By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Fundraiser for cardiac care and cath lab awareness selling out fast

Jan 31, 2018 | 12:07 PM

A dinner and show to raise funds and awareness for cardiac care in Red Deer is right around the corner.
 
Time is Muscle goes February 24 at The Krossing and will feature local band The Time Machine Retro Rock & Roll Revue, as well as a silent auction and 50/50.
 
Event co-organizer Harley Hay, who’s producing a video for the event, says it isn’t just about raising more money for cardiac care, but also to ensure the conversation about building a cardiac catheterization lab stays on the front burner.
 
“I’ve interviewed several people directly affected by the fact we don’t have a cath lab here in Red Deer, and it’s so frustrating because it makes so much sense,” he laments. “The numbers dont lie, they show Red Deer needs one, deserves one and really should have one.”
 
Hay says some worry it’s just going to cost us more money, but he notes that money is already being spent on transferring central Albertans to Edmonton and Calgary for treatment.
 
A total of $3.6 million is currently spent annually on transportation, longer hospital stays, rehospitalization and to deal with strokes caused by a delay in receiving the necessary cardiac care.
 
Meanwhile, some community members have expressed a desire to financially support a cardiac cath lab in Red Deer, but no funding for the project currently exists, nor are funds being solicited for the project, according to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. 

“The sooner, the better that we can get one of these cath labs in Red Deer,” Hay adds. “The irony of it is we would get better care and it wouldn’t even cost any more than we’re spending now.”
 
To purchase tickets for the Time is Muscle fundraiser, visit rdrhfoundation.com/time-is-muscle.