"I mean, when this whole entire thing started, it was so kind of surreal, because you have no idea."
A little over a year ago, the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (SJHF) embarked on a new journey: bringing MRI services to Estevan. After a $2 million head start courtesy of Elaine Walkom and countless generous donations from the community, the project is 73 percent funded—and the team is not letting off the gas.
"Of course, you're starting with $2 million, which is a crazy amount of money even to talk about. And then the fact that we've had that, plus more coming in out of the community that quickly, it's, I don't know, more overwhelming - maybe that's a good word. The support is always amazing by the community. Always, no matter what it is that we're doing. The outreach has been there. There are people all over Southeast Saskatchewan that are taking the time to come and share their stories, make their donations, or send them in online or the mail," shared Lori Gervais, the executive director of the foundation.
SJHF has been a busy organization, with donations continuing to pour in even through the holidays. Now, the fundraising committee is hoping to meet people where they are. Gervais said that this time of the year, it's at hockey rinks.
"Some of our fundraising committee has come up with some great ideas as to, instead of trying to gather people, how about we go to where people are gathered? So, the foundation has been trying to get out to keep the ball rolling and keep the awareness going. We were at one of the Big Six hockey games in Carnduff, and we look forward to going a few more."
Word of mouth and social media have been the tools the foundation has used to keep the conversation going around MRI services in Estevan. She added that with the handful of games they've attended throughout the southeast, more and more donors and patients are resonating with the importance of the project. Her team recalled one appearance where donors were quick to hand over pre-filled checks to be donated towards the cause.
As for the state of the construction, Gervais says plans are being made behind the scenes. "The process right now is we've soon to have the company that's doing the module unit coming in to do the site assessment. So, they will look at the actual grounds, look at where it is that the project itself is hoping to be constructed and where it would be added onto the building. If all is a go, then that's when we start putting money down, things get ordered, and the construction will start as soon as our weather allows."
"A healthcare journey is a healthcare journey for everyone. [It's] sometimes to be celebrated, sometimes, you know, the saddest times of our lives and to listen to people and [hear] why they are so invested in this is overwhelming again and heartwarming. And, I'm just grateful to be a part of it."
For now, the work continues in the pursuit of bringing MRI services to Estevan. Gervais noted that once the site assessment is complete, the process will be moving along fast. Alongside their various outreach in the next few weeks to communities in the southeast, she revealed that her team is in the planning stages for the upcoming Radiothon for Life broadcast.
Donations can be made towards the MRI project by visiting the foundation's website or by stopping in at their offices at St. Joseph's Hospital on Nicholson Road.