HEROES OF HOPE capital CAMPAIGN

The R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre (MDRCC) was one of the first cancer centres required to share capital costs with the government. The task seemed daunting to say the least—especially when a feasibility study declared the Oshawa Hospital Foundation only capable of raising $10 million of the $16 million community contribution.

But the study did not anticipate the community spirit in the Durham Region nor the strategy and innovation that would become the Heroes of Hope Campaign. Directing the campaign was Uncommon Results’ Jim Szeman. In a quest to “bring cancer care closer to home”, Jim inspired the participation of 80 volunteers, Foundation employees, and even doctors and staff from the hospital. Creating a culture of philanthropy driven by groundbreaking approaches, Jim and the Oshawa Hospital Foundation quadrupled expectations raising a total of $42.5 million.

The Heroes of Hope Campaign was the unprecedented success that made MDRCC possible. MDRCC opened in May 2007 and provides the full range of support for cancer patients and their families. In its first year alone, the Centre treated over 1200 cancer patients through its ambulatory and inpatient oncology programs, and grew its 7 hours of radiation services to 13.5 hours per day. MDRCC stands today as a community icon for the power of philanthropy.

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