Brian Couchie, along with friends and family, hosted the Anita Couchie Memorial Charity Golf Tournament on September 11 at Highview Golf Course.
Generous sponsors, golfers and donors helped raise more than $28,000 supporting cancer care at North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
“On New Year’s Eve in 2013, my wife Anita, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma," explained Brian Couchie.
"It is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. It was painful. While fighting this disease, Anita never complained. The nurses and support staff in the Chemotherapy Unit did an excellent job of making it as pleasant as possible. I wanted to do this tournament in my great appreciation to the nurses and staff working in cancer care at North Bay Regional Health Centre."
Each year, more than 1,200 people in our area are diagnosed with cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. The journey for many patients is difficult and challenging. Our hospital has an important role in the care provided to patients with cancer. After Sudbury, we are home to the largest Chemotherapy Unit in northeast Ontario and provide more than 2,000 chemotherapy treatments each year.
NBRHC provides screening, diagnoses, treatment and support for patients with cancer, close to home. This included lab tests, MRIs or CT scans, Spect CT scans, surgery, pain management, rehabilitation and end-of-life care.
Anita’s sister Elaine Horne shared memories on behalf of her family. “There were twelve children in our family and Anita was the eighth. She was a big sister to the little ones and a little sister to the older siblings. She always made sure our family stayed connected and she brought us so much joy. She would be proud and grateful for the impact that this tournament will have.”
State-of-the-art medical equipment purchases to serve our community are possible through a partnership between the government, hospital and our community. Businesses, individuals, families and groups support our hospital in a variety of ways throughout the year, including monthly and memorial donations, gifts in Wills, corporate sponsorships and multi-year commitments fulfilled over time. Leadership and modest donations come together and are supporting exceptional healthcare, close to home.
