The 17th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon is underway right now until Friday at 6 p.m. at the Town n’ Country Mall.

As of 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 4 a total of $57,985 was raised.

Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation made a huge announcement prior to 8 a.m.

"When we hit $20,000 today, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad will kick in another $20,000 automatically on the spot," said McElree.

"For a Pedoff Ultrasound Probe, which is a medical tool for diagnosing the severity of heart valve disease. With this tool, physicians at our hospital can determine the many urgent and chronic symptoms in the emergency, ICU, and medicine ward," added McElree.

Prior to Thursday's 12 p.m. total, the RBC Foundation announced a donation of $10,000 to go toward nursing programs.

This year’s goal is to raise $150,000 in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to purchase new equipment for the emergency room and Intensive Care Unit at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. 

Some of the equipment the health foundation is looking to purchase includes a specialized critical care bed, an ultrasound probe and a QuickThaw Plasma System. 

Long-time registered nurse Marcy Cameron outlined the importance of having a specialized critical care bed. 

"It can prevent pressure ulcers; it can help with a patient that is on a ventilator that needs some chest therapy. The bed has capabilities for motion or vibration in order to prevent pneumonia from setting in. These beds are so specialized they can even get a patient into a sitting position or an upright position. They are incredible beds,” Cameron said. 

Former Moose Jaw Health Foundation Chair James Murdock said having the latest in technology in our hospital will help recruit healthcare professionals to our community. 

“With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, that will help in attracting healthcare professionals to make Moose Jaw their home," Murdock remarked. "Anything we can do to attract [healthcare professionals] definitely benefits everyone, and it starts with raising the dollars through the radiothon and other events that allow us to make those purchases for the community and surrounding rural areas.” 

Respiratory therapist Deign Salido said every dollar counts when it comes to donations. 

"All the money stays in Moose Jaw and it’s helping your community out. "Sometimes the pennies are tight, and every little bit helps. Community involvement is essential to making the lives better in our community,” Salido said. 

You can donate to the Radiothon by visiting the Moose Jaw Health Foundation website, stopping by in person at the mall or by calling 691-GIVE (4483).