MOOSE JAW - It has been described as a Disney experience right here in Moose Jaw, and now the magic includes the women’s health unit at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital thanks to a generous donation from the Little Princess Ball Committee following the April 27 and 28 Little Princess Ball fundraiser.
The cheque, which was donated on July 4 to RN (registered nurse) Jeanette Hewsun to accept on behalf of the hospital, was made out for $35,551.91.
“If the (health) foundation did not have the overwhelming support that we do in the community, most services would not be available in Moose Jaw,” said Kelly McElree, the executive director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.
“The Little Princess Ball is truly a magical event in Moose Jaw,” he added. “And for many years, the princess ball has transformed the women’s health unit of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.”
This support, he said, includes all areas of the hospital from women’s health and pediatrics to surgery, medicine, and entails everything from fetal heart monitors to mattresses thanks to the yearly fundraiser.
“When we say this is a community hospital, it really is a community hospital,” he said. “If the community hadn’t rallied to have a new hospital built, there wouldn’t be a new hospital. And the people in Moose Jaw… recognize how vitally important health care is and they support it wholeheartedly.”
The Little Princess Ball raises funds annually on behalf of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, which is itself a non-profit organization supporting and advocating for Moose Jaw’s hospital.
McElree said this year’s donation will be used to purchase additional Panda beds for newborn babies.
These Panda beds, he said, resemble an isolette (a clear, plastic crib used in hospitals) with a light on the top.
“What that does, is it allows healthcare professionals to assist the baby with any intervention or treatment that is needed,” McElree explained. “The beauty of the Panda bed is that it’s multi-functional and is right beside the mom, so that baby never leaves the mother’s side.”
Thanks to the Princess Ball fundraiser, which is now in its 13th year, McElree pointed out that each of the hospital’s labour and delivery rooms — of which there are four — is now equipped with one of these specialized pediatric care beds, thereby enabling Moose Jaw’s hospital to deliver state-of-the-art care.
With over 500 babies born each year at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, a contribution of this nature is certainly of high value.
“We are so grateful (here) at the (health) foundation for the level of support from the Princess Ball Committee,” McElree said, with a special mention for the families, businesses, and sponsors who attend the fundraiser each year. “Everyone who comes to the Little Princess Ball is helping each one of those new babies in our community.
“It’s a Disney experience right here in Moose Jaw. It’s truly a magical event,” he added. “And we’re so thankful for what this has done in our community to help our hospital’s youngest patients.”
To learn more about the yearly Little Princess Ball, visit ‘The Little Princess Ball’ on Facebook or reach out by email to MJPrincessBall@gmail.com.
For more information about the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, visit MJHF.org.
