Couple’s generosity shines

The need for FNQ residents to have access to the best surgical technology, has been recognised by “part-time” locals, who have donated $100,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign.
The campaign is the Foundation’s largest to date, with more than half the $4.3 million target needed, already raised since launching in May this year.
Our visionary campaign to raise $4.3 million for a surgical robot (aka DaNi), will revolutionise surgical care, enhancing precision, reducing recovery times, and improving outcomes for patients across our region. The state-of-the-art surgical robot replicates the surgeon’s hand movements in real time. It lets surgeons perform complex procedures with unmatched precision and control with minimally invasive techniques. This means smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times for patients.
Denise and Ellis Richardson, who spend part of the year in FNQ and the rest in Victoria, said they were motivated to donate for several reasons.
“Firstly, we believe that people in the Far North should have access to the best technology available and we know that technology helps attract the best doctors and those with the highest potential,” Ellis Richardson said.
“We know the outcomes with the surgical robot are so much better and it’s the future of surgical care,” he said.
Denise Richardson, who was involved locally with the Look Good, Feel Better breast cancer program in the region for many years, said she had often seen people have to travel elsewhere for treatment which was difficult for both the patient and their families.
“I think that’s not good enough and we are also conscious of the need to try to help First Nations people have the best possible outcomes and we know this will be key to that, for many aspects of health care,” Denise Richardson said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan thanked the couple for their ongoing generosity.
“Denise and Ellis have donated previously, to our Cancer Care Hub project and we cannot thank them enough for hearing what the community needs and rallying to the cause.
“Every donation for this campaign will go exactly where it’s intended – towards buying this piece of equipment that will know will bring equity of care to everyone in the region,” Mrs Hogan said.
To find out more about the campaign, visit www.fnqhf.org.au