Story Type: Patient

“I remember I had my mammogram, and then received a call that afternoon that additional imaging was needed.  Then I needed a biopsy.  Within five weeks of the mammogram, I underwent the first of three of my surgeries,” says Pamela.

“I honestly remember feeling my initial diagnosis was a mistake.  I thought maybe my doctor received the wrong information,” she says.

Pamela was referred to Joseph Brant Hospital’s Dr. Bacopolus who met with her and her husband to discuss what was happening.  “She put me at ease immediately.  She had worked with her team to discuss options for me,” says Pamela.  “I can’t say enough how incredible and lovely the staff at the hospital were throughout the entire process.”

After undergoing two lumpectomies, the doctors informed her that the margins weren’t great and there would be a new discussion around what Pamela’s next options would be.  “When I received the results of my second lumpectomy, I met with my oncologist.  We decided that for me and my health at the time, it was best to have a mastectomy,” recalls Pamela.

But two weeks before her surgery when Pamela met with her surgeon, her doctor sensed a slight hesitation.

“I was very lucky to have a caring surgeon who picked up on my hesitation even though she only knew me for a few months.  She insisted I meet with Dr. Sun, a plastic surgeon, and go through all my options to make sure I had no regrets.”

After discussing with Dr. Sun, Pamela decided to undergo breast reconstruction using her own tissues.  “I left feeling like I was taken care of and now I was scheduled for a mastectomy and a reconstruction together,” says Pamela.

After surgery, Pamela spent time in the ICU where she was monitored for complications from the tissue reconstruction, before being transferred to an inpatient unit.  “The nurses and doctors were compassionate, kind – I truly can’t say enough about them.  This entire experience was scary, but everyone was so calm and lovely, I never felt like I wasn’t taken care of,” says Pamela. “Dr. Bacopolus and Dr. Sun made a terrible situation into one of optimism.  I am forever grateful.”

After her experience, Pamela wanted to give back to the Hospital for the incredible support she received.  “I wanted to show my appreciation to the hospital.  I became a monthly donor and volunteered at the hospital.  I believe it’s important to support the hospital, and every little bit helps.”

The last 18 months have been so hard on everyone. Nothing has been normal. Nothing has felt right. And nobody has felt this more than kids.

Studies have shown that in the last year, more than 50% of children and adolescents have reported clinically significant depressive symptoms.

But thanks to the generous support of donors like the RBC Foundation, our CAP Clinic has been there to provide youth with the right care at the right time, including Abbey.

The RBC Foundation began supporting the expansion of the CAP Clinic back in 2013, enabling the program to grow from one-day a week to five-days a week, offering the children, youth and families in our community better access to care.

Over the past eight years, the CAP Clinic has seen a 400% increase in referrals, while providing a significant reduction in wait times. Prior to the pandemic, the CAP Clinic achieved zero wait time for appointments with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, nurse and social worker, down from 52 days in 2013.

The impact on children and adolescents has been particularly hard during the pandemic and, as a result, the CAP Clinic referrals have increased exponentially over the past 18 months. Loss of control, feelings of uncertainty, and changes to routine are contributing to symptoms of anxiety, low mood, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and parent-child relational problems.

It was a feeling of loneliness and isolation that brought Abbey to the CAP Clinic.

“I remember feeling so alone. Both of my parents are essential workers and weren’t home,” she says. “I’m a very social person and I rely on others to make me happy and I was spending a lot of time in my room alone and crying.”

Abbey began with a psychiatrist, but found a connection with Gwen, a social worker in the CAP Clinic. She remembers having an immediate connection with Gwen, who was so welcoming and really made her feel like she had someone she could talk to that understood.

“A lot what helped was her validating the way that I felt,” Abbey says. “It felt so good to know that I wasn’t alone in what I was feeling and I wasn’t going to get in trouble for feeling this way.”

Over the course of her final year of high school, Abbey and Gwen continued to meet regularly, and after graduating in June, Abbey is studying Early Childhood Studies and Early Childhood Education at the University of Guelph-Humber.

For Abbey, the support of donors like the RBC Foundation has helped a great deal and made her more resilient. “All I can say is thank you,” she says. “Without the program, I don’t know where I would be. I’m sure you’re helping a lot of people, not just me.”

“I got the phone call that morning that while he was not being discharged, Dr. Hong was providing a medical leave to attend my wedding,” says Lindsay. “The team at JBH were incredible, taking into account the life of the patient and not just the medical situation.”
Peter was able to walk his daughter down the aisle and complete the traditional father-daughter dance, before returning to the hospital. Lindsay said she had the kitchen pack up her dad’s dinner, including dessert, for him to enjoy back at JBH.
“Somewhere at JBH is a dessert plate from my wedding,” she says laughing. “And when my dad got back to the hospital, he was doted upon by all the nurses who were wondering why he was all dressed up.”
Peter was discharged the next day, and continues to be in good health. But for Lindsay, having her dad as part of her wedding day was incredibly special thanks to the personal care he received at JBH.
“I really do believe the nurses and Dr. Hong treated him so well – as a human being,” she says. “Thank you to every single person at JBH for the outstanding care and compassion. We are forever grateful.”

“Someone turned my bed, so I could look out the window and look at the lake and the activities, and I thought what a nice touch,” Deb said. “It really helps in the long run with the healing process when you feel good mentally and feel you had great care.”

For Deb, JBH has always been there. From having both her children there to recently receiving her COVID-19 vaccination, the hospital has always been an important part of the Burlington community.

“I’m trying to tell everyone give it a chance, it’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s a great hospital and a wonderful place and I’ll keep supporting it.”

While she’s received incredible care during her time at JBH, Sasha strongly believes that the Mental Health & Addictions programs needs to be expanded. She is the co-founder of Artrageous, a fundraiser in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington, dedicated to raising much-needed funds.

“Being a part of Artrageous has been amazing, and has been part of my recovery,” she says. “I think the whole community of Burlington should get behind mental health.”

For Sasha, sharing her story is about eliminating the stigma of mental illness, and inviting those that need support to ask for it.

“It’s important to get help and have access to help. Joseph Brant Hospital being there for me saved me life.”

In recognition of her birthday on May 20, Sasha is raising funds in support of the Mental Health & Addictions program at JBH. To donate in her honour, please visit Sasha’s personal fundraising page https://jbhf.akaraisin.com/pfp/sasha

Both her daughter and son were born at Joseph Brant Hospital, most recently her son Hudson was born in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The best thing about Joseph Brant Hospital is how all the nurses and doctors go above and beyond their job to make sure you are cared for,” says Danielle.  Danielle was looked after by Dr. Stella Psarakis and Dr. Paul Wu for her fibroid surgery.  With Dr. Wu aiding Danielle with her fertility and pregnancy related concerns.

Danielle came to the Emergency Room with high blood pressure. The ER physician brought in Dr. Wu, who told Danielle that she was going to her baby that day. Immediately, Danielle was admitted and underwent an emergency caesarean.

“Hudson had to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for two weeks. The physicians explained to me how the medical machines were helping Hudson and they introduced me to the nurses on shift and walked me through everything,” says Danielle, “They listened to what I had to say, and valued my input.”

During that admission and through his treatment, Dr. Viljoen diagnosed Craig with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  “For 30 years, I’ve battled with anxiety and OCD.  To be finally diagnosed with OCD, it gave me relief.  It was like the puzzle was put together, and it made sense why I felt the way I did,” says Craig. “I’ve acted a certain way my whole life, and my anxiety stemmed from not knowing why I felt the way I did.”

Through therapy, he found himself able to manage his mental health properly. “I worked with my therapist, Neena Malhotra, for many months, and she had a tremendous impact on my life.  She taught me techniques to manage and even eliminate some of my symptoms,” explains Craig. “Both Dr. Viljoen and Neena have had a significant and positive impact on my life.”

Craig considers himself to be fortunate to be looked after by his team at Joseph Brant Hospital.  He remarks on the support he received from the hospital as well as from his employer, co-workers, family, his children, step-children, and wife.  “When I sit and reflect over the past year, I am very appreciative.  My goals are back, my life is back, and my dreams are back,” says Craig, “If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that there are people who want to help you.  Tell your doctor, a loved one, or someone you trust.”

With the new hospital policy limiting visitors, Susan realized the family would not be able to celebrate her father’s 89th birthday together.

But that didn’t stop Susan and her family. They created signs for him, and worked with the nursing staff to find the best place where they could be outside so her father could see them from his room.

“The nursing staff helped us to co-ordinate getting my father over to a window, where a few family members gathered in the courtyard below with a celebratory sign,” recalls Susan. “These wonderful, caring nurses went above and beyond to capture the event in photos and shared them with the family.”

For Susan, it was about celebrating her father’s birthday despite the difficult circumstances. “The staff at the hospital got together to make my father’s birthday special when we couldn’t be there. I hope that the staff feel the gratitude and support from my family, the community and the entire country. A heartfelt thank you – for everything they do,” says Susan.

On the advice of his family doctor, Luis came to the Emergency Department and he was immediately admitted to the ICU. After a series of tests, Luis was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Influenza A, and was placed on a ventilator with a breathing tube the next day.  For the next 12 days, Luis was in an induced coma.

“The next thing I remember was waking up in the ICU to a conversation between the nurses and Dr. Prodger,” says Luis.

A short time later his breathing tube was removed and he spent Christmas at the hospital recovering. “I fell in love with the staff at Joseph Brant Hospital.  The level of passion and care was incredibly genuine.”

Luis comments how he remembers seeing the hospital’s CARE values in his room.  “I remember seeing the words compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and I received all of that. I’m thankful for Dr. Prodger and the entire critical care team.  They all changed my life because of their care and love.”

Reflecting on his life-changing experience, Luis expresses the immense gratitude he has for his entire healthcare team at Joseph Brant Hospital. “When something like this happens to you, you think about how silly the rhythm of life can be.  We need to find a balance, breathe and enjoy life,” says Luis.

“Michael, help. I’m dying.”

Both called 911, although Grace was unable to hear or understand the operator.

When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics administered a drug to ease her nausea, and transported her to Joseph Brant Hospital for assessment.

Despite the situation with COVID-19, Grace was immediately struck with how organized the Emergency Department was. She had been discussing the lack of PPE in some Hospitals with friends a few days before, but was struck by the calm demeanour and professional service she received from the staff.

But the care and attention she received in the Emergency Department reassured her that our system is working and that she was in good hands at JBH.

Our system is still working she thought, as they conducted a number of tests to determine the issue. Grace was referred to a specialist for follow-up and discharged the same day.