Patient and Donor Stories

Alan MacDonald

Have you ever had the sensation of pins and needles when your leg falls asleep? I had a wave of it in my fingers while watching TV one night, and didn’t think much of it. I just went to bed.

When I woke up, the tingling had spread to my legs and feet, and I was having a hard time walking. I thought to myself, “My gosh, something is really wrong.”

Every day, people in Grey Bruce have experiences like I did. Life is chugging along when out of the blue, the unexpected happens. For me, that turned out to be Guillain–Barré syndrome. It’s an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves and muscles, and no one quite knows what causes it.

For someone else, the unexpected might be a sudden injury. Whatever it may be, your kind support means compassionate healthcare is never far away.

It was awful. But I knew I wasn’t on my own.

I had an incredible care team and, because I didn’t have to seek help far from home, I also had visits from my girlfriend Virginia, my nieces, nephews, and friends. That kept my spirits up and helped me focus on getting better. I think it was half the battle.

All told, I spent three weeks between the intensive care unit and critical care unit, one week in a step-down ward where I could regain my strength, and another three weeks in rehabilitation where I re-learned how to put on my socks, walk, and take the stairs. Throughout my experience, the respect and care I got was top-notch—
from the housekeepers who tidied my rooms to my neurologist, Dr. Young. They took such good care of me, and your support meant they had everything they needed to do it.

Please donate today to help others in Grey Bruce get the top-notch care they need.

Born and raised in Hepworth, Bill Walker knows a little about health care in Grey Bruce. As Executive Director of Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation from 2000 to 2006, he helped lead a $3-million fundraising campaign for Lion’s Head and Wiarton Hospitals. During his tenure as MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound from 2011 to 2022, he advocated passionately for hospitals and rural healthcare.

Bill and his wife Michaela have two sons, who also both reside in the area with their partners. They are now back in Hepworth and enjoying being close to their new grandchild.

Having family close by has only strengthened their commitment to healthcare in our community.  “Michaela and I have included gifts in our wills for the hospitals on the Peninsula and Owen Sound”, says Bill. “These gifts are to be added to the Foundations’ endowments and invested.” The income earned each year will help purchase equipment and improve facilities—so Bill and Michaela’s support can continue well into the future. “Our dream is that our children and grandchildren will enjoy good care close to home—whenever they need it—just as we have over the years,” Bill added.

Learn more about how you could support the future of your hospital by including a gift for Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation in your will, visit our legacy giving page or call us at (519) 372-3925.