New Westminster, BC, September 27, 2022 — Tomorrow is the last day! Don’t miss your chance to enter. Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s 50/50 jackpot is anticipated to grow over $100,000!
The winner will split the jackpot with Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, supporting the funding of priority equipment, major projects, research, and more at the hospital.
The current jackpot is over $90,000!
Your Impact at Royal Columbian Hospital:
When you play, our patients win. Like Darby Hamilton, who was minutes away from death when she arrived at Royal Columbian:
Darby Hamilton had been plagued with headaches for the past few years, but this time was different. The pain left the 26-year old Mission resident screaming in agony. She was eventually transported to Royal Columbian Hospital – the region’s brain and spine centre – where she soon slipped into a coma.
Darby was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a benign tumour located right in the geographic centre of her brain. It was blocking the regular flow of cerebrospinal fluid, a condition called hydrocephalus, causing immense pressure in her head.
“The day that Darby presented, she came closer to death than anyone that I have ever looked after,” says neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Nikolakis.
Darby was rushed into the operating room for an emergency procedure to ease the pressure in her head. Dr. Nikolakis inserted two catheters to drain the fluid. Darby was stabilized.
But in order to remove the tumour, which was in a very difficult and dangerous location, the medical team at Royal Columbian Hospital ordered a new piece of equipment that had never been used before in its facilities.
The NICO BrainPath allowed Dr. Nikolakis to slide a microcatheter right next to the tumour and gradually cut it off in pieces. Thanks to the new device, Dr. Nikolakis says, the operation went smoothly.
“It essentially caused no brain damage on our way in or out,” notes Dr. Nikolakis. “Darby woke up neurologically intact.”
Now, four months later, Darby has not had a single headache. She’s returned to work and her single side-effect is a droop on one side of her face.
“Every single nurse that I dealt with was so compassionate, and they clearly love what they do,” says Darby. “The doctors, they are just wonderful. Dr. Nikolakis, I mean, he saved my life. I couldn’t say more angelic things about the man. I just love this hospital.”
Your participation in the lottery helps us support the highest level of care for patients like Darby.
Get your tickets now:
Ticket Sales Close: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 11:59:59 p.m.
Draw Date: Thursday, Sept 29, 2022
Tickets available to British Columbia residents over 19 years of age
