The 2015 Hospitals’ Lottery kicked off in Red Deer last week and as of last Friday, the lottery was already 40% sold out.
Funds raised during this year’s campaign will go towards cardiac enhancements in the emergency department, the cardiac intensive care unit, the inpatient cardiology and telemetry unit and the inpatient acute stroke unit.
The total budget for cardiac enhancements is $2 million and will be done in two phases. The 2015 lottery proceeds will be used to fund phase one.
There are many prizes to be had. The grand prize in this year’s Hospitals’ Lottery is the dream home located at 86 Lazaro Cl. The home, built by Sorento Custom Homes, is valued at $799,000.
The early bird prize package includes a 2015 Mazda 3 GT, a $500 gas card and $50,000 cash. Tickets purchased before 11 p.m. on June 7th will be eligible for the early bird draw.
There are a total of 450 prizes valued at more than $1 million. Prizes include vehicles, travel adventures, jewelry, electronics, and more.
Also attending last week’s launch was Colleen Cabelka and her family. The Cabelka’s know of the importance of the Red Deer Regional Hospital and its staff firsthand.
Four years ago, Cabelka’s husband Devin, was diagnosed with a mouth-borne bacterium after living with an abscessed tooth for two years that was never extracted. Before the diagnosis, he underwent a number of tests and it was confirmed that he was in full body sepsis. It was decided that surgery to aspirate his hip – the centre from which his pain originated – was required.
“He had exceptional care during that time,” said Colleen.
In 2012, a year later to the date of Devin’s first ordeal, he had a stroke at age 46. Devin recovered and the Cabelka’s lives returned to a relatively normal state.
However, this past January, Colleen’s mom passed away from a heart attack after years of health struggles. Colleen said through it all, the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital were exceptional.
“The care level that we have received every single time is second to none,” said Colleen. “These are services, staff and amenities within the hospital that you don’t think you are going to need until you absolutely need them. We need to be proactive in supporting that and throwing everything we can at that. I firmly believe that.”
Tickets are $25 each, five for $100 or 15 for $250. To purchase tickets call 403-340-1878 or visit www.hospitalslottery.com.
Cut off for ticket purchases is 11 p.m. on June 21st. Final draws will begin at 9 a.m. July 6th at the dream home.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
