RVH's Keep Life Wild Radiothon seeks $125K boost for critical care expansion
The two-day Keep Life Wild Radiothon kicked off Thursday morning to support health care close to home.
Officials with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie said funds raised will go a long way at the hospital.
"We need to expand critical care. We have a wonderful ICU, but it is very old, and it is small. As we speak right now, it is completely full, and we are actually spread into other units to accommodate the critically ill patients so there is a definite need for a bigger modernized ICU," said Dr. Chris Martin, chief and medical director of critical care at RVH.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Martin said RVH is hoping to expand not only in size but also in scope by bringing additional programs to the region.
"Expanding our oncology program more, we would like to look at thoracics and other programs as well and in the potentially expanding trauma down the road. All of these programs will require a critical care backup as well as just our growing population," said Martin.
Brad Ross is a cardiac patient at RVH and said the centre saved his life after he suffered a heart attack.
"I was having what's called a widowmaker heart attack. When you're having one of those heart attacks, they say time is muscle, and the longer you wait, the greater the risk of you not surviving. Until just a couple of years ago, patients like me would have been transported to Southlake in Newmarket, and it was thanks to donors and people in the community raising money, fundraising and making donations to RVH," said Ross.
Pure Country 106 and Bounce 104.1 broadcast live at RVH throughout the day and shared with CTV News this year's Radiothon goal to raise $125,000.
"We've been receiving a lot of calls, a lot of donations, challenges as well going out to firefighters in Simcoe Muskoka, a lot of challenges. It's really heartening to know that people are willing to open up their wallets and their hearts, especially at this time of the year," said Carey Moran, Pure Country 106 morning show host.
Radio hosts from Pure Country and Bounce will be back broadcasting live Friday, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The overall campaign goal is to hit $100 million, and since that launch last fall, $30 million has already been raised.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.