SMGH FOUNDATION WINS 1ST PLACE IN PINK GLOVE DANCE COMPETITION

2015 marks the fifth year that the Medline Pink Glove Dance video competition has united dancers nationwide, including healthcare professionals, breast cancer patients and survivors to celebrate and raise awareness for those still fighting – all through the joy of dance. 
The votes are in and Medline announced today that Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation has won first place in the non-healthcare category for the 2015 Pink Glove Dance Video Competition.  This win marks the first time a Canadian entrant has won a prize in the competition.

Determined by public online voting, Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation received 8,750 votes, and has won a $10,000 donation from Medline to the breast cancer charity of its choice, the Breast Assessment Program at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.

“We are grateful to the star of the video, Laurie-Ann Matthews, and feel inspired by her courage and determination to work with us while experiencing her own personal journey with breast cancer,” says SMGH Foundation CEO, Susan McLean.  “This win for SMGH Foundation, and more importantly the contribution by Medline towards the Breast Assessment Program at Strathroy Hospital, would not have been possible without the on-going support and enthusiasm shown by the SMGH Staff and Physicians along with our Community Partners, who all took time from their busy schedules to participate in, and vote daily for this video.” 

Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation Pink Glove Dance Video follows the journey of their patient, Laurie Ann.  It begins with her diagnosis of breast cancer and tells the story of her fight along the way. More than 250 dancers, including hospital staff and community members danced while sporting Medline’s pink exam gloves to celebrate hope for a cure for breast cancer, as well as honour those who have been affected by the disease. Furthermore, as part of the facility’s fundraising efforts during the competition, more than $55,000 was raised for the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation.

“Congratulations to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation for putting together such an amazing video that has grabbed the attention of thousands of people from around the country,” said Sue MacInnes, chief market solutions officer, Medline. “Some walk for breast cancer awareness. Others run. We dance wearing pink gloves for breast cancer awareness and prevention. It is Medline’s unified mission to eradicate breast cancer. The Pink Glove Dance competition provides communities with an organized event that supports everyone who’s been touched by breast cancer. The participation from thousands of dancers over the years has helped us make a significant impact in providing breast cancer related charities with the essential resources they need to carry out education and prevention initiatives.”

There were nine total winners in this year’s Pink Glove Dance video competition throughout three categories – Large-Bed, Small-Bed and Non-Healthcare. Each winner has received a donation to benefit breast cancer education and prevention initiatives for the charity of their choice.

Visit www.pinkglovedance.com to view Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation’s winning video.