Before her passing, Debbie generously shared her story with us.
While we had planned to feature it in late April, we now share it in honour of her wishes and with heartfelt gratitude for the trust she placed in us to tell it.
Her words reflect a journey marked by strength, resilience, and deep appreciation for the care she received.
“I’ve been a long-term patient of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital due to a chronic anemia blood disorder that has evolved. I first visited the hospital on December 26, 2009, never having visited a hospital before for my own care. I was seen by Dr. Drummond where my lifelong journey began.
I started needing blood transfusions and was quickly referred by him to a hematologist. He was so kind and thorough, and I was treated with exceptional care by Nurse Nancy who has retired now. I became dependent on blood transfusions where I would visit the ER to have until the medical day clinic was opened (in memory of Dr. Drummond’s daughter).
I had to be admitted a couple of times at the hospital and had several treatments through my specialist, that would at times put me into remission for awhile until they didn’t work anymore. The most current relapse was December 2024 when I returned to visit every two weeks for transfusions until now, as I will be having a HSCT (stem cell transplant).
During my time as a regular at the hospital, I got to know many of the staff in the lab (can’t say enough about Marylouise, Phil, Graham, Diane, Kelcy) and the nurses at the med unit, past and present (Christina, Kris, Amanda, Alicia, Cheryl).
The gratitude of having care close to home and getting to know these exceptional people who provide extraordinary care is beyond words. I can just say that it makes a huge difference especially when you are so sick and have little energy to make long trips to the city, get up early to travel, and just feel disconnected at the big hospitals.
At Perth hospital, specifically my experience with the medical day clinic and its caring staff, it was like family taking care of me. It was bittersweet and some sadness when I said goodbye, although hopeful for a cure now, I will miss them, their kindness, their competency, and humanity, not to mention some very excellent topics of conversation including laughter!
Thank you is not enough! I’m so very grateful to local care at our great hospital!”
We extend our deepest condolences to Debbie’s family and friends during this difficult time.