The Ritchie Family’s passion for supporting health care, and more specifically women’s health, has been a driving force within their family for many years.
Throughout his life, David Ritchie has been surrounded by friends and family members who have been impacted by breast cancer, either through a personal diagnosis or through experiencing the harrowing possibility of having the disease. Nine years ago, his own daughter, Tammy Ritchie, experienced her own mammography scare. Living here in Surrey, she was referred to Dr. Rhonda Janzen, a surgeon at the Breast Health Clinic in the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre (JPOCSC). Tammy was touched by the excellent care that she had received from Dr. Janzen, who showed her comfort during this stressful time.
Her gratitude for the care she had personally received led Tammy and David Ritchie to be the largest supporters of the Breast Health Clinic, having given more than $1.3 million over the years. Their generous donations over time have helped fund two major projects for breast health – the purchase of both a tomosynthesis machine and a specialized, super-high powered, surgical microscope.
Tomosynthesis, or “3D mammography”, is a new type of digital x-ray mammogram that creates 2D and 3D-like pictures of the breasts. This piece of equipment improves the ability to detect early breast cancers, which in turn, decreases the number of women being called back for additional tests.
The specialized, super-high powered, surgical microscope is key to the new Microsurgical Lymphatic Reconstruction Program at JPOCSC. These surgeries are crucial for those at high risk of developing lymphedema which is the buildup of fluid in soft body tissues that cause swelling—often the result of cancer treatments, especially breast cancer treatments.
With the continuous support from the Ritchie Family, breast health patients can receive incredible care with the latest and most advanced technology that allows for earlier detection and better treatment options. Surrey Hospitals Foundation recently had an event to recognize and honour all that the Ritchie Family has done in support of the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, and more specifically, the Breast Health Clinic within it.
At the event, we unveiled the naming of The Ritchie Family Breast Health Clinic Lounge. This space was created for patients to sit and relax during their visits to JPOCSC. The Ritchie Family’s dedication to supporting women’s health is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us to make a difference in our communities. Their legacy of generosity will continue to have a positive impact on breast health care for years to come.
