Local surgeons, donors and community members are redefining what is possible on Vancouver Island by coming together in support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s latest campaign, . The campaign is aiming to raise $17 million to bring brand-new minimally invasive surgical equipment to the Island.
The Foundation is grateful to every donor, caregiver and champion who has supported the cause to date—may that be through a donation, donated services or a gift of time or story, for every gift is making a difference.
One of these champions is Shirley Hunter, who shares her personal health journey in support:
“Illness is frightening. When you receive a diagnosis, it can be terrifying and isolating.
Last fall, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of colon cancer. I needed to have surgery imminently to remove a tumour on my large intestine—and I am glad it was here, in my home of Victoria, that I would receive treatment.
I hadn’t been feeling well in the weeks leading up to my diagnosis. I was sent for several tests, one being a colonoscopy at Victoria General Hospital (VGH). I had no idea it was going to be anything but routine.
During the procedure, the gastroenterologist came over to me, took my hand and said, ‘I’m so sorry. You have cancer.’ He had tears in his eyes, he was just so empathetic. Dr. Dustin Loomes was thoughtful and kind. He even called me at home the next night to see if I was okay. I loved that.
That’s the kind of care that comes from the hearts of our hospital staff.
The next few weeks were a flurry of tests and appointments and learning about my condition. So many equipment pieces, tools and technology played a hand in this—I became extra aware of this. I met another wonderful doctor, who would become my general surgeon. The first time I met Dr. Heather Emmerton-Coughlin, she walked into the exam room and, with a smile said, ‘Just call me Dr. Heather.’
When my scheduled surgery day arrived at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH), I was not stressed. I think it was because Dr. Heather helped me fully understand what the surgery entailed.
Post-surgery, Dr. Heather came by to check on me. I was relieved to hear the surgery had gone well and that I would be able to recover at home. Dr. Heather said she was able to remove the entire tumour, which provided profound relief. I continued with chemotherapy in January to reduce the risk of recurrence. I just completed that treatment a few weeks ago.
The care I received was nothing short of remarkable. I owe this to the doctors and the technology we have access to in our hospitals.
The fact that we have so many wonderfully trained doctors and surgeons right here in our community is amazing. The fact that on top of their expertise, they profoundly care for the patient is a gift. I strongly believe it is our duty as community members to support them.
We need to come together to support our hospitals and healthcare workers. We need to wrap around them to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and resources so that they must in turn care in the best possible way for everyone we know who may need their expertise one day.
I am a proud donor to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. I believe in their mission, and in their drive to equip our caregivers with the priority tools they need to deliver the best care. It is of utmost importance for the well-being of our community.
Join me in supporting surgical excellence in our Victoria hospitals. We are all in this together.
Shirley Hunter”
To learn more and support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s campaign, please visit or call the Foundation at 250-519-1750.
Consider a gift by December 31 to receive a 2024 tax receipt. On behalf of local caregivers and the patients they serve, the Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks.