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In Memory of Mr. Ford
Our Trees of Caring campaign in 2008 holds special meaning for the Ford family. This is the year they donated one of their largest trees for the benefit of others at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. We have had the pleasure of getting to know this special couple when they would visit CMH for Bart's cancer treatments. Bart was always smiling and Helen so positive though we knew that they were both putting on a brave face in light of his deteriorating health. This past fall Bart was admitted to our hospital and only able to make it home for a short visit at Christmas. Bart lost his struggle with cancer in late January. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a gentle and generous man. We will always remember him as he is pictured here, the day our holiday tree went up in 2008, when Bart's wife, son and grandson were here to celebrate. If you would like to read more from others who have shared their memories of Bart, please visit this link. |
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Bruce is the only male nurse in the Medical Day Care department at CMH. He graduated as a registered nurse in 1991. His work in oncology is very rewarding which is why he is now pursuing certification as an Oncology Nurse. Being surrounded by doctors and nurses that go the extra mile for someone else, sharing a laugh in often difficult times, and knowing how much his care means to others, is what keeps him enthusiastic about learning.
Bruce also knows first hand the impact of cancer; his father died in 2004 from prostate and bone cancer and Bruce himself was recently diagnosed with malignant myeloma. Bruce says, “Receiving the cancer diagnosis personally and having surgery at CMH really put things into perspective. It helped me truly understand the fear that patients experience when they have cancer and how important my role as a nurse really is.”
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Terry was just forty-one when she learned her diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer. She needed immediate surgery, followed by four months of chemotherapy and weeks of radiation. Then, an ultrasound a year later revealed that her cancer had returned and she bravely underwent more surgery followed by seven months of chemotherapy. Terry was exhausted, but determined to win this very personal battle. |
Terry remembers the day she was first told she would need chemotherapy. She was scared, but it wasn’t long before the medical staff, like Bruce, put her at ease and became her lifeline, both physically and emotionally. Terry explains, “It was like they knew when I was having a bad day; their support went beyond my battle with cancer. The nurses had an intuitive nature that got me through what could have been the worst experience of my life. The community based system at CMH is unique to the province – I had a doctor at my disposal 24 hours a day. It was important for me to be in Cambridge, close to home, and to know that I had someone just a phone call away if I needed it.
The best news is that Terry recently celebrated five years cancer free. She strongly believes that her recovery is a result of the quick diagnosis, excellent treatment, and compassionate care received at CMH.
| When asked to describe her experience at Cambridge Memorial Hospital Shirley says, “I can’t imagine what would have happened to me without the heart equipment that saved my life. Cambridge is lucky to have such a wonderful care facility where the nurses and doctors really are special. I hope that my story will help people understand how important this equipment is to their family and loved ones. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t available.” |
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This past June Shirley experienced an episode of congestive heart failure; another in August. Both led her to Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s emergency department but this time Shirley’s life was on the line and she was afraid that she wouldn’t survive. Her only chance was to improve her breathing which would lessen the strain on her heart. That required a ventilator.
A family history of heart disease was Shirley’s only risk factor for her illness. She never smoked, exercised regularly and ate healthy. Her father and two brothers died of heart disease at age 75. Shirley says, “I’m 75, that is why I am so scared. I get angry sometimes wondering, why me? If I could give people once piece of advice it would be to change your lifestyle if you want to live.”
The family predisposition carried forward to her son, who almost lost his life to a heart attack at age 56. He has since made a number of lifestyle changes to reduce his risk factors; he lost weight, quit smoking, eats healthier and get more exercise. Shirley’s eyes fill with tears as she explains how she worries about her other four children, and her husband, whom all smoke. She never wants them to go through what she has experienced. She wants them to be healthy for their children.
For now, she is looks forward to each day, staying healthy and spending time with her children. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about the newest member of the family, her newborn granddaughter named in her honour. Shirley says, “She is so beautiful, and thanks to my care at CMH I get to see her grow up”.
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Thanks to a recent gift from Challenger Motor Freight we were able to purchase a new Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine for our cardiorespiratory department. A BiPAP unit is used without invasive patient intubation and helps patients like Shirley breathe on their own. |
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