I have always been deeply grateful for our local hospitals, but it wasn’t until I needed care myself that I truly understood just how life-changing the work of our local caregivers can be.
For years, dragon boating was a passion of mine—especially since we live on the most beautiful place on Earth: Vancouver Island. I loved the rhythm of each stroke, the camaraderie of my team, and the energy of being out on the water. It kept me strong and active—until, suddenly, I wasn’t. Fatigue and chest pains crept in, forcing me to slow down. I went from paddling to steering, then eventually had to step away entirely. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my heart was struggling.
I can’t begin to share my story without first expressing my deepest gratitude for the care I received. It started with an expedited treadmill stress test at Victoria General Hospital. That test—and the ECG that followed—revealed critical blockages in my arteries. I was immediately transferred to Royal Jubilee Hospital, which I’ve since come to learn is home to one of the country’s leading heart health programs.
Three stents were inserted into my heart, using a procedure called an angioplasty. The care I received was truly extraordinary. Every nurse, every physician, and every specialist I encountered made me feel supported, safe, and in the best hands possible. And then there was my cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Della Siega—an exceptional doctor who, in every sense, saved my life.
In addition to the care teams, what really stood out to me was how crucial the advanced equipment was. The C-Arm, which I learned is used in over 2,000 interventional procedures every year, allowed the physicians to see detailed images of my heart in real-time. I now know that this kind of technology, and the life-saving procedures it makes possible, wouldn’t be available without the generous support of donors. It’s because of donor generosity that patients get access to the best equipment, and therefore have the best outcomes.
Grateful for the expertise and compassion of the hospital team, my wife made a donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation in support of the Heart Catheterization Lab. Inspired by her generosity and my own experience, I began donating as well. It is an incredible feeling to give back to the very place that gave me a second chance.
And that is exactly what this is —a second chance. Thanks to this life-saving surgery, I’ve been able to stay active and return to cycling around our beautiful city. It brings back the same feeling of contentedness I once felt while dragon boating. When I am focused on pedaling, everything else fades away. It’s a reminder of what I almost lost.
Reflecting on my experience, I was deeply moved by the exceptional care I received and the profound impact these hospitals have on so many lives. When I last updated my will, I chose to include a gift to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, recognizing the importance of supporting the continued care and services that benefit so many in our community. By leaving a gift in my will, I’m helping support future caregivers—all the doctors and nurses at Royal Jubilee Hospital, and especially the Heart Health team who saved my life.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was the chance to personally thank Dr. Della Siega at a Victoria Hospitals Foundation event. Standing outside the hospital, looking him in the eyes, and expressing my gratitude—that was truly special. It felt like everything had come full circle. Knowing that my thanks will extend beyond that moment, through the gift in my will, is something I feel incredibly proud of.
If someone were to ask why they should leave a gift in their will to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, I would tell them this: when you choose to give, you’re doing something truly remarkable and deeply generous. You’re making an investment in the future of healthcare—an investment in the lives of people who, like me, may never have expected to need it, but are forever grateful when they do.
