Pauline’s Story
I ask for just a moment of your time to tell you how Richmond Hospital cared for me through five major surgeries – and how vital your generosity is to provide our community the best care possible.
In the last two years, I’ve faced a number of serious health challenges. I was in dire need of a hip replacement and worse, I was diagnosed with an awful disease that due to my family history I knew was likely to appear sooner or later. Breast cancer.
Needless to say, my health was totally out of my hands. But Richmond Hospital was there every step of the way with compassion, expertise and kindness. Through each health crisis, I never had to question the quality of care I received.
I feel blessed that our community has such an amazing health care team. But to maintain the incredible care they bring to Richmond they need the help of brave, selfless individuals like you.
Now I have to admit, I was quite calm when my annual mammogram led to discovering I had breast cancer. My sister as well as other relatives of mine have been diagnosed in the past as well, so my reaction wasn’t one of dread. Instead, it was more like, “Okay, what’s the next step?”
That’s when I was referred to Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Reid at Richmond Hospital. Dr Reid has been vital to my medical journey for 2 years now. He has always been compassionate and professional – and participated in four out of five of my surgeries.
To begin, my first surgery August 2018 was a bi-lateral mastectomy along with partial reconstruction. In February 2019, I underwent further reconstructive surgery (both of which were successes). Then in May 2019, my hip was so worn it was bone-on-bone, so I had a hip replacement as well (another success). And I have to tell you…
My whole experience at Richmond Hospital can be summed up in one word. “Fortunate.”
Through the whole ordeal, I felt very fortunate to have been referred to all three specialists. There was never a time I wasn’t provided for or not surrounded by the best caregivers I could ask for. They were so caring and had invaluable programs which helped my family and I understand and prepare for the coming surgeries and recovery post-surgery.
Everyone, from Dr. Hughes, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Reid and Dr. Yuan my family doctor, the anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians and physiotherapists, were so gentle and caring.
You see, this is the care Richmond Hospital brings to each and every one of their patients – and why I sincerely hope you can send a gift today to help them help
more patients in need.
But that wasn’t the end of my patient care journey. I returned in December 2019 for a biopsy and further augmentation.
In June 2020, I underwent surgery number five: a final surgery to close off my many procedures at Richmond Hospital. It has been a long journey of operating rooms, hospital beds and recovery, but words fail to describe how caring, considerate and friendly the doctors, nurses and support staff were to me.
The nurses – though wearing masks and following more stringent safety precautions – were still as friendly as ever. Thinking back on my time there during COVID (or any time, for that matter) there wasn’t a single negative experience I can think of.
I was amazed to see how the pandemic had not diminished Richmond Hospital’s level of care at all!
Writing to you now, feeling well and recovered from so many flawless procedures, I still struggle to comprehend how lucky I am to have received medical attention from Richmond Hospital.
I was and still am so grateful for the compassionate care I received there, so if there’s one thing I want to leave you with from my medical journey, it’s this: You never know when you or a loved one needs medical attention – but when you need it, you want to make sure you have the best health care available. And with your gift, Richmond Hospital can ensure that care is there for you.
So, I ask you, as one neighbour to another, please consider a gift today to help build a better and healthier Richmond for tomorrow.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Pauline
P.S. As a grandmother looking forward to seeing her grandson after this pandemic is over – and as a lifelong resident of Richmond – I urge you to think of your donation as an investment in the future of your community.
