June 11, 2009/- The search across Southeastern Ontario for donor stories about our hospitals is over. The University Hospitals Kingston Foundation The Story of Our Hospitals project has selected four finalists from the many stories submitted. Now, the public is being asked to pick its favorite story.

“The 170-year story of our hospitals is all about people from the community who have made a difference in our health care with a donation. We’ve seen this in all the stories we’ve received as part of The Story of Our Hospitals,” said Ian Wilson Chair of the Together We Can campaign. “With the help of a selection panel we’ve chosen four top stories. We’re asking people to go online to our website and vote for their favourite story.”

PICK YOUR FAVOURITE NOW. CLICK HERE.

The four finalists tell stories of courage and hope. Gabriel’s life was changed by a car accident. He not only learned to live from a wheelchair, he also discovered how donors make a difference. The story of one boy’s fight against cancer inspired one of the best-known fundraising efforts in Kingston – the Andy Fund.  Hotel Dieu Hospital has been an important part of Bernadette’s life. Now, she’s giving back as both a volunteer and a donor. Angela & John honoured her late father, Harry Lawson, by asking for donations to the Cancer Centre in lieu of wedding gifts. Stories were received from across Kingston and from Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa.

The public can pick a story at www.kingstonhospitalsfoundation.ca or by calling 613-549-5452 or toll-free in Southeastern Ontario at 866-549-5452. The deadline for choosing a favorite is June 27th. The favourite story will be celebrated in Together We Can campaign’s ads in July.

“We’re all part of the story of our hospitals because we all benefit from the health care they provide. By going online to help pick the favorite story people will become part of the 170 year record,” said Wilson.

The Story of Our Hospitals comes as one of the greatest chapters in the history of our hospitals is being written – the redevelopment of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care. Redevelopment is the greatest change in health care in Southeastern Ontario in a generation. The Foundation’s $70 million Together We Can campaign will raise the money to make redevelopment happen.