Following the cancellation of the Kitsumkalum Tempo Fishing Derby, due to fishing restrictions on the Skeena River, the Tempo Gas Bar will be hosting a 5 km Walk for Health on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
In a press release organizers said participants who pay the $35 registration fee will be eligible for a Mr. Mikes burger and entry into the grand prize for two tickets from Central Mountain Air.
Collecting $250 or more in pledges will also be entered to win other prizes. Forms are available at the Tempo Gas Bar, Bert’s Deli and online at www.remleehospitalfoundation.org.
Event sign-in time is from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Tempo Gas Bar.
The 5 km walk starts at 10 a.m. and will follow a well-marked trail through the Kitsumkalum Nation land.
Funds raised from the Walk for Health will go towards a second ophthalmic surgical microscope for Mills Memorial Hospital regional ophthalmology program.
The Dr. R.E.M. Lee Hospital Foundation has committed to raise $150,000 towards the purchase of this equipment.
“There has been an increasing need for ophthalmological care in our region and the demand for surgical services continues to rise with our aging population,” said a Tempo spokesperson. “Cataract development continues to be the primary cause of progressive vision loss and is the most common surgery performed.”
The current microscope is 15 years old and is supporting the work of 24-36 surgeries a week.
With three surgeons, and an increased case load, a second instrument is required to expand service as microscopes are not able to be moved.
“Having an expanded service, and the right number of instruments to support this service, will allow patients in the Northwest to receive their care closer to home,” said a spokesperson.
Learn more about the Walk for Health at www.remleehospitalfoundation.org.
quinn@terracestandard.com
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