Eddie and Jackie Hay

For more than 60 years, Eddie and Jackie Hay shared a life together - running a successful business, raising an exceptional family and supporting the community they called home for most of their lives.

Over the years, the couple was passionate about many causes, but nothing meant more to Jackie than contributing to the Sault Ste. Marie hospital. She donated annually in hopes of improving programs and patient care - two things that were very close to her heart.

As a cancer survivor, Jackie knew first-hand the importance of quality medical care and to her, donating to the Sault Area Hospital was a top priority. It was at SAH that many of Jackie's family members lost their battle with cancer. Despite the best care SAH could offer, Jackie's eldest son Michael succumbed to the disease six years ago, and this renewed her wish for enhanced health care in Sault Ste. Marie.

"She was committed to supporting this great cause," says David Hay, Jackie's youngest son. "She wanted to somehow help those whose lives had been touched by cancer."

After 35 years being cancer-free, the disease returned and Jackie began treatment at SAH with Dr. Walde as her physician. During her treatment Dr. Walde, and the dedicated staff of the Oncology Unit, always showed compassion, knowledge and never gave up on her fight to survive. Every ‘good morning', smile and helping hand gave Jackie the strength she needed during this difficult time.  It was this ‘never give up attitude' of Dr. Walde and his staff that extended Jackie's life by more than three years time to spend with her husband, son, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and to enjoy her life.

"My mother was always treated with dignity and respect. The care of Dr. Walde and the staff of the Oncology Unit was, in one word, unbelievable," says David.

Jackie lost her battle with cancer in February at age 78. Before her passing, she was able to make one last investment in SAH - one that would continue into the future - a donation to the New SAH Campaign. That contribution to the hospital was not the last for the Hay family. After Jackie's death, Eddie decided to make a special gift to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Cancer Care Fund in honour of his wife and to recognize the exceptional care delivered by Dr. Walde and the staff of the Oncology Unit.
Eddie's donation was the first of its kind for the Foundation and truly embodied the spirit of giving that Jackie upheld throughout her life.

In 2008, Eddie contributed $200,000 into the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation, which has now been allocated to the Hay Family Charitable Fund and invested on behalf of the family. This generous donation will annually contribute 3-5% to SAHF's Cancer Care Fund, for a minimum of 10 years.

"I am very honoured my family could make a donation that will help so many in our community. It was important to me and to my dad to make an on-going contribution, so that my children and grandchildren and the many generations to come will benefit," says David.

Jackie Hay spent most of her life contributing to a hospital that provided exceptional care to her and many family members. Because of this generous donation by Eddie and the Hay family, Jackie's legacy will continue to live on far into the future, changing the lives of many along the way.For the SAHF's Cancer Care Fund, this donation is much more than a monetary gift.
"This donation reflects how Jackie Hay received respect and compassion in a caring environment throughout her journey as a patient at the Sault Area Hospital and her family showing its gratitude, specifically to the Oncology Unit," says SAHF Executive Director Cheryl Pavoni. "Jackie's spirit will endure and we are very grateful to them for paying tribute to her by making an ongoing commitment that will benefit many other cancer patients in the future."

Forever remembered in a special quote written in a letter to SAHF on behalf of the Hay Family: "In loving memory of Jacqueline (Jackie) Hay who lost her battle with cancer Feb. 8, 2008. Our sincerest thanks to Dr. Walde and to the nurses and staff of the Oncology Unit for their devotion and kindness."