When pink became green
The lights of Season of Celebration burned brightly for a special individual who became an inspiration for the importance of St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation’s annual campaign. Indeed, the motivational colour for the 2008 Season campaign became green rather than the trademark pink.
Kathy Green was a patient in Parkwood Hospital’s palliative care unit over the Christmas holidays where she battled an aggressive form of cancer. A cardiac care nurse at St. Joseph’s for more than 20 years, Kathy had many friends among the staff, who supported her throughout the diffi cult period.
As the Season campaign picked up speed and more lights were lit in response to community donations, Kathy remarked to friends how inspirational the lights were outside her window at Parkwood.
Before Christmas, one of Kathy’s friends asked the foundation if it was possible to install a ‘green’ bulb as part of the display for Kathy to enjoy.
Thanks to Claire Parker and his staff in physical plant, four green bulbs were quickly secured and strategically placed within view of Kathy’s hospital room. She could now look out and see green lights in her honour, in addition to pink, to spur her on.
The lights meant a great deal to Kathy. And her reaction proved to be a true source of inspiration for the foundation.
“Kathy reminded us of the true goal of the Season program,” said Michelle Campbell, foundation president and CEO. “Yes, it’s a vehicle to raise funds for the hospital annually, but the first goal of Season is to create a focus of celebration for patients and residents who cannot be home for the holidays. We’ve learned over the years that those little lights really do matter to people.”
St. Joseph’s colleague and friend Cathy Parsons spoke of the gratitude of the small gesture to both Kathy and her family.
“The collaboration of the foundation with physical plant truly made visible the mission of St. Joseph’s. It is what I love about the people and the leadership of this organization.”
Best friend, Karen Perkin said Kathy “reminded us that what is most important in life is what is already right in front of us…the joy in the moment, the beauty of the simple and the rugged and the value of the people in our life. The four green lights amid the pink ones of the Season campaign and the effort to make this idea happen are a perfect symbol of these gifts.”
“What is most important in life is what is already right in front of us…the joy in the moment, the beauty of the simple... and the value of the people in our life.”
