Positive Vibes, Positive Change
Published Saturday, August 10, 2024
Health Sciences Foundation Executive Coordinator, Laura Andricciola with her chocolate lab Harper.
Meet Laura Andricciola, Executive Coordinator at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Laura Andricciola is relatively new to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, but not the Hospital. After graduating from Western University in Kinesiology, she came home to Thunder Bay and started working in the Emergency Department. When COVID hit, Laura became a Care Partner Liaison between patients being treated in Emerge and their family when visitors were not allowed.
"It was a support role that helped families feel more connected to their loved ones," Laura said. "There was a lot of frustration for everyone during COVID – patients, families, and staff – but I'm glad I was there to help make a tough situation at least a little bit better."
That word "help" is key for Laura. She went into healthcare to help people, and realized she could effect more sweeping change on the administrative side rather than the clinical side. When Laura heard about the Executive Coordinator position at the Foundation, she jumped at the chance.
"Really, what I want to do most is make positive change for patients and their families," Laura said. "The Foundation influences a lot of those positive changes at the Hospital. With the Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw, the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign, and all the other fundraising efforts, we help bring the new equipment and fund the programs that improve patient care.
"Fundraising is a way to help others, but it's also a way to build your community. It's amazing how if we all give just a little bit, we can collectively make a huge difference."
"Executive Coordinator" doesn't even begin to cover what Laura brings to the Foundation. Although a large part of the position is assisting Foundation President Glenn Craig, her medical background and experience working in the Hospital are great assets for the whole team.
"The team here is great," Laura said. "The positivity is amazing. Everyone is so dedicated and focused on their goals. They work so hard, and are always willing to help out when needed."
Outside of the Foundation, Laura teaches a Pilates class three times a week at Ananda Studios. She also co-owns The Event Collective, providing weddings and other events with a wide range of rentals including chairs and couches, arches, cocktail towers, and custom backdrops.
Since August is the Foundation's Dogs Days of Summer, it's worth mentioning that Laura is a massive dog lover. She has a Chocolate Lab named Harper, who is glued to her side.
"Harper is my whole world," Laura said. "I've brought her to the Foundation office here a couple of times, and she livens everyone up."
It's another way she helps make a positive impact any way she can.