ICCHA/Wish Fund 2019

Our Community Giving Back Have a HEART to GIVE, for a HEART to LIVE! ISSUE No. 02 | May 2019

Everyone has a story...

®RIH Foundation

Another Traumatic Journey p15

A Cardiac Care Unit at RIH: Making History p29

WHY WE NEED MORE FACILITIES AT OUR LOCAL HOSPITAL

THE ICCHA / WISH FUND IS ELEVATING CARDIAC CARE IN KAMLOOPS, BC

KAMLOOPS, BC

KAMLOOPS, BC

KAMLOOPS, BC

KAMLOOPS, BC

KAMLOOPS, BC

VERNON, BC

VERNON, BC

OSOYOOS, BC

HINTON, AB

EDMONTON, AB

EDMONTON, AB

PREMIER THE ICCHA/WISH FUND FUND PREMIERSPONSOR DONOROF FOR ICCHA/WISH @PHIHOTELGROUP

PHIHOTELGROUP.COM

Kamloops Honda is proud to continue our support of the ICCHA/Wish Fund and the valued work it does to enhance our hospital and our community.

We thank the volunteers that work so hard to make dreams a reality.

The SUV Family

KNOW NO LIMITS

Kamloops KAMLOOPSHONDA.CA

ICCHA/WISH FUND

Honourary Benefactors Donated $10,000+ since 2007 • Mr. Al & Mrs. Bina Patel Scott’s INN and Restaurant

• Mr. Bob Purohit Acadian Inn

• Mr. Anil & Mrs. Jyoti Parekh Lamplighter Motel

• Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Tanya Isfeld Speedy Cash

• Dr. Bas & Mrs. Shankaramma Gowd

• Mr. Ron Mundi Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre

• Dr. Krishna Parghi • Mr. Charan Rai & Ms. Lucky Gill PHI Hotel Group • Mr. Brad Lincoln Capri CMW • Mr. Grayden & Mrs. Sangita Flanagan SUBWAY Restaurants • Mr. Hasmukh & Mrs. Sangita Parekh Rider’s Motor Inn • Mr. John & Mrs. Stephanie Hampel Best Western Plus

• Mr. Jim Oakley & Mrs. Sherry Blanchard Kamloops HONDA • Mrs. Rae Nixon • Mrs. Eleanor Thompson • Mr. Roger Dhesa & Mr. Trevor Dhesa Tournament INN & Motel 6

• Tourism Kamloops •W ayne Marshall Interior Plumbing & Heating • Valley First, a div of First West Credit Union • Mr. Bob Rishiraj Kamloops Oral Surgery & Implant Centre •C ascades Casino •M r. & Mrs. Sid Kandola C ity Furniture & Appliances Ashley Furniture Home Store •K amloops Hindu Cultural Society

• Dr. Russell & Mrs. Amrita Ebata Ebata Eye Care Optometry • Dr. Archie E. & Mrs. E. Jane Dempster

Congratulations to Al Patel and everyone involved with the ICCHA/Wish Fund for 11 years of hard work for our community.

At Bridgeport Floors, it’s more than quality flooring, it’s about building relationships.

1216A Battle Street Kamloops, BC 250-374-7144 • bridgeportfloors.com 4

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

Contents PUBLISHED BY

Kamloops This Week PRODUCTION TEAM

Amrita Ebata Ray Jolicoeur Lee Malbeuf CONTACT

ICCHA/Wish Fund c/o RIH Foundation 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops BC V2C 2TI www.iwishfund.com iwishfund@gmail.com Al Patel 250.319.2074

AL PATEL’S JOURNEY OF GIVING BACK .

IN-KIND GALA DONORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MLAS

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MESSAGE FROM MAYOR KEN CHRISTIAN .

MESSAGE FROM MP CATHY MCLEOD .

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MESSAGE FROM MLA ANDREW WEAVER .

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BRAD VAN GOOR - KAMLOOPS NEEDS MORE CARDIAC CARE 13 DAN BADER - ANOTHER TRAUMATIC JOURNEY .

KAMLOOPS ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION SPONSORS .

EDUCATION ROOM .

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NEW HEART MONITORS .

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OVERBED WARMERS FOR NICU .

COMPASSIONATE ROOM

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PORTABLE X-RAY MACHINE .

COLONOSCOPY EQUIPMENT .

LITHOTRIPTOR MACHINE .

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LYONS LANDSCAPING SUPPORTS ICCHA/WISH .

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ELECTROMYOGRAPHY MACHINE .

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PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE MEDIA SPONSORS .

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A CARDIAC CARE UNIT AT RIH: MAKING HISTORY .

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Our Community Giving Back MISSION: “ICCHA” MEANS “WISH”. The ICCHA/Wish Fund was established in 2007 at the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in Kamloops.

“When someone is sick in the hospital, we wish them well but that is not good enough. WE HAVE TO DO MORE! A wish for a healthy community can come true by businesses and individuals giving something back for the benefit of all who rely on Royal Inland Hospital.”

- Al Patel, Founder

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

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ICCHA/WISH FUND

THANK YOU for giving back!

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CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

OUR HEARTS BLEED the ICCHA/Wish Fund story

B

orn in Fiji, little did I know where my destiny would take me. Of all the places. I landed in Vancouver in 1968 where my united family made a living in business and like many others, lost everything in the recession of the 80's.

In 1989, Kamloops gave my family a breath of fresh air when we bought Scott's INN & Restaurant. Over the years, coronary heart disease took the life of my mom and dad in Kamloops, my eldest brother in Vancouver and sister in Vernon.

With such losses, priorities began to change. Thus, began the vision of "Giving Back to our Community" in 2007 when my friends Anil Parekh, Dr. Bas Gowd, Hasmukh Parekh and Bob Purohit each invested $10,000 to form the ICCHA/ Wish Fund. We first raised $75,000 to establish the Education Room for cancer patients with the Royal Inland Hospital.

With our donation, we were able to spare them the journey to Kelowna or Vancouver because they were able to discuss their treatments at RIH. For political reasons, both the HEART CENTER and CANCER CENTER were awarded to Kelowna putting a huge stress to healthcare at RIH. Ever since, our community has consistently raised money for our healthcare needs while Kelowna gets a free hand. WHY? Our tax dollars need to stay in our community which RIH serves!

Since inception, the ICCHA/Wish Fund and its supporters have raised over $1.2 million dollars for services and equipment which Interior Health Authority should have provided. We provided the first Lithotripsy equipment to crush kidney stones in the interior of BC. This allowed treatment for urinary

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

(kidney) stones to be performed locally and avoided major surgical procedures, long hospital stays and a journey to Vancouver.

Currently, cardiac patients are being monitored for several days at RIH before they are transferred by ambulance to Kelowna for diagnostics because we do not have a Cath Lab. Many are treated for blockages, few are referred for surgeries while others return to be treated with medications. I have listened to so many patients regarding their traumatic journey to Kelowna and their families following them in brutal winter conditions adds danger to their own lives also. We have been petitioning the government and Interior Health Authority for the past two years to give our hospital a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) with a Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab).

We are thankful to the government and IH that has granted the CCU where cardiac patients will be cared for in one location monitored 24/7 by the state of the art Exprezzon monitors donated by the ICCHA/Wish Fund. However, these cardiac patients will still need to be transported to Kelowna in amblances or in serious cases flown to Vancouver for treatment.

In a recent meeting, we learned that almost 1,000 cardiac patients each year from our region had angiogram/ angioplasty procedures done at Kelowna General Hospital(KGH). Their Foundation is already raising money for KGH’s third Cath Lab while we don’t even have one. It is insane to have seven cardiologists in Kamloops monitor our cardiac patients, waiting for them to be transported in a life and death journey.

With the statistics in own favour, the time is now for RIH to have a Cath Lab because our lives also matter. We need it and we are ready for it!

Our goal is to raise $1 million dollars or more to stop the heartbreaking journey for cardiac patients and their families. We urge you all to sign the petition on our website: iwishfund.com and donate to improve cardiac care at our very own hospital.

Thank you for your support and believing in all the WISHES which we made come true.

Al Patel

Founder of ICCHA/Wish Fund

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

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ICCHA/WISH FUND

Thank You to our In-Kind Gala Donors See the full list of event donors at iwishfund.com Stan Bailly DJ Services

Jerry D’Souza The Grocery PeopleSTATION PUB M C C RACKEN

Musician

K amloops BC

1626 Valleyview D rive

Clinton W. Gray

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Rachel Campbell Photography

Mc C

Canada’s Comedy Conjurer

V a ll

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Brandon Olds & Tim Unaegbu Videographer

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

A message from the MLAs

To the Members and Supporters of the ICCHA/Wish Fund As MLAs for Kamloops - North Thompson and Kamloops - South Thompson, it gives us great pleasure to offer support for a catheterization laboratory at Royal Inland Hospital here in Kamloops. We acknowledge the work that ICCHA/Wish has done with fundraising and awareness, and wholeheartedly lend our voices to help you achieve this goal.

Kamloops is a rapidly growing population center, and sending patients on a traumatic journey to Kelowna for cardiac care is simply unacceptable. Cardiac care availability in Kamloops would ensure better cardiac patient health across a larger area of the Province, and potentially save many lives in the process.

On behalf of our constituents, thank you for all the work you have done and we hope that a catheterization lab - and better cardiac health access - is soon realized in our community.

Sincerely,

Todd G. Stone

Peter Milobar

MLA, Kamloops - South Thompson Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs

MLA, Kamloops - North Thompson Opposition Critic for Environment

Kamloops - South Thompson Constituency Office 446 Victoria Street Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2A7 T 250.374.2880 I F 250.377.3448

Kamloops - North Thompson Constituency Office 618B Tranquille Road Kamloops, B.C. V2B 3H6 T 250-554-5413 I F 250-554-5417

Proud Sponsor of ICCHA/Wish Fund

Proud sponsor of Iccha/Wish Fund

Kamloops • New Westminster • Prince George

www.fidelity.ca

888-614-5786 • eliteimmigration.ca

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

9

As lifelong residents of Kamloops, we know first-hand how much growth and change our As lifelongcity residents of through Kamloops, we last know first-hand much and change beautiful has gone in the twenty years.how With thegrowth population reachingour beautiful city has gone the last twentyhave years.

With the population reaching close to six figures, the through demandsinon our hospital increased substantially.

The doctors, close toand six staff figures, the demands on our hospital increased substantially. doctors, nurses at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) dohave a phenomenal job at helping The improve the nurses staff at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) do a as phenomenal jobthe at patients helping improve lives ofand the patients who seek their care. However, the needs of grow, sothe do lives of theofpatients who seek their care. However, as the needs of the patients grow, so do the needs the hospital.

As lifelong residents of Kamloops, we know first-hand how much growth and change our the needs of the beautiful cityhospital. has gone through in the last twenty years. With the population reaching Havingclose a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit with a Catheterization Lab at RIH that provide to six figures, the demands on our hospital have increased substantially.

The can doctors, nurses andfor staff atresidents Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) do asurrounding phenomenal Lab job at improve the Having a dedicated Cardiac CareofUnit with a Catheterization athelping RIH that provide full scope care the Kamloops and area, should becan a priority for lives of the patients who seek their care.

However, as the needs of the patients grow, so do full scope care for the of Kamloops surrounding area,including should beheart a priority for everyone.

Without it, residents patients suffering fromand acute cardiac issues, attacks, the needs of the hospital. everyone. sufferingtofrom acuteor cardiac issues,which including heart will have to Without continueit,topatients be transported Kelowna Vancouver, is not onlyattacks, an will have to continue be transported Kelowna or Vancouver, which is notand only an inconvenience, but it to creates a financialto and emotional burden on the patient their Having a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit with a Catheterization Lab at RIH that can provide inconvenience, but it people creates a financial andat emotional on the patient and their families. of the who seek care RIH haveburden already traveled smaller fullMany scope care for the residents of Kamloops and surrounding area, should befrom a priority for families.

Many We of the people whosuffering seek care at acute RIH have fromattacks, smaller communities. deserve better, we deserve more andalready now istraveled the time. everyone.

Without it, patients from cardiac issues, including heart communities. deserve better, we deserve more and now iswhich the time. will have We to continue to be transported to Kelowna or Vancouver, is not only an inconvenience, it creates a financial and emotional on the patient andcare theirat Royal We fully support thebut ICCHA/Wish Fund and its quest burden for improved cardiac families.

Many of ICCHA/Wish the people who dollars seek care RIH haveto already traveled from smaller We fully support the Fund and quest for improved cardiac care atitRoyal Inland Hospital.

Knowing that our goatits directly cardiac equipment makes that communities. We deserve better, we deserve more and now is the time.

Inlandeasier Hospital.

Knowing that our dollars gocause. directly cardiac makes it that much to contribute to this incredible Wetoare proudequipment of where we live and much easier contribute to this incredible cause.

We proudcardiac of where live and proud to be atopart of ICCHA/Wish Fund’s 2019 / 2020 campaign.

We fully support the ICCHA/Wish Fund and its quest forare improved carewe at Royal proud Inland to be Hospital. a part of Knowing ICCHA/Wish Fund’s / 2020 campaign. that our dollars2019 go directly to cardiac equipment makes it that

THE HEART OF THE CITY

much easier to contribute to this incredible cause. We are proud of where we live and proud to be a part of ICCHA/Wish Fund’s 2019 / 2020 campaign.

Dr. Russell Ebata & Dr. Russell Ebata & Mrs. Amrita Ebata Amrita Ebata Dr.Mrs. Russell Ebata & Mrs. Amrita Ebata

www.ebataeyecare.com www.ebataeyecare.com www.ebataeyecare.com

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

A message from Mayor Ken Christian As Mayor of Kamloops, I thank you for your contributions to the ICCHA/Wish Fund. Al Patel is a passionate supporter of our hospital and works tirelessly to ensure our staff and patients have the best in equipment available to perform increasingly more complex diagnostics procedures and treatments.

With the fast pace of innovation and improvement, it is critical that we have people like Al that help us ensure the best available technology is there for Kamloops and area residents when we need it.

With the new $417M Patient Care Tower under construction, we will need an even greater commitment to ensure that, when it opens in 2022, we have equipped it with the best. Now, more than ever, your contributions are greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Ken Christian Mayor-City of Kamloops

A message from MP Cathy Mcleod As the Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, I would like to extend my full support for a catheterization laboratory at Royal Inland Hospital.

Over the last twelve years, I have observed ICCHA/Wish Fund successfully fundraise for two heart monitors for the post-anesthetic recovery room, over-bed warmers for the neonatal ICU, a compassionate care room for families with loved ones in critical care, a portable X-ray machine for immobile patients, colonoscopy equipment, cardiac care equipment and more.

This year, the ICCHA/Wish Fund has set the ambitious goal of a $1,000,000 for state-of-theart cardiac care equipment, which would allow for advanced care for patients in Kamloops who presently have to be transported by ambulance or flown to Kelowna or Vancouver for treatment.

This is a worthy and important fundraising project to improve health care in Kamloops.

I have known Al Patel, founder of the ICCHA/Wish Fund many years. He not only has a passion for improving health care in the city, but for Kamloops itself as a successful local businessman.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Cathy Mcleod MP Kamloops -Thompson-Cariboo

Kamloops Office 6 - 275 Seymour St. Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7 T 250-851-4991 | F 250-851-4994 Toll Free: 1-877-6 I 9-3332

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.�

Mrs. Dawn Ebata Dr. Eugene Ebata The Late Mrs. Patricia Ebata EVENT DONORS & PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE ICCHA / WISH FUND

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ICCHA/WISH FUND

Proud to support the

ICCHA/Wish Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bal Kamloops, BC

Proud Gold Sponsors of the

ICCHA/Wish Fund

Charles and Saroj Kosmadia

Custom Closets and Shelving Systems Since 1989 www.imaginetheroom.ca

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A message from MLA Dr. Andrew Weaver

I

am delighted to congratulate the ICCHA/Wish Fund for raising over $690,000 in 2018 to establish the first Cardiac Care Unit in the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC! Thank you for your tireless commitment to this importance cause. The community of Kamloops is very fortunate to have the ICCHA/Wish Fund and all of their dedicated, hardworking leaders.

In particular, I would like to recognize and thank the amazing donors for their dedication to the helping ICCHA/ Wish Fund reach their fundraising goals over the years. In 2019 the ICCHA/Wish Fund is looking raise funds to provide additional equipment for the Royal Inland Hospital. Without the unwavering support from donors, this would not be possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Weaver MLA, Oak Bay-Gordon Head

CHARITY GOLF May 30 | Shotgun start 1:00 pm Mt. Paul Golf Course

Scramble in support of the ICCHA Wish Fund – Royal Inland Hospital Foundation – Cardiac Care.

For full details, prizing and sponsors please visit: kamloopsnetworking.com

BRAD VAN GOOR

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

Kamloops needs more Cardiac Care

L

ast spring I noticed that I was having pain in my left arm and shoulder. I thought I had a tight muscle in the back of my shoulder and that it would eventually loosen up. It would get worse when I did anything physical.

I was playing squash and going for walks and the pain in my arm would be quite severe. I was also experiencing shortness of breath along with the pain which I attributed to age. I finally got to a point where I couldn’t even go for a short walk without pain and and shortness of breath so I made a doctor’s appointment.

The doctor said it sounded like classic angina and scheduled me some stress tests at RIH. The results

were a false positive and so I was scheduled to go to KGH in Kelowna for an angiogram.

On July 30, my wife and I drove to Kelowna and stayed overnight for an 8 am angiogram appointment. We then had to stay another night because you are not allowed to be more than a 100 kilometres from the hospital for 24 hours after your angiogram. It was determined that I was going to need bypass surgery and we would schedule that in a few weeks.

We went home and five days later I admitted myself to RIH emergency ward as I was having a heart attack, I stayed there for three days until KGH was able to take me. I was transported to Kelowna by ambulance and had open heart

bypass surgery two days later. I stayed at KGH for 4 days before I returned home to Kamloops.

We have five children and making the arrangements to go to Kelowna and spend the time away from our family was a lot of added stress that is not necessary for anyone living in the Kamloops area when we could easily have the facility for angiograms and stents right here at RIH. The staff and doctors at both hospitals were wonderful. The facility at Kelowna was first class. I believe we have six cardiologists in Kamloops who can’t do procedures that they were trained to do.

It would be a shame to lose these specialists to other hospitals because they can’t do angiograms or insert stents here.

BC Interior’s Newest Ashley Store CELEBRATING OUR GRAND OPENING

Gold Sponsor of the ICCHA/Wish Fund 250-372-7000

Visit us online at www.stores.ashleyfurniture.com

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

Ashley HomeStore Kamloops, BC 1663 Trans-Canada HWY E Frontage Road, Monday - Wednesday & Saturday 9-6pm Thursday-Friday 9-9pm • Sunday 11-5pm

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ICCHA/WISH FUND

PROUD BRONZE SPONSOR 600-175 Second Avenue Kamloops, BC, V2C 5W1 Phone: 250-372-1221 • Toll-Free: 1-800-558-1933 • Fax: 250-372-8339 E-mail: info@zakanddeckerlaw.com

WATSON & HAINES

Barristers & Solicitors - Notary Public Proud Bronze Sponsor ICCHA/Wish Fund #103 - 206 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2E5 Ph: 250-372-8803; Fax: 250-372-8004 Email: contact@watsonhaines.ca

Bronze Sponsor 3700 32nd Street Vernon, BC 250-545-0501

Mr. Pravin & Mrs. Gita Patel

Proud Sponsor of the ICCHA/Wish Fund www.silverstarmotel.com

Proud Supporter of the

ICCHA/Wish

FOUNDATION

735 LAVAL CRESCENT, Kamloops BC kamloops@windsorplywood.com PH: 250.372.7797 • TOLL FREE: 1.800.656.6693 WWW.WINDSORPLYWOOD.COM/KAMLOOPS

Proud to be a Bronze Sponsor

www.kamicountertops.ca

250-374-2253

bettercallchahal.com

1390 Hillside Dr | 778-471-3233 reception@bettercallchahal.com

#104 925 Laval Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2C 5P4

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Sat 9:00am - 12:00pm Closed Sunday

Proud Supporter of the

ICCHA/Wish Fund Bronze Sponsor of the ICCHA/Wish Fund Congratulations on your 11 year anniversary 555 Columbia St W, Kamloops, BC V2C 1K7 P: 250-374-0358 | ramadakamloops.com 14

www.danscollisioncentre.ca 1335 Dalhousie Drive | 250-374-2523

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

DAN BADER Another Traumatic Journey O n Dec 19, 2017 I sustained a heart attack while shoveling snow. I immediately took 4 81mg aspirin as prescribed by the 911 operator.

First responders arrived quickly and I was ambulanced to RIH Emergency. Upon arriving, I was quickly attended to for diagnostic confirmation of the heart attack.

I was told that the blood work confirmed that I had sustained a minor heart attack and that I would be admitted to hospital to be seen by one of our cardiologists. The next morning I was seen by a cardiologist at RIH who performed an ultrasound of my heart. The heart was functioning well, but the cardiologist decided I needed to be sent to Kelowna for further diagnostics (an angiogram), which could not be performed in Kamloops.

Hearing that I was going be moved to another city and hospital only added to my anxiety. I remained in RIH for two more days wondering if I would sustain another heart attack as I worried about having to leave for Kelowna because further diagnostic testing was not available in Kamloops. Remaining two days, I was informed by RIH medical staff that an ambulance would be taking me to Kelowna on Friday, Dec 22 for a day trip to perform the angiogram.

I grew concerned as I was to leave at around 9 am but it was now 12:30 pm and still no ambulance available. I questioned the nurse about leaving so late in order to meet the appointment in Kelowna, as well as to return to Kamloops the same evening. She said that it should be fine and told me not to “Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

take any of my belongings with me as I would be returned to RIH that same night. I became more anxious as the ambulance left Kamloops late, around 1 pm only to find out that they were going to Kelowna via Merritt and the Okanagan Connector. Further delaying my transport were the snowy wintery conditions on the Coquihalla Highway and I questioned why we were going to Kelowna via Merritt versus the shorter route Highway 97 via Vernon? The reason was they needed to offload me at Merritt Hospital as I was to be moved to a different ambulance. Again, this only added to my stress and anxiety as my transport was further delayed and disrupted with a change of ambulance. It was now after 3 pm as we approached West Kelowna where I was told by the on board paramedic, that after speaking to KGH, I had missed my Angiogram test and that I would now be admitted to KGH. That is when I really started to panic.

Upon arrival at KGH I was admitted to the cardiac ward without any belongings except my cell phone. I called RIH and they told me that my belongings could be retrieved there and that I was now a patient of KGH. The stress of being in a strange city and hospital without support of family and friends and no belongings made me even more anxious. Further news I was told the Catheter Lab would not reopen until Dec 27 five days later only added to my stress. The next morning Dec. 23, they decided they needed to open the Catheter Lab in order to perform my Angiogram. Upon

diagnostic I was told that I had what is known as “the widow maker” whereby my left main artery had 3 major blockages of 90% and that I needed immediate bypass surgery which subsequently took place on Boxing Day, Dec 26.

With Kamloops not having the diagnostic lab here, I had to endure an ordeal that could have very well led to a subsequent heart attack and possible death. Having being told of the diagnostic result, being in a strange city without any family support, and spending Christmas all alone at KGH, was an experience I would not wish on any person or family member. I am grateful for the outcome and for the care and support of KGH, but sure wished I could have had the opportunity to receive the same services here in Kamloops where I could have the familiarity and support of loved ones.

RIH is a great hospital but it could be even better with more diagnostic tools such as a catheter lab here which could diagnose, treat and potentially save lives. I am a firm supporter of the campaign ICCHA/ Wish Fund and would implore the political powers to seriously look at improving RIH with further cardiac services including a catheter lab.

We now have cardiologists here in Kamloops but we need to equip them to do their jobs that they are trained for so I would ask that the Government and Interior Health Authority officials move forward to fund and provide these very necessary services here in Kamloops that will undoubtedly save lives!

Thank you for hearing my personal story.

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ICCHA/WISH FUND

KAMLOOPS ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION DONORS The following Hotels donate $5 per room sold for one night during the May long weekend • Acadian Inn • Accent Inns • Alpine Motel • Best Western Plus • Budget Inn & Suites • Canada’s Best Value Inn • Comfort Inn • Country View Motor Inn • Double Tree By Hilton • Econolodge Inn & Suites • Fairfield Inn & Suites • Fortune Motel • Four Points By Sheraton • Grandview Motel • Hampton Inn

• Holiday Inn & Suites • Hospitality Inn • Hotel 540 • Howard Johnson • Kamloops Coast Hotel & Conference Centre • Kings Motor Inn • Lamplighter Motel • Pacific Host Inn & Suites • Panorama Inn • Parkview Inn and Suites • Plaza Heritage Hotel • Quality Inn • Ramada Inn • Ranchland Motel

Proud Silver Sponsor

Harvey Comazzetto

201F-1180 COLUMBIA ST. W 250-851-8206 16

• Rider’s Motor Inn • Riverland Inn & Suites • Sandman Inn & Suites • Sandman Signature • Scott’s Inn & Restaurant • South Thompson Inn • Star Lodge Sahali • Super 8 Motels • The Thompson Hotel • Tournament Inn • Trans Canada Motel • Travelodge Mountview • Wingate by Wyndham

“WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!” SINCE 1979 198 West Victoria Street • 250-374-3848

Open Monday to Saturday & holidays 9am - 6pm & Sunday 12 - 5 pm

Proud Sponsors of the

ICCHA/Wish Fund Congratulations on 11 years from all the staff at Stereo Warehouse & Sisters Sleep Gallery

250-377-3818

198 West Victoria Street (Next To Stereo Warehouse) Kamloops, BC

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

EDUCATION ROOM RIH Cancer Clinic by the ICCHA/Wish Fund

T

he education room at the Kamloops Cancer Clinic continues to be a major benefit for patients, family members and staff since its construction over a decade ago.

Offering a bright spacious area for learning opportunities, group teaching for new patients, staff education on new medications and procedures and connecting with oncology resources through telehealth, the education room has been a valuable

tool in the care of cancer patients at RIH. It is also a place where physicians can meet with patients and families for confidential discussions on their oncology care.

Recently a Wig Bank was also added to the space making it a truly versatile resource for cancer care in our community. We are extremely grateful to the ICCHA/Wish Fund for providing such an accommodating space in our clinic.

LET’S GET THIS DONE! This is our HOSPITAL This is our COMMUNITY

Kamloops “Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

17

ICCHA/WISH FUND

TWO NEW HEART MONITORS Donated by the ICCHA/Wish Fund

E

very patient in the post anesthetic recovery has their cardiac and respiratory status monitored closely following surgery as there is a potential for change.

Both children and the elderly are included in this monitoring.

These monitors are an essential part of excellent post-operative care for patients and continue to provide essential data required to closely monitor patient’s condition post operatively and we could not do our work without them.

Dr. Bas Gowd, Anil Parekh, Al Patel (Founder ICCHA/Wish Fund), Donna Martin (Program Leader PAR), Bob Purohit, Hasmukh Parekh

Kamloops Oral Surgery & Implant Centre

We proudly support the ICCHA/Wish Fund!

HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • FINANCIAL SERVICES

See us for:

• Wisdom Teeth Extractions • Dental Implants • I.V. Sedation • Difficult Extractions • Botox • Cosmetic Fillers Dr. Bob Rishiraj, BSc, DDs, MDent, FRCD(C) Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Suite 204 - 474 Columbia St. www.kamloopsoralsurgery.com

18

Tel: (250) 434-8350 Toll Free: 1-866-823-6324

1-800-899-3093

www.westlandinsurance.ca

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

OVERBED WARMERS FOR NICU

A

pproximately 1,200 newborns are delivered at RIH every year.

Families can rest assured that the care and support they might need for a premature or ill newborn is always available from the caring staff in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The highly-trained NICU staff care for babies as young as 30 weeks (born 10 weeks before their due date).

Premature babies sometimes require very close monitoring with specialized equipment. The overhead warmers purchased

by ICCHA/Wish have been used extensively for neonates in both the NICU and in the labour and delivery setting.

They allow us to preserve

warmth while being able to carefully assess, observe and, when necessary, treat newborns who may present with a medical complication.

This is essential for neonates who can not easily maintain a normal temperature and, when cold, can incur more medical distress or complicate what is already going on. They are the first stop certainly for a newborn who isn’t transitioning in a healthy state from birth and also is a stop for nearly all newborns to have a thorough initial exam after skin-toskin contact with mom. We wholeheartedly appreciate the gift of these warmers for our tiniest population!

Thank you from the NICU!

Gold Sponsor of the ICCHA/Wish Fund

Congratulations on 11 years service to our community 1683 TRANS CANADA HWY EAST, KAMLOOPS BC 778-471-4771 Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10-6pm Friday 10-7pm • Sunday 11-5pm

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

250-372-7999

Visit us online at www.cityfurniturecanada.com

CITY FURNITURE & APPLIANCES LTD. 1350 HILLSIDE DRIVE, KAMLOOPS BC

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 9-6pm Thursday & Friday 9-9pm • Sunday 11-5pm

19

ICCHA/WISH FUND

COMPASSIONATE ROOM For families with loved ones in critical care

T

he ICU compassionate room is one that is incredibly important. It is really the only private space away from their loved ones room to give them space to connect, reflect and process what is happening to the people they care about. It gives families a private space to connect, grieve & discuss potential plans for the care of their loved ones.

Recently, all the furniture in the ICU waiting room and Compassionate Room was upgraded. The furniture was roughly 9 years old and was in disrepair. This update will make yet another big impact to our department and the families who visit.

The Gill Family are proud to support the

ICCHA/Wish Fund

176 Comazzetto Road

1775 E. Trans Canada Hwy.

Kamloops, BC V2C 6L6

Kamloops, BC V2C 3Z6

(E. Trans Can. Hwy.)

20

(E. Trans Can. Hwy.)

Ph: 250.374.7222 Fax: 250.374.7264 TF: 1.800.213.6673

Ph: 250.372.2800 Fax: 250.372.9466 TF: 1.800.661.6630

www.countryviewmotorinn.com

www.kingsmotorinn.ca

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

PORTABLE X-RAY MACHINE Donated by the ICCHA/Wish Fund

Crucial for immobile patients at RIH

T

he Medical Imaging department has been so thankful for their new Siemens portable x-ray machine. Since May of 2018 they have performed 1,100 portable x-rays with this machine allowing very sick patients to remain in their beds while they perform the x-ray. This machine is used for imaging patients in the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency department and on the wards from the very young to the very old.

The next step to make full use of the capabilities of this unit is to locate funding to purchase a digital imaging plate.

This digital plate will automatically send the x-ray image to the hospital computer system immediately after the image is taken so that the physicians can access it within seconds.

Original Taste of India

SPONSORED EVENT FOR THE

ICCHA/WISH FUND

Original Indian Cuisine

Your hosts Bhagwant and Sukhwinder Sawa EAST INDIAN FOOD

2011, 2012, 2014 2015, 2016, 2017

2018

DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & ONLINE ORDERING #1-700 Tranquille Road, Kamloops • 250.376.4444 Lunch Buffet & a la Carte: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-2pm Dinner: a la Carte • Tues-Sat 4:30pm-9:30pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm

WWW.SPICEKAMLOOPS.COM

Live, rest and play.

PRO-AM

Dr. M. Nicol Dr. N. Carrigan

Dr. S. Nicol Dr. C. von Westarp

Dr. E. Buist Dr. A. Mercier

945 Lorne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 1X1 Tel. 250-372-7781 (Day or Night) • Fax. 250-372-7092 www.riversidesmallanimalhospital.ca

Proud Donors of the ICCHA/Wish Fund “Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

Golf TOURNAMENT August 17-18, 2019

www.tobianogolf.com | 250-434-7373 8 Holloway Dr., Kamloops, BC V1S 0B3 21

ICCHA/WISH FUND

ICCHA/Wish provides

ESSENTIAL NEW COLONOSCOPY EQUIPMENT

D

id you know that colorectal cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer and cause of death? But the good news is, it is easily detectable thanks to ICCHA/Wish Fund donors who purchased a colonoscope for the ACU (Ambulatory Care Unit), and when found early, it is highly treatable.

Every year at RIH, thousands of patients are seen through the endoscopy procedural area and this equipment aids in the monitoring, diagnosis and

follow-up care of a patient with bowel disease. Physicians can take samples with the scope and mark exact areas of cancer which can ultimately lead to less invasive surgery for the patient. The colonoscope is also used for patients suffering from conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and Colitis.

These types of scopes are also used as part of the BC colon cancer-screening program, which aids in detection and/or intermittent screening for bowel cancer.

We are proud to be Bronze Sponsors of the ICCHA/Wish Fund

Your household name in real estate

LINDA TURNER

Congratulations on your 11 year anniversary President Jasvir Singh Grewal

Kamloops Gurudwara Sahib Society 1345 Ord Rd, Kamloops, BC

(250) 554-3871

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Real Estate (Kamloops)

250-374-3331 linda_turner@telus.net www.lindaturner.bc.ca

LINDA TURNER

Real Estate Agent

22

KRISTY JANOTA Proud Supporter of Children’s Miracle Network

Buyer’s Agent

PROUD BRONZE SPONSOR ICCHA/ WISH FUND SIKH CULTURAL SOCIETY

700 Cambridge Crescent, Kamloops, BC • 250-376-1454

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

LYONS LANDSCAPING SUPPORTS ICCHA/WISH

A

s I share some more of my journey this morning I reflect back to the beginning about 15 months ago. I began Jan. 6 playing men’s league basketball that evening at TRU gymnasium. I don’t remember leaving that evening. I do remember waking up at RIH in the emergency room. This memory will always be with me. It actually makes me choke up each time I recall it as it brings back how thankful I am to have so many amazing people around myself and our great community.

From the life guards at the gym, the paramedics, Kamloops Fire and Rescue, my teammates on the basketball court, the emergency room nurses and doctors and all the other support workers. We are truly blessed here in Kamloops.

I write this today because part of my journey is sharing my story in hopes

that you will make the positive changes necessary to lead a healthy and happy life for you and your loved ones around you. To go get that exercise your body and soul very much need. It helps clear the mind and get your blood flowing.

A healthy diet based on eating cleaner.

Removing things in your life that do not serve you, cause you stress and anxiety.

Just these three things can make the most positive impact to you and as well to all of your loved ones around you.

You will have healthier relationships that you will crave and enjoy so much more and an appreciation for what is important.

The other part of my journey has been to help fundraise, bring awareness and improve Cardiac Care in Kamloops by helping the ICCHA/Wish Fund. My wish, is for less people and families

to have to go through the journey I had to. Multiple ambulance rides on the ground and one in the air, three different hospitals with multiple nights stay in other cities, disrupting my family and just not knowing what is going to happen next. The costs of all of this on both our health care system and us personally, and finally the stress of travel and not knowing.

RIH is a great hospital with an amazing group of people who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

I am here in part today because of them. I write today as it’s our turn to support them. As a community we need to support these great fundraising initiatives and people running them.

“Have a Heart to Give, For a Heart to Live.”

- Colin Lyons

Thanks Al Patel & everyone at

Iccha-Wish fund for your tremendous effort and passion for the betterment of our community and Royal Inland Hospital.

PROUD GOLD SPONSOR 271 Salish Rd, Kamloops, BC, V2H 6H3 250-374-6942 lyonslandscaping.com “Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

23

ICCHA/WISH FUND

LITHOTRIPTOR MACHINE HELPS DOCTOR REMOVE KIDNEY STONES EFFICIENTLY

T

he lithotripsy equipment purchased by ICCHA/Wish to perform ‘percutaneous nephrolithotomy’ surgery has allowed more patients to be treated in Kamloops instead of travelling to Vancouver.

These surgeries require an overnight stay in hospital, which

puts a strain on families when patients had to travel to Vancouver.

We now perform almost all these surgeries in Kamloops. This surgery is ideal for patients with large kidney stones measuring two centimeters or greater in size. The equipment provided allows us to dilate a pathway

Proud Supporter of the

ICCHA Wish Fund art he ive A og t

Ah to Leart ive

Why go anywhere else?

®

24

®

®

4 - 1413 MCGILL ROAD, K AMLOOPS, BC V2C 6K7 T. 250.372.1055 | TF. 877.372.1055 | noranprinting.ca

directly from the skin into the kidney where the kidney stones can be fragmented. The subsequent fragments can then be removed with a probe that works similar to a vacuum (removing the fragments with suction).

Over the past three years, the number of cases being performed in Kamloops is steadily rising: 2015 - 5 cases 2016 - 12 cases 2017 - 15 cases 2018 - 20 cases I anticipate we will be performing 15 to 20 cases per year moving forward. The equipment has been working great -and we look forward to making good use of it for many years to come.

- Dr. Steve Faddegon

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE

ICCHA/WISH FUND

250-377-7234

1325 JOSEP WAY, KAMLOOPS, BC V2H 1N6

Proud Sponsor of ICCHA/Wish Fund

1461 River St. | Kamloops, BC V2C 1Z1 P 250-374-1948 | F 250-374-2440

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

AN ELECTROMYOGRAPHY MACHINE Donated by the ICCHA/Wish Fund

helps with pain and weakness

T

he evaluation of patients with neurologic disease and injury is a common need. There are so many important diseases to recognize, treat and manage such as Guillain Barre Disease, Amotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Peripheral Neuropathy. As a Level 2 Trauma Centre Royal Inland Hospital must also be prepared to evaluate patient who have suffered nerve injuries in the arms and legs – the brachia plexus and lumbar plexus. The donated electromyography (EMG) equipment is heavily used by the Neurophysiology lab to support the hospital in the diagnosis and management of these patients.

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1901 East Trans-Canada Highway, Kamloops Phone: 250.372.3386 • Fax: 250.372.8740 email: lamplighter31@hotmail.com

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Proud Donors and Co-Founder of the ICCHA / Wish Fund - Jyoti and Anil Parekh

“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

25

ICCHA/WISH FUND

PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE FOR RIH

I

CCHA/Wish raised funds for a portable ultrasound to be used for a number of antenatal (during pregnancy) procedures and for educational purposes. This ultrasound will both free up diagnostic imagining resources at RIH and help to further develop professional development opportunities in Kamloops – critical in the education of UBC students and residents, and in helping with physician recruitment. We are grateful to all of the ICCHA/Wish Fund supporters who are making such a positive impact at our hospital.

Proudly Supporting the ICCHA/Wish Fund for 11 years

Kebal & Amarjit Dhesa - Trevor Dhesa Roger Dhesa 26

Tournament Inn

1893 East TCH Kamloops, BC (250) 372-2122

MOTEL 6

1763 East TCH Kamloops, BC (250) 374-8944

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

VALLEY FIRST IN OUR COMMUNITY V alley First, a division of First West Credit Union, is sponsoring the ICCHA/ Wish Fund for a second year. The organization began its support last year after learning about the needs of one of Valley First’s staff who had required health care that wasn’t available, said Kelley Bossert, regional manager of commercial banking in Kamloops.

The need for a fully serviced cardiac-care unit touched the entire team and the fund fit with the

financial institution’s belief in helping its members and its communities.

“Last year, through our community giving, we invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the communities Valley First serves through donations and sponsorships of organizations and charities like ICCHA/Wish, through volunteerism and employee giving and more,” Bossert said. It has signed on as a gold sponsor for the ICCHA/Wish Fund gala fundraiser on May 24 at Colombo Lodge.

“In Kamloops, our staff not only raise food and funds for the food bank through in-branch fundraising and events like our annual Blazers Feed the Valley food bank night, but we have also supported the Royal Inland Hospital for many years,” said Bossert. “The hospital is really a centre-point for the community. It’s a place most of us end up needing at some point and so, supporting the continued development of the hospital is critical for a thriving community.”

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“Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

27

ICCHA/WISH FUND

PROUD MEDIA SPONSORS OF THE ICCHA/WISH FUND

Parklane Pool & Spa are Proud Supporters of the ICCHA/Wish Fund.

Your home resort store Servicing Kamloops since 1984

1388 Battle Street • 250-372-8581 www.parklanepoolandspa.com 28

CELEBRATING 11 YEARS

CCU AT RIH: MAKING HISTORY The heart has its reasons And now begets its brain!

W

e are proud to welcome the construction of a dedicated Coronary (Cardiac) Care Unit (CCU) at the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). It marks the beginning of acute cardiac care at RIH that will bring us closer to national and international standards. This major step paves the way for better cardiac care to come to Kamloops. Prior to the establishment of a CCU, cardiac patients who were admitted into emergency for heart attacks and other serious cardiac issues were displaced all over the hospital. This made it challenging for cardiologists and other medical professionals to monitor these patients in various locations with limited equipment. Without the commitment of the ICCHA / Wish Fund and the generosity of our donors, the establishment of a CCU would not have

been possible.

Now, here we are. What is a CCU Coronary (Cardiac) Care Unit?

Simply put, it is an Intensive Care Unit for the heart - patients with heart attacks, cardiac arrest, heart failure and heart blockages. These patients need continuous monitoring in a dedicated setting where vital signs and heart rhythms can be monitored until the patients are able to be relocated to other hospitals to receive specialized care. It is also the safest place for life saving procedures including urgent resuscitation of patients whose hearts have stopped, insertion of wires into the heart for emergency situations, use of special medications in heart failure, urgent shock therapies and removal of fluid from the sac of the heart.

With your contribution to the ICCHA/

We wish to thank ICCHA/Wish Fund for their amazing work and raising awareness and support for a CCU in 2019 and past campaigns that have made such a difference in lives of fellow Kamloopsians.

Wish Fund, we will be donating a stateof-the-art Exprezzon monitoring unit for the CCU that will allow cardiologists to provide the best possible care for patients.

A modern CCU paves the way for our ultimate quest for a Cath Lab at the RIH where our cardiologists will be able to put stents in patients with heart attacks thus preventing collateral damage.

We thank you for your unwavering generosity and support for the ICCHA / Wish Fund.

Thank You

Keep up the good work!

Owners John and Stephanie Hampel and employees of the Best Western Plus Kamloops

660 Columbia Street West, Kamloops, BC V2C 1L1 • (250) 374-7878 “Have a heart to give, for a heart to live.”

29

Proud Gold sponsor of the Iccha/Wish fund

Let us build your DREAM KITCHEN!

Serving Kamloops and Area for over 30 years

250-372-1846 • reception@livingkitchens.ca 1361 McGill Road Suite 101, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6K7

www.livingkitchens.ca

PROUD DIAMOND SPONSOR OF The ICCHA/Wish Fund

Concept #3

Celebrating

1949

2019

70 Years

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