Paddles Up! Celebrating Dragon Flies' quest to conquer breast cancer

KIM COULTER, Communications Specialist RMH

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group founding member, Nancy Hanna, describes their group as women paddling in same direction to meet a collective goal: to create a sisterhood of support, for those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis, and to raise awareness and funds to give patients their best chance to beat breast cancer.

The Dragon Flies’ Diva Night event, on October 12th, showed their passion and effort is making a difference. The sold-out event, at the Victoria Park Armoury, featured guest speaker Dianne Robia, Breast Health Navigator at Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH), whose presentation included the signs to watch for and the many modalities which assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Dianne recognized the incredible work of the Dragon Flies and their impact on breast health care at the RMH, resulting in a standing ovation from the audience.

The Dragon Flies commitment to patient care will continue to touch lives throughout Kawartha Lakes and beyond. The Dragon Flies’ president, Jo-Anne Forson, and founding members, Barb Bain and Dr. Gail Payne presented donations of $10,000 to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation, Lakeridge Health Oshawa Foundation and Port Perry Hospital Foundation.

“Through their efforts, the Dragon Flies have helped the Hospital to acquire the best diagnostic technology and to become an Accredited Breast Assessment Centre with a High Risk Breast Screening program, affiliated with Cancer Care Ontario,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without your support.” With this gift, the Dragon Flies’ cumulative donations to the RMH Foundation total $420,300 and have helped to fund evolving diagnostic imaging technology, including: the community’s new MRI, 3D digital mammography, a sentinel node machine, a mammoviewer, breast imaging software and biopsy console, and an ultrasound machine.