If only we could have said thank you

May is Leave a Legacy Month. Each of us possesses the power to provide a lasting legacy to charitable causes we feel are important.

A life well lived; a legacy that will last forever. St. Clair Nowe of Broad Cove, NS, may not have been famous in the conventional sense, but he will be remembered forever for his generous gift to future generations. Recently, St. Clair left an estate gift to the IWK Health Centre Foundation which will serve Maritime families for years to come.

StClair Nowe

Born in Bridgewater on August 31, 1944, St. Clair graduated from Hebbville High School and Bridgewater Commercial School.  He then spent many years working for the Provincial Government in Halifax.  After returning to Broad Cove, St. Clair lived in his family home for many years where he enjoyed listening to music, cruising in his beloved automobile, and working in the community.  St. Clair Nowe passed away peacefully in July of 2011.

The IWK Foundation team was humbled and honoured when we learned that St. Clair had left an estate gift to the IWK in his will.   His donation will have an incredible impact on patient care, and serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose memory and legacy are held in such high regard.

If only we could have said thank you; he would know how many patients will benefit from his gift.

Through his estate donation, St. Clair has contributed to the continued excellence in specialized care for Maritime women and children.  We are eternally grateful for his generosity, as estate gifts are instrumental in helping the IWK enhance its world-class research in fields such as neonatal and pediatric intensive care, women’s health, and mental health services for children and youth.  Funds also support the purchase of modern technology and equipment.

St. Clair clearly believed in supporting his community, and knew he could make a difference.  We encourage everyone who is thinking about making a planned gift to let us know so that we can celebrate and say thank you for helping us nurture the future of health care.

We all have the ability to make a difference in our community. If we work together, we can help ensure the patients and families who rely on the IWK reach their full potential.   An estate gift is the most important gift you will ever give, and the donation provided by St. Clair Nowe is a shining example of how a planned gift given today ensures a stronger future tomorrow.

The IWK Health Centre Foundation is a proud supporter of the Nova Scotia Leave a Legacy(TM) program.

For more information on how to make a planned gift to the IWK Foundation, please visit www.iwkfoundation.org/plannedgiving.

The Beginning

Kristin Wilton is a Mount Saint Vincent University public relations co-operative student at the IWK Health Centre Foundation.

Kristin Wilton, MSVU Pulbic Relations co-op student.

Here I am, my first public relations co-operative education work term with the IWK Foundation – my dream job! Throughout junior high and high school, I wasn’t exactly sure the route I wanted to take regarding the path of my career. One thing I did know was that I wanted to be involved, in some way, with the IWK. As my choices went from social work to nursing, back to social work, to public relations, I am happy I chose the PR route. Fundraising is definitely a passion of mine which is why I feel that this position will be perfect for me. I know I will gain the experience of a life time with the help of my co-workers throughout this exceptional organization.

On my first day, I met the team and had a tour of the IWK Health Centre. Everyone made me feel so welcome and I got the impression that this organization is full of truly genuine people. I was lucky enough to also get a tour of some of the different rehabilitation services offered at the IWK which was simply amazing. As these services are rather spread apart throughout the Health Centre, the hope is to bring them together to make it more convenient for patients and their families. I saw a variety of different technology that is used for the care of patients. It was a great experience.

I also spent some time getting more familiar with the IWK’s intranet website as well as the IWK Foundation’s website. I browsed through stories, background materials and watched multiple videos of children and their parents talking about the experiences they have been through at the IWK. If someone were to pop into my work space, they would have had found me with a few tears! It is a rewarding feeling to know that I’ll be working for an organization that does so much to help sick children in the best way possible.

I’m looking forward to all that is to come over my next four months here at the IWK Foundation. As the 29^th Annual IWK Telethon for Children will be taking place this upcoming June, I am eager to get involved and get as much experience as I can while taking part in such a large, successful event.

Learn more about the IWK Health Centre Foundation.

We count our blessings every day.

Lindsay Reynolds is a Member Service Counselor at CAA Atlantic in Saint John, New Brunswick and mother to five year old Seth, an IWK patient.

The IWK is holds a very special place in my heart. Without them, my life just wouldn’t be the same. At only 27 weeks, I gave birth to my son, Seth, at the Saint John Regional Hospital here at home. He was so tiny! Soon after being born, we experienced a setback as his weight plummeted to just 1 lb 1oz.  But as each day passed, my little man grew stronger, and at 22 days old, we were finally able to hold him for the very first time. Words cannot express that moment.

Baby Seth

Seth soon began experiencing complications once again, and at 36 days old he was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a potentially fatal inflammatory bowel disease that 10 per cent of premature infants develop, as well as a blood infection. I will never forget the moment that we were told that we were being transported to the IWK in Halifax. Up until then, I always viewed the IWK as a world class facility, however something I would never have a need for.  Five days later, after consultation with the IWK general surgery team, we were boarding the Nova Scotia life flight helicopter and were on our way to the IWK.

Seth fought like a trooper during his 89 day stay in the IWK NICU 2-critical care unit as he faced a number of issues such as,  Necrotizing enterocolitis , infections, apnea of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pneumonia, various blood disorders, serriatia colonization, inguinal hernias, hypospadius, small bowel resection and an Ileostomy.

Although this was an incredibly challenging time for my family, we always felt at ease knowing that our son was being cared for by the best doctors in the Maritimes.

One day, on a bright and sunny afternoon in the IWK gardens, I was able to take my son outdoors for the very first time – he was 125 days old. Soon after, we were able to take him home. Since then, we have returned to the IWK for a Hernia repair and an ileostomy reversal and check up.

Seth, age 4.

We count our blessings every day.  Life would be very different if it were not for care and knowledge of the IWK staff and the special facilities and equipment they use. This is why I am so proud to be a part of an organization that understands the importance of supporting pediatric health. From April 15 – May 26, 2013 CAA Atlantic offices will be raffling a trip for two to Italy, with proceeds going to the IWK Foundation and the Janeway Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Funds raised through this raffle will be used to support the most urgent care needs of the hospitals. I worked at CAA and participated in our fundraising initiatives for the IWK each year for five years before my donations and efforts took on a whole new meaning.

If it were not for the IWK team, facilities and equipment, the very best part of my life would not be alive today!

Make a gift to the IWK Foundation.

Volunteering is a part of who I am.

Volunteers strengthen our communities and donate their time, talent and energy to improving the lives of those around them. April 21- 27 is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize individuals who are making a contribution to their community. Dorothy Miller, of Saint John, New Brunswick, shares why she volunteers with the IWK Health Centre Foundation.

Dorothy & Lee at the IWK Radiothon in Saint John

Volunteering is a part of who I am. Finding a way to give back to my community has always been important to me.  Over the years I have given back to various events and organizations that hold a special place in my heart such as the IWK Health Centre.

Why the IWK you may ask? Although I do not have a personal connection to the Health Centre there are many individuals in my life who have benefitted from its services. We all know of someone whose life has been touched by the outstanding care that the hospital provides. This is why I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with this remarkable organization.

The health and wellbeing of children has always been a passionate interest of mine, so volunteering for the IWK Foundation felt like a natural fit for me. Last year, the IWK held its inaugural Radiothon in Saint John. Having experience as a training coordinator, I volunteered to help coordinate other volunteers needed to help make this event a success. I even recruited my husband Lee who jumped at the opportunity to get involved.  Although I knew that this would be a fun opportunity, it was better than I could have ever imagined! The energy that filled McAllister Place during our two-day Radiothon in 2012 was contagious, as the phones rang with calls from individuals from all over the Greater Saint John area who wanted to give to help advance critical care at the IWK. It was inspiring.

Last year I was approached to assist with the organization of the 2013 IWK Telethon at the Saint John broadcast site. It was an easy decision to make! I’m honoured to be involved with an organization that touches so many peoples’ lives. It feels good to give back to my community and if you have a chance to volunteer with this great cause in some form or another I urge you do it.  I’m excited to see what this year’s IWK Telethon will bring, and I have no doubt that it will be the best one yet!

Dorothy Miller, Chair, Saint John Telethon Operations Committee & Volunteer Coordinator, Saint John Radiothon

Volunteer  with the IWK Health Centre Foundation.

Make a gift to the IWK Telethon for Children on CTV. 

Volunteers are at the core of our organization.

April 21- 27 is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize individuals who are making a contribution to their community. Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Health Centre Foundation, shares her messages of gratitude.

Dear Friends:

Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Health Centre Foundation

April marks that special time of year where we take time to recognize and celebrate the hundreds of volunteers who give their time in support of the IWK Health Centre.

At the IWK Foundation we strive to raise funds year-round to support the most urgent needs of the Health Centre. We couldn’t do this without the support of our volunteers. Two of our largest annual fundraisers – the IWK Telethon for Children and our various Radiothons, would not be possible without the helping hands of volunteers, like you. You help us to continuously make positive change at the IWK.

The contributions you make in your community to further advancements in specialized care for Maritime youth and children are invaluable. Each of you plays an integral role in our fundraising success. For example, Jim Nickle in Halifax offers office support when we need a hand. In Saint John, Sue Steeves lends her leadership talents by managing our phone banks and phone volunteers at Telethon. For the Côté Family in Cape Breton, they volunteer by sharing their personal IWK story. Candace Woodside in Charlottetown helps ensure that all our PEI Radiothon volunteers and staff are well-fed during the two-day broadcast.

As you can see, volunteers are at the core of our organization. We want to make sure that you understand and feel just how valued and respected you are.

From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for giving. By donating your time and your spirit you help to further specialized care at the IWK. Now that’s something you should be extremely proud of!

With Gratitude,

Jennifer Gillivan,
President & CEO, IWK Health Centre Foundation

Volunteer with the IWK Foundation.

Laps for Loonies

Adam Ramsay is an on-air personality for 95.1  FM CFCY, and will be participating along with Q93 personalities in the Laps for Loonies event on April 12 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Charlottetown Mall.

Adam Ramsay, 95.1 FM CFCY Radio personality

There are so many incredible charitable organizations and wonderful causes in our communities to support today that it’s easy to find disappointment within yourself for not being able to champion them all. But maybe the silver lining comes from the thought that perhaps the groups you do choose to support, and dedicate your time, energy and resources to, are chosen because they best reflect who you are and where you feel the closest connection to through the moments  you’ve experienced.

For me, the IWK Foundation (and the Children’s Hospital it represents) is one of those causes that hits home and inspires me to do what I can to support all those who touch the organization.  Many years ago, my sister was born at the IWK, more than three months premature.  And as I grow more into adulthood I’m seeing friends, co-workers, and more members of my community rely on the services and the special care of the IWK.  It’s hard not to feel close to an organization that has been such an integral part in the lives of the important people around us.

Through the Laps For Loonies fundraising event that we have developed in Charlottetown, I’m hoping to be a part of a day that will look to raise thousands for a cause that is so important to pursue. Through a simple act of walking ‘laps’ inside the largest shopping centre on the Island, we’re hoping to be a part of something much bigger – something that will help families who are not yet even aware they will need the assistance of the IWK, be taken care of when their time of need arrives.

And for me, that’s a cause more than worthy of championing.

Thank you Adam for you support! Don’t forget to tune in to 95.1 FM CFCY on April 25 & 26 as we broadcast live from Charlottetown Mall for the IWK Radiothon – Proudly presented by Investor’s Group. 

Make a gift to the IWK Foundation. 

I am so thankful for the generous people in our life

We are often asked about the different ways that individuals can support the IWK Foundation. Tribute giving offers a unique way to mark a special occasion and honour someone who has touched your life.

Bella Mae celebrating her 1st birthday.

Jessica and Steve Reeves of Freetown, Prince Edward Island, were looking for a special way to celebrate their daughter’s first birthday.

“The IWK has played such a big role in our lives. Our daughter, Bella Mae, was born at the IWK 10 weeks early – weighing only 2lbs 5 ounces. Setting up a tribute gift was a really easy way to give back to a place that holds such a special place in our heart.”

Instead of birthday gifts, they set up a donation jar where friends and family could make a gift to the IWK, if they wished.

“I am so thankful for the generous people in our life. I’m excited to say that we were able to raise about $300 for the IWK!”

Thank you Jessica and Steve for your support, and Happy Belated Birthday Bella Mae!

Learn more about Tribute gifts for the IWK Foundation. 

Getting into the Swing of Spring!

The Child Life Activity Area at the IWK Health Centre is ready for colourful flowers, green grass, and warm winds. On this past Thursday, this innovative area of the Health Centre held their annual Spring Party. The Spring Party is an opportunity for young IWK patients and their families to celebrate the end of Winter with games, crafts, tasty treats, and a classic egg hunt.   This event is a great chance for kids to come together to relax and have fun. The IWK Child Life department works tirelessly to make sure the kids at the IWK get to enjoy the usual traditions of childhood, and, as you can see by these colourful pics, they were able to do just that.

We just wrapped up Child Life month! Read more about this incredible organization and how you can help.

To make a gift to the IWK Foundation visit www.iwkfoundation.org.

Ready for the egg hunt!

Spring colours

Spring chicken

Ready for decorating

Colourful icing – almost too pretty to eat!

Let the games begin!

Artist at work.

Delicious!

Sprinkles for Spring!

Yum!

Not All Poisons Come in a Bottle

Brittney Gavin is a health Promotion Intern for the Child and Safety Link at the IWK Health Centre. March 17-23, 2013 is Poison Prevention Week, and Child and Safety Link would like to bring attention to up and coming poisoning issues. 

Not all poisons come in a bottle.

When you think of poisonous household products, what comes to mind? Maybe a few of the cosmetics in your bathroom or the assortment of cleaning products kept locked up under the kitchen sink? While you should certainly always keep these typical products in mind when safe-proofing your home for children, it is so important to also be aware of the not-so-obvious threats. A poison is defined as anything that can make you sick if you swallow it, taste it, smell it, get it on your skin or in your eye. March 17-23 is National Poison Prevention Week and Child Safety Link would like to raise awareness about up and coming poisoning issues. New products are constantly being introduced to the market, and we want to keep you up-to-date on those tricky toxins that could be potentially poisonous if handled or swallowed by a child.

Button Batteries

Everyone has these in their home; in remotes, watches, small toys, singing greeting cards, small electronics, etc. Swallowing any button battery could be a potentially dangerous situation; however, the 20mm button battery in particular is wide, which increases the chance of it getting stuck in your child’s throat. A swallowed button battery could pass through the digestive system without causing any damage, but if it gets lodged in the throat, it can begin to leak and burn in as little as two hours. Make sure these items are either out of reach of children, or that the cells are secured inside the battery compartment with a tool.

Laundry Detergent Packets

No wonder these items are appealing to children with their bright colours and delightful squishiness—as an adult, I am secretly fascinated by them too! However, these single-dose capsules contain highly concentrated detergents and as they increase in popularity and pop up in more households, increasing numbers of children have been poisoned by them. Last year, the IWK Regional Poison Centre received several calls from worried parents/caregivers of a child who had swallowed or burst one of these packets. Reported effects seen in these children included vomiting, sleepiness, trouble breathing and eye or skin irritations. Like other household cleaners, these packets should be kept locked in a cabinet, away from children.

Magnetic Beads

Although they are banned in the U.S., these small, powerful magnetic balls are still available in Canada and are advertised as a desk toy for adults. There have been reports of children eating the magnetic beads, thinking they are candy. There have also been reports of older children using the beads to mimic tongue or nose piercings, and unintentionally swallowing them. If a child swallows two or more beads, the magnets can create holes in the intestine, causing blockages, blood poisoning or even death. It is recommended to keep these away from children.

For more information on poison prevention visit http://www.childsafetylink.ca or http://www.iwkpoisoncentre.ca. The IWK Regional Poison Centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and takes calls about possible poisonings for people of all ages. If you think your child may have been poisoned, please call the Poison Centre at 1-800-565-8161, or call 911.