Nearly 1,000 participants helped to raise more than $118,000 at the first Stouffville Main Street 5K for Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Hosted by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and Mayor Iain Lovatt’s office, the event also raise awareness about the services provided by Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) and need to raise funds for the hospital’s critical needs, according to a hospital news release.
“During the election I knocked on too many doors where people were asking me when we’re going to get our own hospital here in Stouffville,” said Lovatt. “We need to raise awareness in our community and ownership of the fact that Markham Stouffville Hospital is our community hospital.”
In celebration of Father’s Day, grateful patient Kevin MacKenzie took to the stage to talk about his experiences with fatherhood and expressed gratitude for the care his children received as newborns at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and other departments throughout their childhood.
“From the first conversation we had, the NICU staff treated us like partners, like we were in on the care, like this was something we were doing together. I remember there was confidence and compassion immediately from the staff, reassurance that things were going to be OK,” MacKenzie said. “To new fathers who have just had a baby born and are spending time at Markham Stouffville Hospital, you should feel tremendous. Your little one is in great hands. You’re receiving the best care.”
“Generous support is essential for Markham Stouffville Hospital to be able to remain on the cutting edge of patient care,” Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation, said. “Our hospital can only thrive with the help of the caring and generous spirit of its community. Thank you to Mayor Lovatt and the Stouffville community for bringing a lifetime of care close to home.”
