Children needing to visit the Emergency Department in Leamington will get a little extra support thanks to the Fight Like Mason Foundation.
The foundation donated six of its customized "Mason Power Poles" to the hospital. The customized IV poles feature fun, colourful designs of superheroes and other cartoon characters. The Mason Power Poles can now be found in hospitals throughout Ontario.
The Fight Like Mason foundation was founded by Ian Macri and Chantelle Bacon to carry on the legacy of their son Mason, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two. The foundation aims to improve the treatment, care, and quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer and other childhood illnesses.
"One of those amazing things we wanted to do was change the game and fill all the holes that we experienced as patients and Mason experienced as a patient. One of those is brightening up the hospital room and brightening up what hasn't changed since its invention and that is the IV pole," said Macri.
Though Erie Shores Healthcare does not have a dedicated pediatric unit, the emergency department saw 4,774 children in 2019.
"When parents are bringing their children to our Emergency Department, my belief is to continue the comfort and compassion through their healthcare journey when they visit here. Having ‘Power Poles’ here does that and it’s an honour to ensure that the legacy of Mason lives on here at ESHC," said Janice Dawson, CEO of ESHC.
With the addition of power poles at Erie Shores Healthcare, every child needing an IV in Windsor-Essex will have access to a Mason Power Pole to help them face whatever health challenge lies ahead.