You make a life changing difference every time you support Brightshores Owen Sound

You may not realize it, but you make a life-changing difference every time you support Brightshores.

Early in June, I was walking down my stairs when suddenly, I had to grab the railing. Everything was spinning. The sensation only lasted a couple of minutes. In hindsight, that was my first transient ischemic attack or TIA.

Think of it as a “mini-stroke”. It happens when blood flow to the brain is
restricted, and it can be a warning sign for future strokes. Later in June, I had three TIAs in four days. I didn’t know what was happening. It just felt like something was wrong with me.  Then I was outside weeding when again, I was hit with unbelievable dizziness. When I lost vision in my left eye, I knew it was serious.

My wife Kim took me to the hospital in Wiarton, just eight minutes from our home. Within half an hour, I was being rushed by ambulance to Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital, which I learned is the District Stroke Centre for Grey Bruce.

As I was riding in the ambulance, I remember the paramedic calling in an announcement I’d heard countless times over the hospital PA system. “Code stroke, 15 minutes!”

The moment I was in the door, the stroke team surrounded me. They knew my name and reassured me that everything would be okay. They quickly ordered a CT scan and MRI.

I was impressed by the round-the-clock medical attention I received during the two days I spent in the hospital. But my care didn’t end there. I had follow-ups from a nurse, an occupational therapist, and a recreational therapist. They assessed my home and gave me helpful tips to navigate the lingering TIA effects.

The team that treated me made me feel confident and, most importantly, cared for.

At each of my volunteer shifts, I meet people who tell me how much they appreciate our network of hospitals. They tell me how comforting it is that the healthcare they need is right where they need it. And that’s in large part thanks to donor support!

That’s why I hope you’ll come back on board as a donor today. With your thoughtful gift, you will expand your local healthcare, so it’s there for you, your family, and your friends.

Until next time,
Jim Stewart
Volunteer & Grateful Patient