Miles Hammond had a short life, but he's left an important legacy.
Miles Philip Hammond lost his battle with cancer, Feb. 9, 2021, just days after his first birthday. His parents, Kent and Kate Hammond, created the Miles Philip Hammond Memorial Fundraiser as a way to honour his life and thank the pediatric oncology (POGO) team at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.
The second annual fundraiser was a great success, surpassing last year’s total of $20,000 and raising a total of $25,000 to purchase a new vital signs monitor.
"We are so thrilled that we exceeded our fundraising goal for this year's event,” said Kate Hammond, Miles' mother. “Our friends, family and community have rallied behind us in such a major way, and we are deeply grateful.”
The new vital signs monitor will observe patients' blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. Using the new monitor, care providers can easily assess patients for abnormalities and provide medical interventions when they are needed.
“This (monitor) will help support our smallest soldiers as they fight their battle with cancer," said Hunter Markle, community engagement officer at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation.
This year's event was hosted after what would have been Miles’ third birthday. The sold-out event was well-attended by family, friends, and community members who gathered to show support and share memories of Miles.
“During Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the strength shown by our POGO patients and their families,” said Markle. “It was a privilege to attend the evening, you could not help but be overwhelmed by the love expressed by (Miles Hammond’s) family and friends and watch that expression be translated into exceptional generosity in support of Soldiers'.”
The Hammond family continues to showcase their generosity through charitable donations to pediatric cancer treatment.
“No parent should have to experience what Kate and Kent have gone through, but their strength and courage inspires others to channel their grief into something that heals in more ways than one.” Markle said.
For Kent and Kate Hammond, it means so much to them to see their son’s legacy continue to live on in the place he received some of his treatments.
“Having Miles' legacy live on to impact other kids and families at the hospital helps us feel like his short life will continue to do good,” Kate Hammond said.
The remaining funds raised were contributed to the Miles Hammond Endowment Fund. The endowment will continue to support advancements for Soldiers’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Paediatric department, ensuring that Miles’ legacy will continue to make a difference in our community.
To donate towards the Miles Hammond Endowment Fund, visit osmhfoundation.ca/donate.
