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Donor ProfilesFamilies and Others Who Give. Share the experiences of those who’ve donated to Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation. In Memory of Carolyn Wachsmuth In Memory of Carolyn Wachsmuth
At that time, she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that initially gave her some discomfort, but was manageable. Without a local family physician, she depended on the nurses and physicians in the hospital’s Emergency Room for her care. She was fortunate to eventually become a patient of Dr. Jacob Huynh, a physician practicing at the Campbellford Hillside Family Medical Centre. As her illness progressed, Carolyn required frequent blood transfusions and soon got to know the Hospital’s lab technicians and other staff on a first-name basis. "She was a very spiritual person, who enjoyed connecting with nature and culture," notes her only son Kent Wakely, when asked what made Carolyn special. "She was actively involved with the Zion United Church, enjoyed nature and brought gentleness to the world." Adds Kent: "My mom valued the care and consideration she received from the many people at Campbellford Memorial Hospital. She thought the people there were fantastic and she received extraordinary care from individuals in the lab as part of her regular visits." Carolyn was born in Dresden, Ontario. She lived in Toronto and earned her living as a corporate design consultant from 1965 to 1985 following her studies at Ryerson University. She returned to Vermont College to obtain her Masters Degree in Psychology, fulfilling a life-time dream to pursue a career as a psychotherapist, providing counselling and guidance to others. Approximately 25 years ago, she purchased a country retreat in Marmora. A few years later, she moved there full-time, bringing her time, talent and experience to the area as a counsellor and psychotherapist practicing in Peterborough, and as a community volunteer. Her illness forced her to retire early, but didn’t keep her from being an active member of the Zion United Church, where she was as able to continue to provide spiritual leadership to others of all ages. She took a special interest in attracting younger people to the congregation. On October 14, 2005, following an enjoyable Thanksgiving, Carolyn passed away in the quiet of the home she loved and in the presence of her son Kent and his partner Linda Steer. She was 61 years old. Carolyn is remembered fondly by staff at the Hospital for her efforts to connect with people on an individual basis. Notes one staff member, despite the limitations her illness created in her life, Carolyn’s endearing spirit brought warmth to others, and her gifts of home baked goodies were appreciated by all. Carolyn also left gifts of another kind to the Hospital. As a gesture of thanks for the care she received from many people at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, Carolyn made a $20,000 donation to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation. These funds and donations received by hospital staff and others in her name will be used to purchase a new Blood Gas Analyzer for the hospital lab. The Blood Gas Analyzer is used to detect or analyze substances in the composition of blood, and is particularly important to detect asthma.
Dr. Hackett Memorial Fund Recognizes Lifetime of Caring
"My father’s work was his life," explains daughter Wendy Ellis, a long-time Campbellford Memorial Hospital employee. To recognize her father’s love of the community and his dedication to practicing medicine here, Wendy recently established the Dr. Hackett Memorial Fund with a sizeable gift from the family to support Campbellford Memorial Hospital. All-In-Memorium gifts previously received, on behalf of Dr. Hackett, by the Foundation, will also be used to support the Dr. Hackett Memorial Fund. "I thought the best way to ensure the community continues to benefit from his gifts was through the an endowment fund established in his name with the flexibility to share gifts each year where they are needed most within the Hospital," Wendy explains. Dr. Hackett was born in Ireland. After serving in the navy during World War II, he married a childhood friend, Patricia, and adopted her young son, Anthony, as his own. Patricia’s work as a nurse helped fund his education and he graduated from Dublin University in 1953 with a degree in medicine. After graduating, Dr. Hackett joined the Air Force. The couple moved to Canada in 1954, and Dr. Hackett was stationed at Trenton, Ontario. "He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and very proud of it," notes Wendy. On a Sunday afternoon drive in the country, the couple discovered the beauty of Campbellford and the surrounding Trent Hills area. They made Campbellford their home in 1957 where they raised three children, Anthony, Wendy and Adrian. Dr. Hackett set up his private practice on Front Street North, later moving to Doxsee Avenue. He had privileges at Campbellford Memorial Hospital for over 40 years. He is noted as one of a few physicians with a long-long affiliation with the hospital. Dr. Hackett’s life as a small town physician lasted until his retirement at age 80 in 2000. He passed away in July, 2006, at the age of 85, outliving his first wife, Patricia, a second wife, Hilda, his son Adrian and stepson Anthony. He is survived by Wendy’s family, including grandchildren, Amanda , Bryce and Dane, as well as Lauren, daughter of his step-son, Anthony. Amanda, Bryce and Dane participated in the recent Polar Plunge in memory of their grandfather. "My father loved his work and caring for the many families here. It wasn’t uncommon for him to work a few evenings and a Saturday each week and to do house calls on a Sunday," says Wendy. She adds, "He was a very generous person, not only giving of his time and medical expertise, but also giving to those who needed support most. He was an active participate in the hospital community, donating to the Hospital and getting involved in events." It was an easy decision for Wendy to create a named endowment fund through the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation to recognize the characteristics and experiences that defined Dr. Hackett’s life. "By structuring our gift this way, we have the ability to decide each year how the funds can best be used to benefit the Hospital and the community it serves." The Dr. Hackett Memorial Fund will accept future gifts from any interested party. If you are interested in supporting the Fund, please contact the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation at: 705-632-2014.
Willa McCann Creating a Legacy for Helping Others
Today, Willa is helping out many others in the community, who also visit the hospital, thanks to her $50,000 gift to Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation presented in May, 2007. "I’ve been associated with our hospital since its beginning and even before that when it was located in the building that now houses the local Historical Society," she says, adding: "five generations of the McCann family have received care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital and we view Campbellford Memorial as ‘our hospital.’" Willa’s gift to the hospital enabled the purchase of an electrical surgical unit used to minimize bleeding during surgery, a colonoscope used to perform colonscopies, and an electric bed, according to Foundation executive director Neil Hannam. "Just like the business of farming, in health care it is important to keep abreast of innovations and research. Having reliable equipment is essential," Willa says of the purchase. "Willa is known for getting things done," says daughter-in-law Cathy McCann, adding: "She is an inspiration to many, and a reliable source of information to her family and friends." Willa’s recent gift to the hospital represents a long history of community involvement and support. She is a long-time member of Codrington Women’s Institute and continues to keep busy with quilting and knitting. Over the years, she knitted hundreds of caps and booties for preemie newborns at area hospitals. Last year, at aged 94, she donated 40 sets. Through the Campbellford-Seymour Fair Board, she also contributes many pairs of hand knitted mitts for distribution to school children in need. In the 1980’s, Willa was instrumental in organizing a Seniors’ Club in Codrington. She was a 4-H leader and a regular visitor of shut-ins. She recently helped with quilting a wall hanging for the Codrington Community Centre. At the many dinners sponsored by Codrington Community Association, Willa can usually be found in the kitchen, cutting pies and desserts, always ready to lend a hand. Willa also recognizes that having quality health care close to home is important. "Campbellford may be a small town, but a caring community of local citizens and volunteers has always supported our hospital. We are so fortunate to have a first class facility with modern equipment and quality doctors in our community," she says. Willa was born on a farm near Codrington in 1912 and attended schools in Codrington, Warkworth and Peterborough. She worked as a secretary in Peterborough before her marriage in 1932 to the late Reg McCann. Shortly after their marriage, the couple established a 50 acre farm north of Codrington. The original family farm was added to as adjoining properties became available and now operates 550 acres. Willa and Reg have three children: Ruth McDonald, Howard and Owen, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. "Over the years, Reg and I always worked hard to save some money, and we tried to be good citizens. We always felt fortunate to have Campbellford Memorial Hospital to rely on, and we foresee that it will be here for future generations," explains Willa of her generous gift to the hospital, adding: "Campbellford Memorial Hospital has caring staff, hard working volunteers, a forward thinking board of directors, and some very dedicated fundraisers. For these reasons, the hospital is here to stay and we’re very pleased to add our support and be part of its success." In her life story, written when she was approaching her 88th year, Willa reflects: "In my own way, I have tried to be a good friend, a good neighbour, a responsible parent, and a fun grandma…and I just hope in some way, I’ve been able to make a difference. To me this would be my greatest legacy." The Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation is hosting a special reception for Willa and her family on June 5, 2007 at the hospital. "It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize Willa’s latest gift to the community and long-term benefits she is providing to hospital patients," Hannam concludes.
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