In October 2009, the Big SQUEEZE Committee and the Morrison Community Hospital Foundation teamed up to raise approximately $35,000 toward improving women’s health services at the Morrison Community Hospital.  We presented an opportunity for the community to enjoy a unique entertainment experience and to generously contribute toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine.  The Big SQUEEZE turned out to be an inspiring two-day celebration with four separate events held at Prairie Ridge Golf Course in Morrison, IL.

Hundreds of individuals participated in the afternoon tea, walk for women’s health, golf tournament, auctions, and cocktail party.   It was not only a memorable weekend of awesome community spirit, but a great chance to honor loved ones who have battled, or are battling, cancer and to remember those who have lost that battle.

This year, coordinators are planning The Big SQUEEZE with a twist…a twist of green!   Friday, October 1, 2010, a formal afternoon tea will be presented at 3:00 p.m.  On Saturday morning, October 2, “walk the course” will give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Prairie Ridge Golf Course.  The course is reserved in the afternoon for our golf outing.  The twist of green comes Saturday evening with The Big SQUEEZE presenting Luau on the Greens!

We will offer Polynesian buffet, Polynesian entertainment, live and silent auctions, and a few surprises.   Proceeds from all events will still benefit women’s health, promote breast cancer awareness, and bring the community together for a fun-filled weekend.  However, this year, the event has the ability to positively impact a broader range of patients, as well. 

This year’s goal is to raise funds to help Morrison Community Hospital purchase a PACS system.  The Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is capable of storing, retrieving, transporting, displaying, and printing medical images throughout the hospital.  Here are some of the ways the PACS system will benefit the patient:

• Decreased radiology report turnaround time
• Shorter wait times for diagnosis and treatment
• Instant display of vital patient information
• Simultaneous distribution of patient radiology information to multiple locations
• Increased radiology efficiency.

More information about the Big SQUEEZE will be released soon.  Mark your calendars now for October 1st and 2nd.  The Morrison Community Hospital, MCH Foundation, and the Big SQUEEZE Committee would like to thank our sponsors.  Because of their generosity we are able to offer a truly spectacular weekend.  There are many sponsorship opportunities available.

If you are interested in joining our effort to create a healthier community and support the Big SQUEEZE weekend through sponsorships or donating an auction item, please contact Chad Haskell, MCH Director of Communications, at 815-772-5510.  For more information about the Morrison Community Hospital visit their website at www.morrisonhospital.com.


Article courtesy of Chad Haskell, Director of Communications, Morrison Community Hospital