Tony Korosak

When Tony Korosak began treatment for his swollen foot, he had no idea how his life would change.

As his foot began to worsen, he came to the Emergency Department at Joseph Brant Hospital where he was taken in for several tests. Soon after, Dr. Armstrong walked in and gave Tony some grave news with an urgent timeline.

“I was diagnosed with gangrene and he told me that I needed an amputation immediately or I would die,” says Tony. “The news truly came as a shock but I only have five minutes to make a decision.”

 

Tony’s wife recalls the fear she felt and couldn’t believe the news.

“Tony was not angry or negative with this experience, but I was scared. But I soon felt reassured because we were provided with a whole support system of doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Lisa.

Tony would need three lifesaving operations and was put on antibiotics to ensure the gangrene would not spread in his body.

“Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Kalina, Dr. Dzaja and the whole team were incredible with Tony and with our entire family,” recalls Lisa. “From the physiotherapy team and nurses giving us updates, they went over and beyond to ensure we had a roadmap and knew what to expect every step of the way.”

For Tony and Lisa, it was how the entire team took care of their family that made their experience one they would never forget.

“It wasn’t just a doctor or just a nurse, it was someone who truly cared and that’s the way everyone was with us. We felt like we were in safe hands,” says Lisa.

What felt like an initial bleak situation turned into one of hope.

“I could never have imagined this whole experience happening to me. But the overall experience of feeling supported – it made me confident,” says Tony. “This is a new chapter in my life.”