This past spring, after being sick for a few days, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air. I was so weak I could barely walk. My husband drove me straight to the emergency department at Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH). 

I’ve never been more grateful to have a hospital so close to home. I was fortunate that one of the tools used to help diagnose my sudden illness was CMH’s brand-new CT scanner.

Finally, after a slew of tests, I was diagnosed with Legionella Pneumonia. I was in the Hospital for 12 days, and during this time I needed a constant supply of oxygen. I remember one night waking up in a panic. I was shaking and coughing. It felt like I was suffocating. 

Two nurses sat with me for over an hour, rubbing my back and reassuring me, until I was calm enough to go back to sleep. They comforted me during one of my toughest nights. I am thankful to have experienced this kind of compassionate care at CMH during my recent illness and in many other significant moments of my life. 

To ensure that others receive the same incredible care, my gift to Trees of Caring is in honour of my husband Mike, and our daughters. They were my inspiration during this difficult time.

As a life-long resident of Cambridge, CMH has always been our family’s Hospital during the good times and the difficult times. My three brothers, sister, and two daughters were all born here. 

My involvement with CMH goes beyond being a patient. You may remember when CMH had a hair salon. Years ago, my mother volunteered in the salon lifting patients’ spirits with her kindness and bright smile. I’ve followed in her footsteps as a volunteer, Foundation Board Member, and donor for the past 25 years. 

When I first joined the Board, I learned something that shocked me: 100% of funding for all hospital equipment including MRI, comes from community donations, not the government. Knowing this made me even more determined to do my part so that everyone in our community has access to the best equipment and the best care when they need it most.

Please share this link with your family and friends so they can also participate. Together, we make it possible!

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I'd like to send a special thank you to Colson Group Canada, who have donated a special $500 gift to launch this fundraiser. This gift is In Memory of 12 individuals this season. Thank you so much for your support.

I'd like to also thank Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Meghri Chapter Cambridge for their gift of $500. "A huge thank you to all the hospital staff, nurses, and doctors for all that you do to keep our community safe and healthy!"

A special thank you to Cheryl Hugill, who continues her term on the CMHF Board alongside my husband, Mike. Cheryl and I served together on the Board, and she was eager to help me edge closer to my goal!

I am very grateful as well to all the online supporters for
this fundraiser.  Your generous donations bring us closer to raising the
funds needed for a new MRI. Together we can ensure that our local
hospital has the best equipment available to help us when we need it
most.  Thank you for supporting CMH!