Schmirler Foundation Donates $10,000 to Support Women’s and Children’s Health Services

Thanks to a generous donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, the Women’s and Children’s Health Services (WCHS) unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital is able to purchase a new bilirubin light to treat babies born with jaundice.

The donation was given in honour of Canadian curling legend, Sandra Schmirler, who was only 36 years old when she passed away from cancer in 2000. Sandra was not only a three-time Canadian and World Curling Champion and Olympic gold medalist, but also a loving mother to two baby girls. Over the years, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has created a legacy of purchasing life-saving equipment for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in hospitals across Canada.

When a baby is born with severe jaundice, they require phototherapy treatment under bilirubin lights. Newborns being treated for jaundice typically stay in hospital for 1to 3 days. For families’ eager to bond with their newborns, the stay at the hospital can be an especially stressful time.

“We see as many as three newborns a week who require light therapy treatment before they can go home,” says Nichole Aichinger, WCHS Manager at VJH. “A new light system means we can replace some of our older equipment. The new units are compact and mobile, so they can be used anywhere. Babies can safely receive the blue light treatment in incubators, Panda Warmers and even their parent's arms.”

This means more babies can receive the care they need in a close and comforting environment.

“Vernon families depend on the Vernon Jubilee Hospital for care in their most difficult times,” said Janet Murphy, Chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. “The Foundation is grateful to be able to bolster the incredible work of the Women's & Children's Health Services Team with this vital new equipment.”