February 4, 2016
Newborn Karson Gould gets cuddles from mom Divina Normore and dad Kristopher Gould shortly after his birth on Oct. 4, 2015.
Story by Kerri Robins; photo courtesy of Greg Halinda Photography
Sometimes the end of an era signals a new beginning. And so it goes with Kids Forever, a grassroots organization that began 19 years ago to raise money here for pediatric health care.
The group disbanded last fall, but not before donating $40,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation to support its maternity and pediatric department expansion project, which is proof positive that kids really are forever.
Thanks to community donations on top of the Kids Forever funding, the $450,000 expansion to the department at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre started in January. The project will support the ever-increasing birth rates in the region through a renovation and reconfiguration of space.
“We’re moving toward a more patient-friendly environment by creating spaces with more area for expectant and new moms to be away from main activity areas,” says Juanita Pilgrim, Manager Maternity and Pediatric Department, at the health centre.
Currently, the non-stress testing clinic, an area where expectant moms receive treatment, is small, and close to labour and delivery where significantly more activity takes place. The clinic is moving to existing vacant space nearby, as renovations create a new, quiet and more private waiting room.
New mom Divina Normore, 28, of Fort McMurray had a non-stress test to determine her son’s size right before his birth last October.
“I had great care and was always kept well-informed on how my pregnancy was progressing,” says Normore. “The room where I had the test was a bit small — there were four cubicles in one — so increasing the size of this area will be nice.”
As well as fresh paint, window coverings and furniture, Pilgrim says moving the clinic will distance expectant moms from the hub of activity, as well as provide more space for accompanying family members.
The project, slated for May completion, also adds a new post-partum bed, bringing the unit total to five beds. Two new rooms in labour and delivery will also be created so new moms have more space for family members to visit and meet their new arrival.
The expansion aims to ease the pressure of a growing population in our Northern area, which welcomed 1,460 new babies in 2015 — an increase of 116 births over 2014.
The project dovetails with the department’s philosophy of creating positive birthing experiences by allowing more space and privacy for families.
“We encourage ‘rooming in’ so mom and baby can stay together, along with skin-to-skin contact that is so important for bonding,” says Pilgrim. “We’re excited about the renovation and the new space that allows our families some privacy in settling in to their new or impending roles.”
And while Kids Forever chipped in a portion of this project, during its existence the organization raised more than $8.3 million for pediatric care and family support, with proceeds split among various organizations including: the Northern Lights Health Foundation, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House.
Founders of Kids Forever, John Foy and his wife Gail, say following in John’s father’s footsteps in volunteering and helping kids has been their inspiration for the tremendous success they’ve had.
“My father’s commitment to volunteering motivates me every day,” says John, “and it’s led us to help over 290 families throughout the years. Our accomplishments are really just the result of fundraising from the heart.”
For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
