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Ketchikan General Hospital Foundation
(907) 228-8300,
Ext. 7035

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2008 Campaign

What is it?     Why is it needed?     How you can help      Testimonial

What is the Gift of Healing 2008?
Ketchikan General Hospital (KGH) Foundation Board of Directors believes that every person can experience the gift of giving of themselves of their material goods to help heal and care for family, friends and community. Through fundraising efforts, the Gift of Healing 2008 will provide new and better technology for those individuals who come through our doors in need.

The 2008 technology campaign
The KGH Foundation’s Gift of Healing campaign for 2008 will provide a new endoscope, as well as a variety of equipment for the new Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Clinic. Deborah Aaron, MD, and Bill Elberson co-chair the campaign. 

Why does the Foundation raise money for hospital equipment?
The KGH Foundation exists to acquire and recognize charitable gifts and bequests that ultimately assist Ketchikan General Hospital fulfill its mission of providing patient care to all in need. The Foundation’s efforts offset costs otherwise incurred by Ketchikan General Hospital. The Foundation provides individuals and organizations with an opportunity to extend the gift of health to citizens of Southeast Alaska. Philanthropic giving enhances the ability of the hospital to provide healing, and compassionate healthcare through the gifts of innovative and state of the art equipment by the KGH Foundation. 

How you can help
Ketchikan General Hospital Foundation is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible and every dollar you give goes directly to the support of this capital campaign. Make a gift.

Endoscope: $130,000

An endoscope is a flexible tube containing fiber optic cables, attached to a light and camera. Endoscopes are used in minimally invasive gastrointestinal studies; one of the most commonly known is the colonoscopy. 

An endoscope can identify hiatal hernias, gastritis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. “It can take biopsies of abnormalities such as polyps and help us diagnose cancers at an early stage when survival rates are high,” states Dr. Deborah Aaron, surgeon. 

At KGH, five physicians perform a total of 750 such procedures each year. 

Therapy Equipment: $45,000

In 2007 the hospital opened its spacious and inviting new Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Clinic, with street level access and parking, next to the emergency entrance. The Gift of Healing 2008 campaign will provide new state of the art equipment for this clinic.
   • Low-impact treadmill
   • Four Cybex exercise machines
   • Traction table
   • Stationary bicycle
   • Balance trainer biofeedback system

“These new pieces will allow our exceptionally qualified therapists to provide the ultimate value in treatment and exercise options for our customers,” said Joanna DeSanto, therapy manager. About 150 patients come in for outpatient therapy each week, or 7200 per year. 

“We want patients to have the option of staying in Ketchikan for their therapy, close to home, and cared for by familiar faces. This brings the least possible disruption to their lives,” said Bill Elberson, long distance runner, Foundation Board Member, and campaign co-chair.

A patient reaching her goals

“I am very grateful for both the quality of care and the great attitudes of my orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Schwartz, the nurses, and our therapists. The exceptional care I have received inspires me to do what I need to do on my own to continue my progress toward my rehabilitation goals,” stated Rebecca Valentine, KGH therapy patient. When things get tough, George Wright, outpatient physical therapist, reminds Rebecca of the tremendous progress she has already made. “I especially want the community to know that they do not need to go outside of Ketchikan for their hip replacement surgery and therapy,” Rebecca stated. “We’ve got a gem right here in our own backyard.” 

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