As someone born and raised in Huntsville, Christmas holds a special place in my heart. This Christmas we returned to spend the holiday with family and loved ones. We arrived in a blinding snowstorm, delighted knowing it would indeed be a white Christmas.
On December 25th, as we prepared to gather to share gifts and merriment, laughter, and joy, Christmas took an unexpected turn. Our son Jordan, who has Muscular Dystrophy, re-injured his fragile back. (Many years ago, he had sustained 2 compression fractures in his lower back due to an accident) Who knew that putting on a Christmas sweater could be dangerous?! But it was! He felt a pop in his back and was immediately in excruciating pain. The pain was so intense he could hardly breathe!
There was no choice but to phone 911!
Spending Christmas in a hospital is not something any of us would ask for, but I have to say we were lucky to spend it in The Huntsville Hospital! The treatment we received was astonishing! I cannot express my thanks without mentioning the incredible support we received from Dec 25 – 28th. Thank you to the calming presence of so many wonderful people; the 911 Operator; Pete and his EMT partner; ER Dr. Simpson, with his sense of humour and nurse Erin, and her smile; Dr. Mar and Dr. Harrold who took the time to explain what was going on with Jordan’s back, and who both gave us great advice on how to move forward with treatment and a game plan to help Jordan; Tim and the Physio team, who explained back positioning and safe transfers; and the many wonderful, kind, nurses, Sam, Sarah, Luvi and Melissa; Vishnu, the PSW who was always ready to help; and the countless people behind the scenes, cleaning, serving food and giving support or an encouraging smile; and the Free Parking for Christmas. We were blessed to be in the Huntsville Hospital!
My beautiful hometown is often praised for its lakes and rivers, ski hills, and autumn colours but, Huntsville should also be praised for its World Class Hospital!!
With huge gratitude,
Mary Jordan
Toronto
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As a relative newcomer to Huntsville (even though you’re married to a Huntsvillian and have lived here for over thirty years, you’re still seen as a newcomer) I have always been greatly impressed with our hospital and those who provide services there. I gave birth to my son in Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and since we moved to live here in 1992 we have became local recipients of the expertise and care of the hospital through numerous health emergencies of friends and family.
When Mary Jordan expresses her gratitude for the care her son recently received on Christmas Day at a time when everyone wants to be relaxed at home with their families I strongly underline her sentiments. I also want to express how proud I feel that our hospital was able to provide Jordan and his family with the immediate care he needed as well as expert advice for the future that has given them some hopeful new approaches to his health management. As a result of time spent with health professionals in Huntsville they have returned to Toronto with new hope to greatly improve his quality of life there! Many thanks to all the folks that Mary named in her letter. Bravo!!
With much appreciation,
Rev Meg
Minister, Lake of Bays Pastoral Charge
Love this letter. We too have had a great experience at the hospital recently. Proud of all the wonderful people who make our hospital strong.
We are fortunate to have such a good hospital here. It takes special caring and knowledgeable people to work together to bring this quality of care.