RUMFORD – At the end of January the Rumford Hospital 2003-2004 Annual Appeal had raised more than $27,000 toward its $50,000 goal.

“We have five more months to raise the remainder,” said Development Committee Chairman Don Cummings, noting that the annual appeal coincides with the hospital’s fiscal year which ends June 30. “We will send out a second appeal letter to people who have not given yet within a couple of months,” he said.

“People who have not received an annual appeal brochure, letter and return envelope can find them at several locations around the hospital in waiting rooms and at the switchboard or they can call Community Relations and Development at 369-1143 and ask to have the information mailed to them,” adds Cummings.

The goal this year is to purchase a blanket warmer to be shared by the Radiology and Emergency departments, a portable EKG monitor for day surgery patients, a multi-station gym for rehabilitation patients, extra large recliners for the Medical/Surgical floor and an infant warmer.

In addition, appeal funds will go a long way toward financing the renovation of a section of the third floor for an expanded Oncology Suite. Since its inception in 1997, the number of patients treated in the Oncology Suite has more than tripled. With an expanded suite the dedicated staff will be able to serve more patients and those patients will be afforded more privacy and comfort.

“Many, many people have stretched their giving this year to help us meet our very ambitious goal,” says Cummings. Because donors have increased their gifts, the rolls of the Mountain Society, which honors leadership donors who give $100 or more, are growing fast. “It’s good to see that so many people in our community support the hospital – at whatever level they are able,” Cummings notes.

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