Thirty runners laced up to raise funds for Richmond Hospital

Doctors and health care professionals from Richmond Hospital ran on June 23 at the Scotiankbank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K to help raise funds to improve patient care.

Thirty runners, including Lynn Walters, nurse and mother of Fraser Walters of the singing group The Tenors, ran on behalf of the Foundation and have raised over $17,000 to date towards improving care for patients at Richmond Hospital. Richmond Hospital’s doctors and medical staff participated in the run, including Catherine Cairns from the ICU; Bernardo Fernandes, Sarb Atwal, Lauritta Fernandes, and Aleisha Fernandes from Emergency; Dr. Boon Wong from the Birth Centre; and Dr. Erik Swartz from Pediatrics.

Jeff Homer, Lynn Walters, Andrew Campbell and Natalie Meixner, President & CEO of Richmond Hospital Foundation, ran for Richmond’s health care on June 23rd at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K.

Andrew Campbell, a 23-year-old lymphoma patient, ran 21km in support of Richmond Hospital Foundation. Andrew was diagnosed early this year with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. While receiving care at Richmond Hospital’s Cancer Care Clinic, Andrew decided he would run the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon to raise funds for the hospital. With less than two weeks until the event, Andrew signed up.

“I had never been sure I was able to physically do it,” said Andrew. “But I couldn’t say no to the opportunity—I just wanted to do everything I could to pay it forward.”

Andrew was born at Richmond Hospital and has lived in the Richmond community for his entire life. In December 2012, Andrew felt a small lump on the right side of his throat, but he ignored it amidst the hectic month of university exams and holiday family activities. Andrew finally went to the doctor in the New Year and after a series of tests, he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Andrew’s treatments began in February and just two weeks ago, he was told that he is now cancer free. He said he owes his strength and success not only to the doctors and staff at Richmond Hospital, but also to his family and friends, who have been there for him every step of the way. Andrew’s childhood friend Jeff Homer signed up to run alongside him, and even shaved his head a few months ago to show his support.

Andrew has already raised over $3,000 in donations for Richmond Hospital in just one week, and the donations keep flowing in. Although Andrew’s last treatment is this Friday, he wishes to continue to fundraise for local health care.

“People at Richmond Hospital might be going through something similar to what I went through, or something completely different—it’s scary and frightening,” said Andrew. “If I can do anything to improve their situation, or help them in any kind of way, I’d love to be part of that.”

Donations are still open on the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K website until July 8th. Those who wish to donate in support of Richmond Hospital and the health professionals who care for Andrew Campbell and the community can visit the Foundation website at www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com.

For over 25 years, Richmond Hospital Foundation has raised more than $40-million to help purchase vital medical equipment, improve patient care programs and upgrade facilities at Richmond Hospital.