The Event
On behalf of The Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK, we are excited to welcome you back in person! So excited that we are hosting TWO fundraising events in 2022 (TWO IN ‘22)! The region’s most anticipated and exciting fundraising event will return on February 19th, 2022, and take place again on November 12th, 2022. Mark your calendars for our first celebration and AGAIN for our second!
The last few years have been a global challenge; however, here in the Maritimes, we have thrived within our community; supporting one another through the pandemic while continuing to support the IWK through the Great Big Dig 2020 Digital Match. As you know, the continued generosity of the community and our sponsors have allowed The Great Big Dig to substantially impact the lives of children, youth, women, and families in our region even during the height of the pandemic.
With the eyes on the future and a gradual return of large gatherings beginning in the Fall of 2021, it is important to us that we take a few extra months and return safely with our Great Big Celebrations. This is the reason why we are hosting TWO IN ‘22!
The Purpose
Each year the Kent Great Big Dig raises money for vital pieces of medical equipment for the IWK and this year is no different! Below are a few examples of what our event will be funding.
Babylog Ventilator
The Babylog Ventilator is a life-saving piece of equipment that will be used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support the breathing of critically ill babies. This specialized ventilator supports breathing through a tube inserted into the baby’s lungs. It allows the baby to be supported immediately post-birth to when they are ready to breathe independently. This ventilator will let the care team transport very sick babies to the operating rooms in the safest possible way.
C02 Monitors
These new C02 monitors will allow the care team to measure the CO2 levels in a baby’s blood painlessly through their skin. This technology will allow the baby’s respiratory support to be increased or weaned non-invasively rather than doing more bloodwork. Bloodwork on infants involves poking and squeezing the baby’s heal, which can be quite painful. Access to these monitors will allow the NICU care team to minimize and potentially eliminate hundreds of painful procedures for critically ill babies each year.
