A Gift from the Heart for Breast Cancer

Submitted by EKFH on 04-12-2013 Cranbrook, BC… Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is never easy and when treatment begins you sometimes just need that little something that can make the journey easier.   The East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s oncology and surgical departments have been fortunate in receiving several little something’s for the journey with donations of  heart pillows.     The most recent pillows are handmade with love by Cranbrook resident Shirley Purdy who herself was recently diagnosed in August.   Her surgery took place in September and Shirley is now on what she calls her chemo walk continuing her journey to becoming a survivor.   Shirley decided to start sewing heart shape pillows for her and others to help ease the discomfort of breast surgery and swelling.   These pillows, and ones also donated from Creston, are given out by the Operating Room or Oncology Unit to patients in need.   Over and above the heart pillows, Shirley is hoping to encourage people to donate to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s Starlite Campaign earmarking funds for enhancements to the oncology unit.   With a new Intensive Care Unit on slate, it is anticipated that both the oncology and pediatric units may see some upgrades as well.   The Starlite Campaign shines a light on the health care needs in our region. An unrestricted gift can be allocated to fund the areas of greatest need and a restricted gift (i.e. oncology) is dedicated to the area of care that is important to you. All funds received by EKFH remain in the East Kootenay.   If you wish to help light a path for others like Shirley doing their chemo walk please consider a gift today – donate at www.ekfh.ca.

Photo details: L-R: Chris Shumka, Manager Critical Services at EKRH and Santa welcome Shirley Purdy and her gift from the heart