The 6th Annual Farquhar Chrysler Charity Golf Tournament raised an all-time high of $34,202 this year, for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre according to a news release.
The funds will be used to purchase an isolette (incubator) for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Controlling heat, humidity and oxygen is important to the care of premature and low-birth-weight tiny babies. Isolettes provide an incubator and microenvironment ideal for the development of these babies. Made of clear plastic, with a large door and portholes for easy access to the infant, isolettes minimize heat and oxygen loss, ensuring the optimal environment while monitoring the infant’s temperature.
Dennis Murphy, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Caitlyn have a personal reason for organizing the tournament each year.
“The hospital was there for us when Caitlyn was a baby and our experience at that time inspired us to give back to the NICU. We also feel it’s important that the funds stay local, which is why we ensure proceeds from this annual golf tournament support our hospital,” said Murphy. “We thank the individuals and businesses in North Bay that support us every year, so we can continue our ongoing support of children and babies.”
North Bay Chrysler Owner and Dealer Principle, Ryan Farquhar, says the golf tournament allows the ‘Chrysler Family’ to focus on the importance of health care, and funding medical equipment, which is not paid for by the province.
“Each one of us will at some point need our hospital. The NICU is a high-risk referral centre for areas surrounding North Bay. Since our new hospital opened in 2011, over 1,400 babies have been helped during their most critical time of need. Nurses provide round the clock care to our hospital’s tiniest patients,” said Farquhar.
Scott and Marsha Taylor with their twins Ryland and Avery in their arms, joined the golfers for dinner and shared their family experience.
“Ryland and Avery spent 4.5 weeks in NICU at NBRHC. We are so glad we were able to stay close to home, both financially and because it meant we had family support. Scott was able to keep working and we were able to spend as much time as possible while our babies grew strong enough and big enough to take home to join their sibling Graydon who is two,” Marsha shared.
“Dennis Murphy, his family, and the Farquhar Chrysler Family help make this golf tournament a success every year. This tournament has grown immensely because of their hard work and excellent recognition of their sponsors and supporters. Our tiny patients and their families are grateful for their donation,” stated Tammy Morison, President, and CEO, NBRHC Foundation.