On Tuesday, November 17, the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary launched its 26th Annual Tree of Lights fundraising campaign. The tree lighting ceremony in front of the hospital was made even more festive with entertainment by the Bay County Chorus and the children of the Shore Health System Child Development Center.

Funds raised by the 2009 Tree of Lights will be used to purchase equipment which monitors heart and respiration rates of infants at risk for apnea, a pause in or absence of breathing that can lead to sudden infant death. Each monitor costs $3,500 and the Pediatrics unit could use several of these devices to replace the existing monitoring system.

A one-season Tree of Lights donation of $5 buys a red or gold light for the holiday tree. The red light honors family members and friends, living or deceased. The gold light honors people serving in the military. A $100 contribution purchases a white Life Light, which will be lit each year. The name of each person recognized through the purchase of any light will be displayed on scrolls hung in the Memorial Hospital main lobby throughout the holiday season.

Donation forms are available at the Memorial Hospital Information Desk in the front lobby. For more information, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5839.