Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation

07/20/2025

Be honest, how many times this week have you thought about eye surgery instruments? Unless you're about to have surgery yourself, probably zero.

The Hospital's Ophthalmologists do about 15 cataract surgeries a day. After each surgery, the trays of instruments must be fully sterilized... a process that takes hours. But surgeries don't wait.

That means they need 15 trays, plus a couple extras in case a tool breaks or a tray is contaminated. If they don’t have enough trays, surgeries get delayed. Patients wait longer. And sometimes, they have to cancel.

❤️ Your donation today helps buy the instruments Ophthalmologists need to keep vision care moving forward, right here in Thunder Bay. ❤️

Will you help? Donate at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/vision 👁️

07/19/2025

"Communication is essential to good healthcare." But what happens when a patient can't hear what their doctor is saying, and family isn't there to help?

Thanks to your donations, Family CARE Grants have been able to fund new pocketalkers at the Hospital. These upgraded devices reduce background noise and even connect directly to some hearing aids, helping patients feel more confident and informed. They're making it easier for patients to hear, understand, and take part in their care.

"The difference with the new pocketalkers is night and day," said Shawn Agostino, Patient Flow Coordinator.

Read more here: bit.ly/hsf71925

07/18/2025

Have you ever wondered what it's like to have an appointment on the Screen for Life Coach Northwest? Check our Michelle's walk-through!

07/17/2025

Meet Marco Belcamino, Intern, Digital Engagement at our Foundation!

A lifelong fan of social media and storytelling, Marco joined the Foundation after graduating from Lakehead with a degree in marketing. His first week on the job? Helping capture the energy of our Chase the Case Charity Auction Showdown and seeing just how generous Thunder Bay really is.

From posting about donor-funded equipment like the new ECMO unit to learning about programs like Family CARE Grants, Marco is already seeing how every gift makes a difference.

Volunteering has always been part of his life, and now he's proud to be sharing stories that show the power of giving back. Outside of work, Marco loves music, plays guitar, and proudly holds the title of certified Swiftie.

Get to know Marco and his story here: https://bit.ly/hsf71725

07/17/2025

What a race!! Last night we got dusty at Thunder City Speedway to cheer on our very own Selena Dove Owen #34 Racing as she raced her heart out and WON! This is her FOURTH feature win of the year. How awesome is that? Congratulations, Selena! 💜

Special thanks to Andrew and Tanya from RML Construction for letting us borrow your Seacan 😊

📷 Thanks also to Makenna Burke Photography for the great pics of Selena in the Victory Lane!

07/16/2025

July's Thunder Bay 50/50 Grand Prize has just crossed $1,400,000! This is the largest July Grand Prize we've ever had; we cannot wait to learn the store behind this year's winner! Tickets at www.thunderbay5050.ca!

Bonus Numbers are BACK! With the $20 ticket package, you'll get 30 numbers plus an extra 20, and with the $75 ticket package, you'll get 300 numbers plus a bonus 100 numbers!

Must be 18 years or older to purchase: RAF1413948

07/16/2025

Calling all golfers of any skill! Gather a team of 4 for the 1st Annual Norteños Taqueria Wayland Golf Tournament at Whitewater Golf Club in support of our Northern Cancer Fund!

Here's the info:
📍 Whitewater Golf Course
🗓 August 19th @ 1pm
🎟 $200/person
Includes:
• 18 Holes
• Cart
• Dinner
• Prizes

Interested? Contact nortenostaqueria@gmail.com

1st Annual Norteños Wayland Golf Tournament ⛳️
Anyone welcome to join their team of 4!
We hope to see everyone out, all skill levels welcome!

In support of the Northern Cancer Fund

📍Whitewater Golf Course
🗓 August 19th @ 1pm
🎟$200/person
Includes:
•18 Holes
•Cart
•Dinner
•Prizes

Contact nortenostaqueria@gmail.com

07/14/2025

Thanks to your donations, Family CARE Grants are bringing added comfort and support to new moms in the hospital. ❤️

A specialized breastfeeding pillow helps with proper positioning, supports post-C-section recovery, and makes feeding more comfortable for moms and babies alike.

And with a waterless milk warmer, colostrum and breast milk can be safely warmed to the perfect temperature, giving newborns the best start.

Learn more about Family CARE Grants here: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare

07/11/2025

It is the best time of the year once again. We are getting ready to celebrate the Dog Days of August! 🐕🐩🐕‍🦺

Do you have a dog at home? We want to feature them during our Thunder Bay 50/50 August Draw! 🐾

🐾 To enter your dog, please comment below with their photo, their name, and their age.

Check out www.thunderbay5050.ca and our social media every day during our August Draw for new featured pups 😊 Maybe your dog will be one of them! 🐶

07/10/2025

Any parent knows: Some kids don't like needles. Thanks to the support of our donors & 50/50 participants, you're helping bring those kids comfort!

Through a Family CARE Grant, a simple but brilliant device called Buzzy Bee is easing needle pain for dozens of children at the Hospital every week. It's shaped like a bug, and uses cold and vibration to distract the patient and block pain signals from reaching the brain.

"It's made a big difference," says Child Life Specialist Bryn Roberts. "Children are less anxious, they're crying less, and their overall experience is better."

Thank you for helping take the sting out of healthcare. 🐝

Learn more about the Buzzy Bee here: bit.ly/hsf792025

07/09/2025

When Dr. Bhambhwani asked for help replacing an aging eye surgery laser last year, Bev and John Dolcetti stepped up in a big way. They donated the full amount so others wouldn't have to travel for care like Bev once did.

Now, the Lions Vision Care Centre has two lasers, including a new portable one that's safer, faster, and easier to use. It's already helping more patients get care right here at home, and it's even attracting new surgeons and new procedures to Thunder Bay.

Donors & supporters like you also helped support the broader Ophthalmology Fund, which means we're seeing even more impact for patients in Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario. 👁️

See the full story at bit.ly/hsf772025

07/08/2025

There are TWO $5,000 Early Bird draws tomorrow; the deadline to purchase tickets is 11:59PM TONIGHT! See us at the Thunder Bay 50/50 store inside the Intercity Shopping Centre or visit www.thunderbay5050.ca!🤩

Bonus Numbers are BACK! With the $20 ticket package, you'll get 30 numbers plus an extra 20, and with the $75 ticket package, you'll get 300 numbers plus a bonus 100 numbers!

Must be 18 years or older to purchase: RAF1413948