The post Debbie’s Journey of Strength, Gratitude, and Compassionate Care Close to Home appeared first on Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation.

Then, one ordinary day, she felt a lump in her breast.

“I noticed a lump in my left breast. I waited a week, thinking maybe it would go away. But something just didn’t feel right,” she remembers.

That gut feeling led Jasmin to her doctor and changed her life. Within weeks, tests revealed the news no one wants to hear: breast cancer.

On August 16, Jasmin underwent surgery preformed by Dr. Morell at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital to remove the tumor and lymph nodes. Recovery was long and difficult but when her results came back clear, she knew there was hope.

“Ringing the bell after my final radiation session on December 21st was the best Christmas present ever,” Jasmin says. “It felt so good to know… I made it.”

Today, Jasmin continues her recovery, grateful for the doctors, nurses, and technology that made her treatment possible. Most of all, she is grateful she had access to expert, compassionate care close to home.

Her message is simple: “Please don’t wait. Self-check. Go for your mammogram. Early detection saved my life.” Every donation makes a difference for patients like Jasmin, and for the countless others who will walk through our doors tomorrow.

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‘In 2012 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In preparing for radiation, an MRI and CT scan identified that I had a large aortic aneurysm that needed immediate attention.

This resulted in co-ordination between my oncologist, radiology, and vascular surgeon. I had to double up my radiation appointments as well as had to travel to the Civic Hospital for another MRI and numerous other tests that were required prior to surgery.

Both he and his granddaughter were born here. He has had many visits to the hospital over the years due to sports injuries and surgeries.

My doctors still tell the story that cancer saved my life – because the required imaging found the aneurysm.
In 2020, imaging and other tests identified the need for an emergency triple by-pass.

Post Covid lockdowns, a spot was detected by my eye doctor who in turn notified my family doctor. An urgent CT scan of my neck was ordered and luckily it was able to be done here in Smiths Falls. This CT imaging was once again life saving as it showed that I had a blocked carotid artery, requiring immediate surgery to avoid a stroke.

Having access to care close to home is so important!’ – Barry Brady

Barry and his family have a long history with the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital.

In high school he worked as a member of housekeeping, his brother was a hospital administrator, and his mother was a lab / ECG tech.
He wanted to share his story to help spread awareness for the importance of having an MRI close to home for our community.
Barry’s story exemplifies how vital access to diagnostic imaging is.

Having an MRI close to home not only alleviates stress associated with travelling to a larger city for testing but ultimately it will save lives.

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Mr. Smith noted that this was not his first MRI scan, and he commended the staff at the Smiths Falls Site of the Hospital. He said that “the staff were amazing. They were professional, supportive, and they alleviated any concerns I had, leaving me to feel like I was “Mr. Important.”

From the moment Mr. Smith entered the MRI Department to completing the scan, he said, “that I felt well looked after and comfortable. I know that the care I received was not just because I was the first patient but because this was how the Hospital staff cares for all patients.”

Following his appointment, Mr. Smith was able to take time to visit an inpatient at the Hospital adding to overall positive experience. “It was great to be able to simply drive from my house with no traffic to a familiar location, have my appointment and then enjoy an inpatient visit.”

“Having this much-needed service in our community is so awesome. It will be a game changer for so many patients and families” said Smith.

Mr. Smith remarked that he saw the MRI service at the local hospital as one that will bring the communities closer together.

Mr. Smith is the first of many patients to access MRI services closer to home.

The MRI is officially here at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital HOWEVER, it has not been paid for, and we need your help more than ever to fund this vital diagnostic equipment.

The total raised to date for the MRI is $1.8 million, about 25% of our goal. We have a long way to go but the PSFDH Foundation team strongly believes that the $6.1 million goal is achievable.

The Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation would like to sincerely thank every single person who has already supported the PSFDH Foundation’s 3-year $6.1 million campaign to fund this vital piece of equipment.

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Aida’s Story—

“When I woke up on August 27th, 2022, my biggest worry was making sure my friend, Taylor and I had enough junk food for our weekend at the lake.

No one could have ever imagined what was going to happen on this day. It was a hot August day and Taylor and I decided to go for a swim.

While deep out in the lake, I suddenly had a seizure, went unresponsive and under water. I was soon pulled above water and CPR was started as quickly as possible.

By that time, the paramedics were on their way, and I am so grateful that they made it in time.

I was then brought to the nearest hospital emergency department, which was Smiths Falls Site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, where the amazing staff worked incredibly hard to stabilize me.

This wasn’t easy and took hours, but their dedicated staff did not give up.

Once I was stable enough, I was flown by helicopter to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for immediate ECMO. After over a month on ECMO, I was able to be moved to the Civic Hospital ICU where I stayed until I was well enough to await a spot at rehab.

Following many complications, I finally made it to the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre where I was treated by the most caring and compassionate team anyone could ask for.
And while my recovery isn’t over, I am able to continue it from home, surrounded by my family and friends, thanks to all the amazing staff who were a part of my treatment.

I am so grateful that Smiths Falls Hospital was where I first went. If they hadn’t had such a fantastic team working, doing their absolute best, my story would’ve been a lot shorter.

I am grateful to all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other staff who provided me with the best care possible and who put all their effort into stabilizing me.

Thank you, from me and my family, to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital!”
~ Aida A.”

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 It was a harrowing birth, that was moving along faster than Amanda could adjust. Feeling overwhelmed she was only too glad to slip into one of those tubs on the advice of her nurses. While she was in the tub and having difficulty finding her balance with the buoyancy of the water, a nurse got right in with her to help steady and guide her.

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Thanks to Roy and his family’s initiative there is now one palliative care room available at each campus of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. It was the start of a beautiful relationship!

Since that time Roy has been a staunch supporter of the hospital, making generous donations every year for various pieces of equipment that the hospital has needed. Each donation is in memory of Valerie and informed by her passion for children and youth. To date Roy has donated more than $150,000 to the Great War Memorial campus of PSFDH.

“Roy is a fabulous donor. He likes to know what our greatest needs are, and he’s very specific about where he wants his money to go,” said Margot Hallam, executive director of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation.

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