Inspiring Generosity to Advance Health Care at the QEII
By Joel Jacobson - from the Seniors Advocate
Vic Lewis looks out at a small audience and speaks. Three years ago, he would not have been able to see the people clearly. He had Age-related Wet Macular Degeneration which reduced his sight to about 10 percent in his left eye. Because of doctors at the Eye Care Centre of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, and their willingness to involve him in a research project, today, after more than 18 months, the 60-something Halifax man has nearly 20/20, vision in both eyes.
A member of the Freemasons of Nova Scotia, Vic knew a machine, called Spectralis OCT, would have been of more and immediate benefit to him but it was unavailable at the Eye Centre. He took a funding idea to his Masonic Lodge and to the Masonic Foundation, to provide such a diagnostic machine for the QEII's Eye Centre. It cost about $250,000.
"I was told, had I come to the Eye Centre two years later with my problem, I would have definitely lost the vision in my left eye.", Vic says to a group of doctors, other medical personnel, and staff of the QEII Foundation which oversaw the use of the funds raised by the Masons. He continues, “If I had had the benefit of the Spectralis O.C.T. I would have saved time and money for the Nova Scotia hospital System. Because the retinal Doctors at the Eye Care Centre are in the forefront of retinal research, I have been blessed with the good vision I enjoy today."
His Fellow Masons Accepted the Challenge
"It was a minor priority for the Nova Scotia Department of Health.", says Freemason's Grand Master Barry Imber. "Because of Vic, we recognized the immediate need, and started a program in 2008 called Believing is Seeing, creating partnerships with the Masonic Foundation, corporate partners, and the public. We are proud to present this machine to the Eye Centre.
The Spectralis OCD examines sections of the retina, making diagnosis accurate and quick. It will reduce wait times, and allow the clinic to see more patients annually. With an aging population, this will be a true benefit.”
Dr. Alan Cruess, head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Dalhousie University Medical School, and head of the Eye Centre, says the Centre was developed for 26,000 annual patients’ visits in 2003. By 2006 there were 48,000annual visits and now, more than 60,000 people walk through the doors at the Victoria General.
Vic stresses he wanted the fund-raising project started because, "I knew Masons would benefit from this machine. I didn't know how to start the campaign but there were Masons who could, men like Past Grand Master Roy Lively, Greg King, and Harold Crosby, who himself raised about 80 per cent of the money the Masons contributed - $250,000 in less than 17 months." It was the largest fund-raising project the Masons of Nova Scotia have undertaken in their 250-year history in the province.
The Masons also support a scholarship program for students seeking support for secondary education, an elementary school breakfast program in Halifax and Dartmouth, assistance for Masons in need, and their families, as well as community groups, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, service clubs, and legions.
There are 98 Lodges in Nova Scotia with almost 5000 total members. “In North America, Freemasonry gives out about $1 billion dollars a year,” says Roy Lively. “In Canada, we give out about $54 million a year, including what’s provided to the Shriner’s Hospitals in North America. And the main challenge we face? Finding younger members so we can continue to do the good work we do.
“Cheque Presentation”
Right Worshipfull Brother Peter Ponsford presents a cheque of $2000 on Friday the 19th of Aug 2011to Dr. Allen Cruess on behalf of the Halifax City District of Lodges, and views the newly arrived Spectralis OCT - Its Here!