Dave and Jody Dugas know firsthand the challenges of travelling long distances during a medical crisis.
Their son, Noah Dugas, who passed away in November of 2020, was airlifted to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto after he suffered a stroke that fall.
They have created a charity in his named called NoahStrong. The family believes supporting Hope Air meets their mandate of honouring Noah's legacy by supporting families and communities.
So they decided to donate $10,000 to support Hope Air.
Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing free travel and accommodations for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home.
The charity caught the attention of local country/rock musician Cory Marks, who played at a Hope Air fundraising concert in Timmins back in June.
"Being a pilot and a huge aviation fan, I knew some of the pilots that were involved, and once I found out what, exactly what they were all about," he said.
"It's about getting people the medical attention, and sometimes it's a lot harder, especially up north, where it's hard to get access to that."
Marks met a young Noah Dugas during a charity Relay for Life concert in North Bay in 2019.
Jody Dugas found out about Hope Air after Marks participated in the Timmins summer concert.
She reached out to Hope Air to see if they could donate to the cause and support North Bay area families with their donation.
"We just thought that this would be a great way for us, NoahStrong, to support families going through difficult times, and make people our community aware of this service. Because I don't think many people know about Hope Air and that they could reach out and see if they're if they fit the criteria to access these services," she said.
Hope Air officials feel residents, municipalities, and healthcare workers are extremely concerned about the state of access to healthcare in northern Ontario. Canada’s physician shortage crisis impacts these communities hardest, and options for basic healthcare continue to diminish.
"Community support in Northern Ontario is vital to ensuring patients in underserved areas can access the healthcare they need," stated Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer with Hope Air.
"As we manage the increasing demand for our services in North Bay and across Ontario, it takes a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and donors to ensure no patient is left behind."
Since it was established in 1986, Hope Air has arranged more than 190,000 travel arrangements for patients.
"We are deeply grateful for NoahStrong and those who continue to step up to make a difference in the lives of families in need so that we can provide the critical care all patients deserve," added Rubinstein.
See related: Hope Air and Armed Forces Day on tap for Cory Marks
See related: Fedeli feels more can be done for Hope Air
Back in June of 2024, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli stated the province is doing its best to try and improve travel assistance for northerners who need medical care from outside their region.
"There is always more that we can do, there is no question about that," said Fedeli.
"We are always grateful for all of the groups, organizations and businesses that are contributing to the north."
