For Cindy Melenchenko, charitable giving is a way of life. She believes in prioritizing donations and making time for them, stating, “Giving has to be a habit, a priority in your life.” Both she and her sister have modeled this value for younger generations, teaching Cindy’s nieces about saving, spending, and giving. Cindy feels that her family’s teachings about generosity have provided her the freedom and ability to support others, a philosophy she wants to pass on to future generations.
In late December 2024, the LWDHF reached out to Cindy to express our gratitude for her annual donation to the “Tree of Life” Appeal for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation. This particular initiative funded a state-of-the-art mammography unit that significantly improves diagnostic capabilities for patients in Kenora and Northwestern Ontario. The new unit is one of only two in North America and will help reduce wait times for critical diagnoses, providing hope and faster care to breast cancer patients.
The Tree of Life Appeal and the new mammography unit resonated deeply with Cindy as it connected to a deeply personal story. Cindy’s grandmother Elsie Prokulevich worked at the hospital in the 1990s and, at one point, had received breast cancer treatment there herself. Elsie’s journey, marked by strength, resilience, and independence, left a lasting impression on her family.
Cindy shared, “It struck me that this new technology offers a future of hope for breast cancer patients, for better diagnoses, treatments, and improved survival rates. Who knows what future hope there is for others now that we have technology like this?”
Elsie was not only a beloved figure in her family but also in the community. She was a true role model—strong, independent, and generous. Originally from Garland in Northern Manitoba, Elsie settled in Kenora with her husband Paul. Together, Elsie and Paul became active volunteers in their community, particularly at the Ukrainian Catholic Church, where they helped others through both their time and resources. In those days, survival often depended on neighbors working together, and Elsie embraced that principle wholeheartedly.
Over the years, Elsie’s commitment to others grew. With support from her manager, Mrs. Alcock, Elsie eventually rose to the role of Housekeeping Manager at LWDH. Known for her tireless work ethic and generosity, Elsie became a beloved figure at the hospital. Even after a diagnosis of breast cancer, she continued to live with strength and purpose. Elsie’s life was one of perseverance, and after her husband passed away, she learned to drive at the age of 56, demonstrating that her determination knew no bounds.
Cindy’s father Morris Melenchenko worked at LWDH as a Stationary Engineer at the hospital’s steam plant. Even after his retirement, he continued to do small maintenance jobs for the hospital and became a regular at the annual LWDH Employee BBQ, where he was often found flipping burgers. Cindy’s mother, Joyce, was also an integral part of the community, being particularly active in the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, local curling and crafts. These family connections to the hospital and the Kenora community became a central part of Cindy’s understanding of the importance of giving.
When we spoke to Cindy, she was mindful that we had first contacted her about the Tree of Life donation on January 7, Ukrainian Christmas. For her, this day was filled with joyful memories of family and celebration. “It’s like a circle that comes back around,” she reflected. “All of these connections to the past—we have to keep them going to help others.”
Cindy’s story of giving, shaped by the teachings of her grandmother, her family and her community, is a powerful reminder of the importance of philanthropy in creating lasting change. Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your story with us. We hope your family’s legacy of generosity will inspire others to embrace the spirit of giving. A gift to enhance healthcare today is a gift for future generations.