Spring is Springing with New Programs and Events
Published Sunday, March 30, 2025
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Spring is always a time for renewal. Here in Northwestern Ontario, it will be particularly sweet with new programs and events coming into bloom!
Of course, the biggest news is that the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be breaking ground for the new Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS) Program soon. Already, we're seeing trailers and equipment arriving on site, which makes the dream of cardiac surgery in Thunder Bay all the more real.
As I mentioned last month, our donors have really stepped up, donating over $20 million so far to bring specialized cardiovascular services like cardiac surgery to Thunder Bay! Too many of us have experienced the fears and challenges of travelling for healthcare including cardiac surgery. Once completed, most of the 700 patients from the region that are sent to southern Ontario for their operations every year will be treated right here in Thunder Bay.
Community support is crucial. The Government of Ontario provided funding to build the new CVS Program. However, we need to outfit that space with surgical and patient care equipment.
Another thing that's blooming this spring is a brand new Signature Event for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation: Chase the Case Charity Auction Showdown on Friday, May 30, 2025. After winding down our popular Bachelors of Hope Charity Auction, we wanted to find something equally exciting to replace it. Chase the Case is a game show format with 15 silver cases containing 15 fabulous prizes. Everyone will know what's in the cases, but not which cases they're in! The twist? Bid against other guests to be the first to choose.
I can't take any credit whatsoever for planning this new event – the incredible staff at the Health Sciences Foundation pulled this together – but I was intrigued from the moment I heard about it. Knowing them, it will be a dazzling evening. I've already got my tickets, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together. You can get your tickets for the very first Chase the Case at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/case
Also coming up in May: the annual pre-registration BBQ for the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad on May 10 at Gradner's Garage, 195 Frederica St E. All who register at the BBQ will be entered to win a $500 Westfort Village prize package. Find out more info at: ridefordadtbay.ca
Happy Spring, Everyone!
Dr. Stephen Adams