Sandra Schmirler Foundation Funds New Infant Isolette for Sault Area Hospital
- cerraa
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Sault Area Hospital Foundation is pleased to celebrate a donation of $51,920 from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation towards Sault Area Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This gift will fully fund a brand-new infant isolette, commonly referred to as an incubator, supporting outstanding care for our smallest patients.
Each year, Sault Area Hospital welcomes about 800 newborns; roughly 15% of them require specialized NICU care. Infants admitted to this unit are often premature, and can face additional health challenges, such as difficulty breathing, infections or jaundice. Sault Area Hospital has the only NICU in all of the Algoma District, making this equipment critical for the care of many in the North.
The new incubator not only provides a safe, controlled environment – regulating temperature, humidity, and oxygen – but also includes a built-in phototherapy system to treat jaundice, which is very common in newborns. The incubator also features a more accessible design, allowing parents to touch and hold their child while standing, seated or in a wheelchair.
The Sandra Schmirler Foundation honours the legacy of three-time world curling champion and Olympic Champion Sandra Schmirler by supporting life-saving care for premature and newborn babies who face health challenges. Since its creation, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has raised millions of dollars, supporting the funding of equipment for NICUs across Canada.
“As a mom of twins who were born prematurely right here at Sault Area Hospital, I know how vital this equipment is for families facing some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Erin Bellerose, former SAH patient and Sandra Schmirler Foundation donor. “When my girls, Logan and Lauryn, arrived early, we depended on the care and technology that kept them safe. That’s why I’m so grateful to see the Sandra Schmirler Foundation providing a new infant incubator for our hospital. This year, as the Foundation celebrates 25 years, it means so much to know that families in our community will benefit from this legacy of compassion and hope.”
“We are so grateful to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for their continued generosity,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director of Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “With this gift, Sandra Schmirler Foundation has given a total of over $182,000 to Sault Area Hospital’s NICU. Their gifts have helped ensure our NICU team has the equipment they need to continue supporting hundreds of newborns in the Algoma District each year.”
On behalf of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Executive Director and Staff, thank you to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for their continued generosity, helping the smallest members of our community get the strongest start they can.
Local support helps keep our youngest patients close to home
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