KAWARTHA LAKES-At the Dragon Flies’ Diva Night event at the Victoria Park Armoury on October 13, founding members Nancy Hanna and Jo-Anne Forson made a surprise presentation — a $10,000 donation to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“In our first year, we held bake sales, sold chocolate, hosted dances, and we managed to raise $20,000 in two months,” said Nancy Hanna. “In the past 20 years, we’ve been able to donate $1.5 million to four hospitals, including the Ross Memorial. We’ve gone from a group of 22 women to a broad organization that bonds communities.”
Below is a video story we did in 2015 on the Dragon Flies and their impact on our community. RIP to Joan Edwards who passed away in 2018 at the age of 71.
RMH Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Veronica Nelson accepted the gift with Kim Coulter of the RMH Foundation. Veronica, who began her career at the Ross in the Diagnostic Imaging Department, understands well the impact of the Dragon Flies’ generosity.
“These donations help fund the imaging modalities that help us diagnose and treat breast cancer at the Ross. 3D mammography, Ultrasound, MRI … these are all 100% donor funded. We’re so grateful to the Dragon Flies and all of the people who support their efforts.”
Every month, approximately 460 people are screened for breast cancer at Ross Memorial Hospital. Of those, more than 100 require follow-up tests using a variety of imaging modalities. Most of these people need further investigation due to visible anomalies in their images or because changes were noted since their last exam. The other 30% are people who have found a lump or who are
experiencing other symptoms.
With this gift, the Dragon Flies’ cumulative donations to the RMH Foundation total $410,300. Through their efforts, the Dragon Flies have helped the Hospital to acquire the best diagnostic technology — including 3D Mammography and MRI — and to become an Accredited Breast Assessment Centre with a High Risk Breast Screening program, affiliated with Cancer Care Ontario.
