With almost 900 babies born every year at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH), it is the third busiest hospital in Interior Health.
Now all those fresh little bundles are getting a better start to life thanks to funds raised to purchase two Panda Warmers.
The VJH Foundation raised $93,500 during its six-week Spring Campaign.
Panda Warmers provide immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform a vital initial assessment and monitor each baby’s health.
“We asked donors to help us give every baby born at our hospital the best possible start in life,” said Kate McBrearty, executive director of VJH Foundation. “And they answered. Because of their generosity new parents and families can rest a little easier knowing that they have access to high-quality healthcare right here at home.”
Danika Wells, a mother of two, knows how essential Panda Warmers are in those first moments after a baby is born.
Her daughter Maeva was born via C-section last January and she was determined a high-risk pregnancy.
Maeva's lungs were full of mucus: as she struggled to breathe Danika relived the exact same nightmare from two years earlier when Sullivan was born.
Just like with Sullivan, Maeva was whisked across the room to a waiting Panda Warmer.
After many tense minutes, Maeva was stabilized and three days later, Danika and her husband brought their beautiful baby girl home.
Today, both Maeva and Sullivan are thriving.
“I decided to share my story because you never know when this vital pediatric machine will save a life,” said Danika. “I certainly never expected both of my babies to need it, but I’m so grateful it was there because it meant they got the excellent care they needed at VJH.”
The funds raised for the new Panda Warmers is in part thanks to the Tim Hortons Smile Cookies campaign ($28,112), the Have a Heart Radiothon ($8,951) and a $20,000 matching gift from Grizzly Curb & Concrete which amplified community contributions.
“Community partners have always been at the heart of our spring appeal to support the Women’s and Children’s department at our hospital,” said McBrearty.
“We’re truly thankful for our community’s commitment to our work. Together, we’re playing a crucial role in supporting excellence in healthcare for families throughout the North Okanagan.”
