriers to getting a regular mammogram. They don’t have access to reliable transportation, can’t take time off work, or don’t have anyone to look after their children. Women must travel an hour each way, for just a 10-minute appointment, because the service is not available at GBGH. And for our senior patients, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming.
Today, you have a special opportunity to help us turn this mammography program into a reality. We’re 73% of the way to reaching our goal…
With your help this holiday season, we can ensure that more people in our community have access to the care they need, right here at home. People just like Bonita (read Bonita’s story here or watch the video).
In February, I performed a double mastectomy on Bonita, a 67-year-old wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. After her biopsy in late 2023, Bonita had to travel to another hospital out of town for a 3D mammogram and MRI. The repeated trips, long waits, and ongoing referrals for more tests were incredibly hard on her and her family.
Having access to these services locally would have eased this burden and allowed my team to move faster in Bonita’s diagnosis, surgery, and care.
That’s why establishing a mammography program here at GBGH is so critical.
The program will also include an on-site radiologist, allowing me and other doctors to collaborate in real time. This direct access will eliminate delays and enhance communication, ensuring faster, clearer diagnoses and more immediate care for patients.
With you by our side, we’ll ensure that no one has to delay vital screenings that can lead to early detection and better outcomes.
GBGH is special because our patients are never just numbers—they’re our neighbours, our friends, and people we genuinely care about. It’s these lasting relationships that remind me how much this hospital means to all of us.
It’s our collective responsibility as a community to ensure that our local hospital has the resources it needs to continue providing excellent care for generations to come. The addition of a mammography program will be a game-changer…
But we can’t do it alone. Your donation today—big or small—will make a meaningful difference and have a lasting impact.
YES! I will help bring Mammography to GBGH with a gift today!
Make your gift in honour of someone (a loved one, GBGH team member or patient), and we will put their name on a heart ornament on the holiday tree in the hospital’s main lobby.
A gift to GBGH is a wonderful way to show you care this holiday season.
