May 17, 2019

Premature Start Inspires Saskatchewan Woman to Leave a Legacy

The legacy of one Saskatchewan woman will continue to live on at the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

A private patient room and specialized equipment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will bear the name of Theresa Martin, thanks to a generous gift of $297,000.

The Spiritwood, Sask. resident had a special place in her heart for children. She always took the time to talk to kids she met around town and had a supply of handmade blankets that she generously gave to children.

Martin, who was born premature, was always drawn to care for those who needed a little extra help to heal and grow. The idea to leave a gift in her will to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital came to her while listening to the Children’s Hospital Radiothon.

After Martin passed away at the age of 82, her decision to leave a lasting gift to Saskatchewan babies, children and families seemed like the perfect fit to her family.

“Leaving a bequest that specifically supported the smallest and most vulnerable babies was an easy decision for Theresa and our family. She had a great sense of pride knowing her gift would help give babies the best chance at survival,” Martin’s brother, Ron Schneider, said.
 
The NICU at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital has 43 private rooms, five of which are twin rooms. Located on the fourth floor of the hospital, the NICU will provide the most comfortable environment possible for our littlest patients and their families, including space for visitors and a place for a parent to sleep.

“Theresa’s generosity is a gift of hope to families who find themselves in the depths of a NICU journey with their sick or premature baby,” said Lynn Redl-Huntington, Vice-President, Communications at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Her decision to leave a lasting legacy will give the tiniest babies of Saskatchewan a chance to overcome their biggest battles. We are grateful for her gift that will improve outcomes for these little ones and their families for years to come.”

The 176-bed facility is scheduled to open this fall.

To donate to the capital campaign for the new hospital, please visit: pattisonchildrens.ca/donate.