On December 4, 2024 my life changed in a heartbeat. What began as a normal day turned into a fight for survival that has taught me and my family so much about love, caring and appreciating our hospitals and healthcare staff .
My day started out beautifully; I had just finished a massage and was heading home to make Christmas cake for my family when I suddenly felt unwell. The feeling was so intense that I needed to lie down in the hotel lobby outside the spa. Everything after that is a blur.
An ambulance rushed me to the hospital in Tofino, where I was living at the time. The doctor quickly realized I needed more care than what they could provide. A decision was made to fly me to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, the only hospital equipped to care for my needs on the Island, that decision saved my life.
I spent 17 days in the ICU and received the best care anyone could ever ask for. I was on a ventilator and when I awoke from the sedation, I learned I had suffered a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in my leg had travelled to my lungs.
My heart had to be restarted multiple times. I had a thrombectomy done as well, to bust the clot. I knew the situation was serious when I overheard a doctor tell my daughter, “I need you to understand—we almost lost your mom.”
Over 35 members of the ICU team cared for me in some way, not just as a patient, but as a person. Their kindness, expertise, innovative approach, communication, gentle touch, and unwavering attention brought me comfort in ways that words can’t fully capture. My family and I watched them working together, communicating every detail to each other, brainstorming solutions and acting fast to help me get better. I was so lucky to have such a high functioning, collaborative, supportive and caring village around me.
Through it all, my five daughters, their partners, their father, second mom and my grandchildren were all my steadfast champions. They asked a lot of questions and wanted to understand everything that was happening to their mom. The staff handled it all with compassion, grace, patience, and kindness. As a mom, you want to be there for your children, to journey with them— but I wasn’t able to because I wasn’t awake. The doctors, nurses, and care teams stepped in and wrapped their arms around all of us. They knew my daughters by name. They made time to talk to them, reassure them, and guide them every step of the way.
From the moment I arrived at Royal Jubilee, the level of care I received was nothing short of extraordinary. What stood out most was the love and humanity behind it all. When someone cares for you on that level, it’s not just treatment—it’s connection. It’s healing in its truest form.
My daughters and I couldn’t say thank you enough. I was in the hospital during one of the busiest times of the year, the Christmas season. The staff had their own lives, their own families to think about—but you’d never know it. Nurses called in to check on me on their day off . That’s true devotion. I know it’s their job, but as the patient, it never felt that way. I felt like I was part of their extended family. And I’m not just talking about the nurses—I felt this way about everyone—the doctors, anesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, nurses, and housekeeping staff. The people who brought my meals with a smile, and the ones who mopped my floors and spoke to me like I was part of their family. Their hearts are huge. Their care is genuine.
I was surprised to learn so many of the equipment pieces, including the ventilator that supported my breathing, are donor-supported by generous community members. Throughout my monthlong stay, I relied on countless tools and comforts, from advanced machines to simple but essential items like heated blankets, which provide so much
comfort when you’re not at your best.
After two weeks in the ICU, I spent another three weeks recovering—first on a general unit, then on the Rehab Unit to rebuild my strength. It was intense and I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
In rehab, my goals were to get back to being able to be in and on the water and to twirl my grandchildren. I am eternally and joyfully grateful for both!
The care was simply remarkable. Everyone made such a difference—not only in my recovery but with our family. They are miracle workers, my heroes, my angels. They are family. Throughout this entire experience I’ve struggled to find a way to say thank you—something that felt big enough. I wrote letters. We brought gifts. But how do you truly thank someone for saving your life?
Thank you, Dr. Daniel Ovakim, Dr. Adam Thomas, Dr. Jen Bruce, Dr. Alasdair Polson, Dr. Shavaun MacDonald, Dr. Lincoln Forester, Dr. Mirek Otremba, Nurse Carrie, Emma x4, Ashley, Jenn, Matt, Eunice, Sheena, Tanis, Sarah, Lindsey, Karin, Terrence, Danielle, Megan, Nadine, Amber, Janelle, Paul, Sam, Brooklyn, Manfred, Michael, Cindy, Charlene and Jodie—and more that I may have missed.
And many thanks to the generous supporters for your gracious donations.
