Generous Gifts Enhance Surgical Screening for Cancer

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation (BUHF) and Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) are pleased to announce enhancement of the surgical program at Battlefords Union Hospital to aid primarily in the early diagnosis of cancer. The generosity of an area resident and a local couple have made the service expansion a reality.

Bern Franz of Meota has donated $100,000 through the BUH Foundation in memory of his wife Bertha who died from cancer in the fall of 2001. The donation was specifically to aid in the early detection of cancer.

An additional $10,000 was received from Al and Caren Baert of North Battleford, grand prize winners of the BUHF’s 2003 Cash Lottery. Shortly after accepting their prize, the Baerts gave a portion of their winnings back to the Foundation.

Both donations have been used to expand the Endoscopy Program at BUH. Endoscopy is a screening procedure for cancer, using either a gastroscope or colonoscope to visualize sections of the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopy has become the “gold standard” for early detection of cancer of the colon. Endoscopy is also beneficial in diagnosing the causes of heartburn, acid reflux and swallowing problems in the esophagus, as well as ulcers, tumors and polyps of the gastrointestinal tract.

BUHF Chairperson Al Gotto gratefully acknowledgd both contributions. “Mr. Franz has turned a personal loss into assistance for others who may be facing certain types of cancer. His generosity in honour of his wife provides greater hope to patients that early diagnosis and resulting treatment will bring positive results in their individual battles with illness, particularly cancer.”

Gotto added, “The ongoing support from Al and Caren Baert speaks volumes about their community spirit and commitment.”

Prairie North CEO David Fan said, “The Health Region and Hospital are also deeply grateful to Mr. Franz and The Baerts for their generous support. Enhancement of the Endoscopy Program will benefit greater numbers of patients for many years to come. Battlefords and area patients now have access to the latest innovative care without lengthy waiting periods or the need to travel to a larger center.”

The funding has been used to purchase a complete inventory of the equipment needed to conduct, view, and analyse the diagnostic tests. These include gastroscopes, colonoscopes, and a portable tower with the required monitor, processor, printer and camera. The portability of the equipment allows the procedures to be performed within the existing Operating Theatres, rather than in a dedicated endoscopy suite.

BUH Director of Acute Care Services Joan Chartier acknowledged the input of local surgeons and nursing staff in development of the initiative. “We thank them for their suggestions and support in helping bring this project to fruition,” Chartier said.

In the picture, left to right: Al and Caren Baert, donors, Al Gotto, BUH Foundation Chair, Cory Rogers, O.R. Technician, Bern Franz, donor, Joan Chartier, Director of Acute Care Services, BUH and, Jacquie Baynham, Nursing Unit Manager, O.R.