The Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation is pleased to launch the annual Christmas Appeal. This year, the Appeal letter, which is mailed to every household in the City of Kawartha Lakes, outlines the need for vascular technology for the Hospital's CT unit.

The Foundation is pleased to have Radiologist, Dr. Juliet Franczyk and Emergency Physician, Dr. Tom Stefopolus, on board with this fundraising project. These physicians have a unique perspective when they discuss the need for this CT module. Each understands its value as it provides enhanced detail on a patient's image, which allows for a faster diagnosis. But, more importantly, each appreciates the value of the technology as a patient. Both Dr. Franczyk and Dr. Stefopolus experienced a "subarachnoid hemorrhage", and had to undergo a vascular scan to identify the hemorrhage in order to treat it. 

Vascular CT imaging provides excellent image quality, giving our physicians the ability to reconstruct, visualize, rotate and measure vessels involved in disease or trauma, in the shortest possible time. It provides a roadmap of the body without invasive procedures.

Dr. Stefopolus knows first hand how vivid the vascular imaging is: "I got a CT scan right away, but because I needed a CT angiogram, which would show the location of the hemorrhage in more detail, I had to be transferred to Toronto. While I was recovering there, the doctors showed me my CT scan. It was unbelievable! The detail shows you the 3D picture of the brain's circulation. I could see my own blood vessels. It's quite amazing."

The theme of the Christmas Appeal is "good tidings we bring". Each letter includes a special ornament, shaped like an envelope, upon which donors may write get well wishes to patients. These ornaments are sent back to the hospital with our donors' gifts, and are hung on the Christmas trees in the main lobby for everyone to see and enjoy.

Erin Coons, Executive Director of the RMH Foundation, says the goal of the Christmas Appeal is to raise $140,000 to purchase the vascular CT module. "We're so pleased to have the support of both Dr. Franczyk and Dr. Stefopolus with this Appeal. Their stories are truly inspiring. With their help, and with the support of the community, we know we'll bring good tidings to people this holiday."

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