The team at JBH was able to cauterize a vein in her nose, alleviating the issue and her grandmother regained her strength quickly.
“When we picked her up from the hospital, she was grinning ear to ear as she was so pleased a solution was found,” Maria said. “She went on to explain to us how much she really appreciated the kind and compassionate care of the staff, and she could tell from the staff’s eyes their help and concern for her wellbeing was genuine and compassionate which gave her great comfort.”
For Maria, her grandmother’s experience showed how important it is to have access to high quality care close to home and in the community.
“Being a resident of Burlington for over 10 years prior to being on the Foundation Board, I knew very little about JBH and felt foolish I didn’t know much,” she said. “It wasn’t until I had my grandmother frequented JBH did I have any experience at the hospital.”
Maria couldn’t stop thinking about the many generations within her own family where JBH would be the community hospital of choice in a time of need. She had a desire to learn more about our community hospital, have an opportunity to give back and support an organization that directly supports the fundraising initiatives of the hospital.
When a friend of Maria’s who was on the Foundation Board let her know they were looking for new members, specifically with an accounting background, she immediately put her name forward.
“I shared with her my grandmother’s experience and I would love to find a way to give back and express my gratitude to how she was cared for by JBH,” Maria said. “And six years later, my term is sadly coming to an end.”
During her term, Maria valued the opportunity to get to know the staff of the Foundation and Hospital.
They are dedicated and passionate individuals working in great collaboration as a team and with the Hospital to support fundraising for key priorities,” she said. “Being a Director offered a wonderful opportunity to learn firsthand from the Hospital Senior Leadership Team who are a group of passionate, responsive and strategic individuals truly committed to delivering excellence and the best healthcare for our community. “
In addition to her board work, Maria had to juggle a number of other responsibilities.
“My time on the Board would not have been possible without the understanding and support of my “village” – my employer RSR Global, my husband Pietro, and my close family friends who were flexible with their schedules to assist me in attending the committee meetings and Foundation events,” she said. “I truly love and appreciate each and every one of you!”
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation would like to thank Maria, and all the volunteers who give their time generously in support of our hospital for making a difference for healthcare close to home.
