Moncton, November 25, 2023 - The emotion was strong Saturday morning during the special Tree of Hope campaign wrap-up broadcast in the Radio-Canada studios! And more precisely, at the stroke of noon, as the program came to an end.
Gilles Allain, CEO of the CHU Dumont Foundation, was emotional when he announced that the 2023 Tree of Hope campaign had raised $993,767 this year. “The public answered the call, despite a more difficult socio-economic context than in previous years. This outpouring of generosity is characteristic of our fellow citizens throughout our province. We are extremely grateful,” he said.
Nicole Savoie agreed to take on the role of ambassador of this year’s campaign to help her mother share her story. “The news of a cancer diagnosis is difficult to swallow, both for the person affected and for their loved ones. We're so fortunate in our province to be able to count on quality care, services and treatment, whether at the Dr-Léon-Richard Oncology Centre or at community oncology clinics in the regions. That's why it's so important to donate to the Tree of Hope.”
The funds raised will be used to equip the Dr-Léon-Richard Oncology Centre with a specialized stereotactic radiotherapy technique that targets brain tumours caused by cancers other than brain cancer. According to Dr. Linda LeBlanc, Head of Vitalité Health Network's Regional Oncology Department, some 100 patients come to the Oncology Centre with such diagnoses each year. “Thanks to the generosity of our precious donors, we will be able to treat these patients here at home, rather than having to transfer them elsewhere to access the technology,” explained Dr. LeBlanc.
The Tree of Hope: an exemplary mobilization
The success of a major campaign like this one is unequivocally linked to the commitment, willingness to help and mobilization of all our communities. Activities take place throughout the year, and the campaign culminates in November, when various fundraising events are organized throughout the province.
“It's impressive to see how committed everyone - young and old - is to the campaign,” continued Mr. Allain. “From the students in the various schools who collect considerable donations, to key volunteers in the regions who organize activity after activity, without tiring. If we could put a dollar amount on their selfless giving, it would undoubtedly be in the millions! Thank you to the students, volunteers, activity organizers, municipalities for their Tree of Hope illuminations, and all those I probably forgot to mention! Thanks to you and all our generous donors, patients at the Dr.-Léon-Richard Oncology Centre can continue to have hope,” concluded the CEO.
Since its inception in 1989, the Tree of Hope campaign has raised more than $34 million to help improve the comfort and care of cancer patients.
Although the campaign wrap-up has been held,
the CHU Dumont Foundation continues to collect donations:
dumontfoundation.ca or 1-800-862-6775
Quick facts and figures...
A year at the Vitalité Regional Oncology Department represents:
➢ 1,350 radiation oncology consultations
➢ 1,560 medical oncology and gyne-oncology consultations
➢ 11,000 chemotherapy treatments (at the Centre and in our community clinics)
➢ 23,000 radiotherapy treatments
➢ 2,000 patients and loved ones accommodated at the Mgr-Henri-Cormier Lodge
➢ 75,000 visits
For information or interview requests: Johanne Lise Landry, Director of Communications
johannelise.landry2@fondationdumont.ca or 506 543-5911