ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) - In 2023, Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans lost a whopping $8.2 million. While their day’s cash on hand remains strong, community members are taking it upon themselves to assist the non-profit.
Rural hospitals across the state are struggling to stay afloat, but in Franklin County, community members are grabbing a life jacket, a paddle, and a raft, trying to help out.
The key is listening. When everyone’s in sync, paddling in time, you move faster than going at it alone.
“When you’re all doing it exactly in the same order... there’s a feeling of team, and that you’re creating something bigger than yourself,” said Roary Club and NWMC board member Karyn Rocheleau.
Rowing with the rotary for a cause. Club leaders Rocheleau and Leon Berthiaume have both served as board members of Northwestern Medical Center, and knew the hospital had a need.
“We’re losing significant money at our hospital, and we will lose money next year at our hospital in a big way,” said Rocheleau.
They also wanted to bring Franklin County residents together.
“It’s really about building stronger communities, and it’s really about service above self,” said Berthiaume.
So they bought three 18-foot rafts to Kile Kare State Park, and are challenging anyone who can make it to the fundraiser to register and race. The money goes toward a machine that can read hearts. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Franklin County, and this machine gets patients help faster.
“Over $130,000 raised so far with this event, it being a first-time event, it’s just amazing to feel like the community wants to help,” said Kate Laddison from Northwestern Medical Center.
Their goal is to reach $150,000 out of the $300,000 needed for the cardiac machine.
The fundraiser will take place on July 27th.
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