Some local professional women whose children were born at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) have joined forces to raise funds for a new electronic fetal monitor at the hospital.
The 13 women — known as the PRHC Foundation Mombassadors — are co-chairs Erin Marshall (Isagenix International/ Full Tilt Cycle) and Sarah McDougall Perrin (Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry) and members Kate Ahrens (Flying Colours Corp), Jennifer Bissell (Beauty Bar), Marcy D’Alessandro (PVNCCDSB), Sarah Evans (RE/MAX), Nanzala Hopson (PVNCCDSB), Katie Johnston-Hawley (City of Peterborough), Missy Knott (Singer-songwriter), Jennifer Moher (Jennifer Moher Photography), Danielle Newall (Re-Newall Fitness), Grace Reynolds (Mortgage Agent), and Meaghan Roy (CHEX-TV).
The women formed the group to give thanks for the care they and their babies received at PRHC and to help improve care at the hospital for other new moms in the community.
VIDEO: Introducing the PRHC Foundation Mombassadors
When a woman comes to PRHC’s Labour & Delivery Unit to give birth, it’s critical for doctors and nurses to monitor the health of both the mother and her unborn baby. An electronic fetal monitor, which continually both records the heartbeat of the baby and the contractions of the mother’s uterus during labour, detects early signs of distress and how the baby is reacting to the contractions.
However, because the monitors are used so often — 1,572 babies were born last year at PRHC — and for prolonged periods, they eventually wear out and must be replaced. Each monitor costs many thousands of dollars and the government doesn’t provide funding to upgrade and acquire new technology.
For their first fundraising event, the PRHC Foundation Mombassadors are hosting “Girls Night Out”, a ladies-only evening of dancing, live and DJ entertainment, food, drinks, socializing, and more at ARIA (331 George St. N., Peterborough) on Thursday, May 10th — three days before Mother’s Day.
“By supporting the PRHC Foundation Mombassadors, you are doing more than just having a fun night out with the girls,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway. “You are doing your part to help save the lives of women and babies in your community.”
The age-of-majority event costs $50 for general admission (which includes a complimentary cocktail, hor d’oeuvres, and door prizes) or $100 for a VIP ticket (which also includes access to an exclusive VIP zone, a champagne toast, and additional food).
If you can’t make it to the event, you can also donate to the cause.
To purchase tickets or to make a donation, and for more information about the Mombassadors, visit www.prhcmombassadors.ca.
