Because of
You
Because of
You
was graciously designed, printed and published by The Wellington Advertiser
Contents
The History and Legacy of Groves Introduction 5 Celebrating more than a Century of Service 8
Stories from Inspired Donors Introduction 9
GHVA Pine Meadows Station Square Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora Community Gift
10 12 13 14 15
The New Groves Hospital Introduction 17
The Care Delivered at Groves Memorial Hospital is Second to None A Letter from Paul Smith A Special Kind of Hospital Roadwork to the New Groves Because we deserve First Class Health care Community Impact Key Features The Future of Our Community
18 19 20 22 25 26 27 28
Stories of Exceptional Care Introduction
Lorraine’s Story Jayne’s Story Erica’s Story
29 30 32 34
Celebrating Our Donors
Introduction 37
Donor Recognition
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The History and Legacy of Groves “Abraham Groves a truly great name in Canadian Medicine … first and foremost – A small town country doctor … his Greatest Legacy – Groves Memorial Community Hospital”. - History of Canadian Physicians
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History and Legacy Pictured right: The original practice of Dr. Abraham Groves
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HistoryLegacy & of groves
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Celebrating more than a Century of Service In 1871, Dr. Abraham Groves began his medical practice in Fergus, Ontario. Back then, the closest hospital was in Toronto. There was not one trained nurse in all of Canada and no skilled assistants of any kind. Dr. Groves performed his early surgical work under very primitive conditions. The operating room was generally his patient’s kitchen; milk pans were used as catch basins, sea-sponges for wiping and horse hair (generally taken directly from Dr. Groves’ horse) for stitching up surgical wounds. Chloroform was the only anesthetic and it was typically administered from a bottle with a split cork onto a towel that was then inhaled by the patient. If a patient needed emergency surgery at night, a coal-oil lamp supplied the light, because electricity had not yet been invented. Little to nothing was known back then about bacteria; rubber gloves, sterilized gauze or absorbent cotton seemed like elements of a Jules Verne novel. However, Dr. Groves ignored the skepticism of all of his medical peers. He was a trailblazer-insisting on sterilizing all of his surgical instruments long before it became standard practice in hospitals. Dr. Groves performed the world’s first appendectomy on May 10th 1883 in a farmhouse in Fergus. He also pioneered a new model in the delivery of rural health care and was responsible for building the first community hospital in our town’s history--the front doors of Royal Alexandra Hospital opened in 1902. In 1932, after sixty years of service, Dr. Groves donated his hospital to the Town of Fergus. The Royal Alexandra served our community for fifty three years before a major new hospital was built in 1955. The new hospital was respectfully renamed the Groves Memorial Community Hospital in honour of this medical and surgical innovator. Dr. Abraham Groves left a legacy of commitment and care when he donated the hospital to the Town of Fergus--the community he dedicated his life to serve. He knew health care was not only an immediate priority but one that would endure for generations. Seven decades later, his gift continues to serve our community and inspire the next generation of generosity.
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“He who follows the beaten path seldom makes any discoveries.” - Dr. Abraham Groves, 1934
Awakening generosity. Inspiring our Community. We’ve all heard that it’s better to give than to receive, but setting aside a little extra for charitable donations can be difficult for many different reasons. For this reason, the special people who make philanthropy a way of life--by donating their time, treasure, talent or a combination of all three to something transformative—inspire us. Here are five stories about acts of generosity that have not only made an impact on Groves Memorial Community Hospital, but also touched our hearts.
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Groves Hospital Volunteer Association and The Million Dollar Milestone Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) has actively participated in providing care and comfort to Groves patients for eighty-one years. Since 1933, GHVA volunteers have demonstrated that they are truly exceptional people--always taking time out of their own busy lives to help others.
Mrs. J. J. Craig 1933 - 1945 First President of the GVHA (then called “Aid for the Hospital”)
The first items donated to the hospital by the Aid were a wringer washing machine and two laundry tubs (cost $8.00)
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In 1933, GHVA made Centre Wellington history as the first cash contributor to Groves Hospital. With the funds provided by their membership fees, GHVA (then called “Aid for the Hospital”) purchased the very first piece of hospital equipment: a wringer washer and two tubs for the laundry at a cost of $8. In 2002, the GHVA unanimously voted to support the Groves Hospital Redevelopment Fund. They pledged an unprecedented $1,000,000--the largest cash gift in Centre Wellington’s history. That $1,000,000 gift was made to purchase PACS (Picture Archival and Communications System); ensuring Groves met international health care standards by converting the Diagnostic Imaging department from film to digital imaging. Less than two years later, GHVA presented Groves with $450,000--the first installment of their $1,000,000 commitment. And while they fulfilled their pledge in early 2009, GHVA also announced an additional $500,000 pledge for a new CT scanner for our hospital. This was the second largest cash gift in Centre Wellington’s history which they fulfilled one year ahead of time!
$1,000,000 GHVA has always been a leader in their commitment to Groves and to our community. Volunteering their time and expertise, GHVA assists with duties that benefit patients within Groves Hospital. From supporting staff in the emergency room, to their Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), managing the Gift Shop, information desk, assisting with breast screenings, wheelchair repairs, delivering patient meals and managing the New to You Thrift Store (where all their proceeds are donated to Groves Hospital), GHVA tasks are as varied as the volunteers themselves. As diverse as our GHVA is, each one of them shares one common trait: the willingness to help. Philanthropy is about generosity and our belief that we can make a difference. Since 1933, GHVA has certainly made a significant difference— they’ve gifted over $3,069,884 to Groves Hospital!
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$250,000 in three years
The Pride of Pine Meadows Overlooking Lake Belwood, Pine Meadows is a quiet retirement community that is proud of their ability to “bring people together in a companionable way”. In the spring of 2003, as Groves Memorial Community Hospital continued moving forward with plans for vital health care improvements, a special “canvassing committee” was established by ten Pine Meadows residents. After thoughtful discussion and review of Groves Hospital’s redevelopment plans, the committee agreed to champion the new “Day Hospital” area, establishing their own community goal of $250,000. At a wine and cheese reception for all Pine Meadows residents, information about the specifics of the “Day Hospital” was shared in a detailed presentation and the Pine Meadows Canvassing Committee was introduced.
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The ten committee members canvassed every Pine Meadows community household. One by one, face to face presentations yielded a steady return of pledges and gifts. A uniquely designed “thermometer” was placed in the residents’ mailbox area, to ensure everyone was kept apprised of progress toward the $250,000 goal. The Pine Meadows community came together, reaching their entire $250,000 goal in less than three years! Committee Members: Ruth Green (Chair), Fran Daniels, Gene Ferguson, Jim Webster, Preston Balmer, Ann Blakely, Ken Drew, George Flowers, Pat Graves, Peter Snaith, Ross Strong, and Ann Vaugeois.
$75,000
Station Square Stands Tall Station Square, a newly developed Elora community comprised of townhouses and an apartment building also convened a special “canvassing committee” in 2003 in support of the Groves Memorial Community Hospital Redevelopment Plan. Ten dedicated Station Square Residents came to the table to talk about the areas of redevelopment they felt passionate about supporting. After thoughtful discussion and review of Groves Hospital’s redevelopment plans, the committee agreed on supporting the new “Rehabilitation Unit”, establishing a $75,000 goal. The goal was launched officially on September 25th, 2004 at a full day event the kicked off with a garage sale and continued throughout the day with entertainment and several live and silent auctions. The entire community participated, including local artists and restaurateurs (who generously contributed live and silent auction items.) Everyone made a day of it and by nightfall, the residents of Station Square had raised more than $24,000.
Bolstered by their successful fundraising launch, every one of the ten committee members knocked on the door of every household in Station Square. One by one, all eighty households were reached through face to face presentations, which resulted in a healthy return of pledges and gifts. Philanthropy is about creating positive change. It’s about people committing to sharing what they can—no matter how big or how small their contribution. At the end of the day, it’s the collective support that matters, and the result is that the entire community benefits. In the winter of 2012, Station Square residents stood tall and reached their goal; gifting a total of $75,000 to Groves Memorial Community Hospital. Committee Members: Jean Smith, Diane Barley, Lillianne Stewart, Jessie Dorscht, Winn Ingham, Judy Feldman, Glynn & Ellen Broderick, Chris Hickey and Jolene Israel.
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$250,000
Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora and The Largest Service Club Gift Ever Made Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora members dedicate themselves to a simple motto: “Service above self”. Rotary encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and Rotarians work tirelessly to address and solve some of our community’s toughest challenges. In 2003, Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora focused on one of our community’s toughest challenges to date: a $15 million campaign to redevelop Groves Memorial Community Hospital. This commitment was not undertaken lightly, considering the Club had no prior fundraising experience. But that small detail didn’t stop our Rotarians. After a series of healthy discussions and strategic learning sessions, Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora garnered the confidence they needed to become a significant contributor to the Redevelopment Campaign. The Club voted unanimously to support the campaign and announced a $250,000 pledge.
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Philanthropy is investing in the wellbeing of others. It means sharing who you are and what you have with those who need it. Over the next five years--through a series of BBQ lunches, raffles and bingos, Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora reached their $250,000 target—the largest cash gift ever made to Groves by a single Service Club. Their inaugural fundraising success with Groves has evolved into a Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora philanthropic committee that now proudly supports the Centre Wellington Aquatic Centre, Kids Ability and many other community initiatives.
The Power of Philanthropy Nets a Sizeable Community Gift for Groves Under John Wheatley’s leadership, a small but mighty committee embarked on an ambitious plan to engage residents of Wellington County for a collective “Community pledge” in support of the Groves Hospital Redevelopment Campaign. The plan included several special events and a massive door-to-door community canvass. Shortly after setting a community goal of $200,000, the committee created and launched a two-pronged communications plan to raise community awareness of the canvass and encourage every household to make a pledge. By September 2003, training sessions were held in each community, “Block Captains” were assigned and more than 400 volunteer canvassers had been recruited. The volunteer canvassers began their march in mid-October. After four weeks of canvassing, they’d
knocked on every door on their roster. As a result, over 2,550 new donors were proudly supporting Groves Hospital; 68% of them made multi-year commitments. People “got” that onetime donations of $20 weren’t going to cut it—most pledged $5 - $10 a week over three years!
$829,556
Everyone values Groves Hospital and the entire community bought in to the collective gift concept for a newly renovated health facility. People bought in because they were involved in defining the concept; once defined, everyone realized the potential was there. But the best was still to come. Philanthropy has the power to bring people together that might not otherwise be part of the conversation. When the four week, 400 volunteer crusade concluded, the original goal was exceeded by 410%--which means a total gifting of $829,556 to the new Groves Memorial Community Hospital!
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Amazing things happen here “I don’t know how our staff does it day after day—moving things around to make room and help patients feel more comfortable, trying to maintain privacy in the most cramped conditions; there are no modern conveniences. And yet, amazing things happen here. I think it’s about time we offered a warmer, more welcoming place for our patients and a more efficient, functional environment for our hardworking teams.” Dr. Patrick Otto, Chief of Staff
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The Care Delivered at Groves Memorial Community Hospital is Second to None.
The health care landscape is changing shape every day – but one constant remains: The care delivered at Groves Memorial Community Hospital, to you and your loved ones, is second to none. Our employees and physicians understand that health care is more than making the diagnosis and prescribing medication. When you or a family member is ill or injured, where do you turn? If you’re like most in our community, you go to Groves Memorial Community Hospital. Why? Because you know you will receive exemplary medical care. You also know that you’ll be treated like a real person, by dedicated, compassionate health professionals in a warm, caring environment. This practice is proven in our patient satisfaction scores. Groves Memorial Community Hospital as a provincial leader in this area; all of our employees work very hard at putting your needs first and approaching health care from your perspective. Your generous contributions have helped make Groves Memorial Community Hospital the leading regional health care provider that it is. We are so grateful to you for supporting our committed team of caregivers.
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Thanks to you, our caregivers have touched the lives of thousands – whether they faced an urgent need, a devastating disease or sought to improve their quality of life. Groves Memorial Community Hospital is your community hospital. We exist to serve you and your loved ones – to provide hope, healing and recovery. It’s extremely important that we continue to deliver the high-quality health care in which you are accustomed and in a safe and comfortable setting. This past June marked the beginning of an exciting time for Centre Wellington. We broke ground; building the new road at our new hospital site. The New Groves Memorial Community Hospital will make both the delivery and receipt of health care a better experience for everyone, from our staff to you - our patients – and your family members. As medical care advances, your hospital is committed to staying at the cutting edge – for you, for your loved ones, for every person in the community. Your generous support helps to make this possible. Thank you so much for your help. Sincerely, Dr. Patrick Otto, Chief of Staff Groves Memorial Community Hospital
A Letter from Paul Smith
My travels abroad have only ever strengthened my opinion that Centre Wellington is the best place in the world to live. Yes it is beautiful, but for me the spirit of the community is why I love it so much. As a Hospital Board volunteer for the last 12 years I have seen the community invest that positive spirit and energy in support of its hospital over and over again. We have a Volunteer Association that is the envy of the Province enabling in-hospital programs while providing critical financial support for new equipment. We have a Foundation that continues to achieve beyond expectations working with community leaders to make our new hospital a reality. We see a never ending stream of charity events in support of the hospital, and we see our municipal partners at Township and County continue their unwavering support, including their recent lead contribution to our Capital campaign. This consistent, remarkable investment of community spirit continues to pay dividends. In this past year the hospital has been recognized as a top performing Hospital in Ontario and accredited with commendation. We have almost eliminated our physician
wait list through the recruitment of several excellent new GPs. Now, with the help of our WWLHIN and the Ministry of Health we have seen Groves begin its metamorphosis from being just a hospital to becoming a leading partner in a better Coordinated Rural Health System. Our new Rural Wellington Health Link will accelerate great work we have done with the Family Health Teams, CCAC, CMHA Trellis, Homewood, Long Term Care, Public Health and many others to achieve a common vision of optimal health for our residents. Marrying that vision of seamless, coordinated resident care with a new state of the art facility will propel our community to the forefront of rural health care in Ontario. Thank you so much to the many longtime supporters of our little rural hospital. As Groves moves into a new facility and matures into part of an advanced rural health system the spirit and energy you have invested will continue to pay dividends for our community for centuries to come. Sincerely, Paul Smith Past Chair, Groves Memorial Hospital Board of Directors
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A Special Kind of Hospital
Every day, people at Groves Memorial Community Hospital make a difference. Every day, we bring babies into the world and suture wounds from falls on the playground. Every day, we set broken bones, and diagnose and treat serious illnesses. Every day there are moments that can change the lives of our patients. These are earthshaking moments in the life of a family—all of our families—and they happen here at Groves Memorial Community Hospital every day. Groves Memorial Community Hospital is a special kind of hospital because of the values we embrace. Our personalized patient care is one to which larger hospitals can only aspire. We know our patients by name because they are not just our patients; they are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones. And we care for them with the same compassion, respect, and dignity with which we all wish to be treated. That is what our community is all about and your financial help has given us the launch pad to build a new and better Groves, acquire cutting-edge technology, and plan for a future of exceptional care for the people in our community who depend on us. For this we thank you.
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To be the hospital we are today, we have had to maintain our quality while always planning a better future and we are grateful for your support in our journey. Thank you for believing in our physicians, staff, strategic plans and mission. Your investment in GMCH is critical to our ability in achieving our goal of providing quality health care for not only ourselves, but future generations as well. The generosity of our donors; Centre Wellington residents and businesses, reflects our community’s strong belief in the importance of exemplary health care close to home. It also reflects our community’s willingness to invest in such a vital service. We cannot thank you enough. Your philanthropic investment has added immense value to the everyday patient care experience we receive at GMCH. Sincerely, Heather Gergovich Chair, Groves Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
We are not finished yet.
The vision and dedication of our redevelopment donors have helped create a hospital that is renowned for exemplary patient care. But we are not finished yet. As a community, we have an opportunity to advance health care to new levels of excellence. Together, we hold the power to shape the future of health care in Wellington County.
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The New Groves Hospital: Close to Home. Far from Ordinary.
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Over 34,000 diagnostic tests
Because We Deserve First Class Health Care Since our hospital opened its doors more than a century ago, the face of health care has changed dramatically. Every change has brought new procedures, new techniques and new technology. There has been just as dramatic a change in the frequency and number of patients needing care.
The current plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have deteriorated and are quickly becoming obsolete. Our hospital was simply not designed to accommodate today’s health care standards, technology and patient volumes.
This constant change has brought many challenges along with it—such as extreme crowding—for our patients, their families and our staff. Our hardworking doctors, nurses and staff have been making the best of spaces and systems that have long been rendered inadequate and obsolete. Little or no patient/ family privacy and hampered efficiency are just two of the obstacles we face in our existing hospital--day in and day out.
The new Groves will meet every modern safety and operating code standard. These new systems will also have the flexibility and capability to adapt to future infrastructure requirements as they are needed.
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25,000 emergency room visits per year
Community Impact: Safety for Everyone through State-of-the-Art Infection Prevention and Control; Barrier-free Accessibility for Everyone “I think we tend to underestimate the power of what we accomplish here every day with what little we have. There are some parts of our hospital that are more than 50 years old—which means washrooms and other patient facilities that are not wheelchair accessible. Our community really does need a new hospital and we need their help to get one.” - Diane Wilkinson VP, Patient Services Groves Memorial Community Hospital
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Protecting patients, staff and visitors from infection is an essential component of first class health care—because it’s truly a matter of life and death! At Groves, absolute safety for everyone—including our most vulnerable patients—is a top priority. Our new hospital will feature 80% private rooms and washrooms (the most effective solution for preventing or containing infection). Negative pressure isolation rooms will ensure optimum protection in the event of any kind of bacterial outbreak. All areas of our new hospital will be wheelchair accessible and barrier-free for everyone.
Over 3,000 surgeries
Key Features And Benefits: A More Comfortable, Welcoming Place For All “Every day, in so many ways, our hospital is an essential part of our community. Our babies are born here; our vulnerable or elderly loved ones are cared for here. We come here when we need help or healing. The people who work here are like family. We place a high value on our hospital. We know how much it means to our way of life.” Heather Gergovich Chair, Groves Hospital Foundation Board of Directors Every day, life and death stories are written in every corner of our hospital. From the birth of a child to saying goodbye to someone at the end of life, Groves is there for us. And Groves is in urgent need of an Emergency Room. When someone arrives in Emergency, every second counts— seconds that must be focused on saving lives.
Our new Groves ER will be twice its current size, which means more patient privacy and more room for loved ones who accompany them, more bathrooms and more calming, pleasant surroundings. New parents will have the birthing experience they want— in a peaceful, private, comfortable and tastefully appointed suite equipped with all the latest technology. All areas of the new Groves—from Complex Continuing Care to the Special Care Unit to the Operating Room—will be quieter, more spacious and pleasing for our patients and their families. And our dedicated doctors, nurses and other medical professionals will look forward to working each day in a safer, more efficient and well equipped facility. We must plan not only for today…but tomorrow. As our community grows, our new hospital site and structure will accommodate growth when needed.
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More than 400 births
The Future of Our Community A new, expanded Emergency Department, the latest child birthing facilities and a state of the art operating room will ensure that we can continue to be the best at what we do at Groves. Building for the future and serving our patients and community better is in keeping with the values, principles and innovative spirit that inspired Dr. Abraham Groves more than 100 years ago. A pioneer in surgical techniques and possessed with the extraordinary foresight to boil everything and thoroughly scrub his hands with soap and boiled water for 20 minutes, he was decades ahead of his time. Today’s health care professionals train in contemporary hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment, amenities and technology. To continue attracting (and retaining) the highest calibre of specialists, surgeons and family
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physicians, we must offer the kind of work environment they expect—so they can perform to the best of their ability. Greater efficiency, lower operating costs, enhanced safety, new technology—there’s no question Dr. Groves would approve. The fact that we have our own community hospital with a reputation for excellence is also an important factor in influencing people and businesses to make Wellington County their home. Great communities build the best hospitals--and as we contribute to Groves Memorial Community Hospital, we become stakeholders in our community’s success. When we care for each other, we can face the future with confidence and our shared investment will ensure the health and wellbeing of our families, friends and neighbours.
It all begins with Exceptional Care A smile that made you feel at ease, a caring hand caressing yours, or the warm blanket that brought you comfort. These simple gestures of compassion from our physicians, nurses and staff at GMCH are what make the difference to our patients. Throughout our lives, we will witness monumental acts of kindness and generosity—or individual acts of grace and courage. Regardless of size or substance, they all matter. At GMCH, exceptional care and compassion go hand in hand—as you will see in these stories from a few of our many grateful patients and families.
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“You put yourself in the hands of the physicians that are looking after you” - Lorraine Gilbert Wednesday May 5th, 2010 began like any other morning for Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) member Lorraine Gilbert. She woke up, got dressed and headed to the Home Show to set up a GHVA booth. Later that day, Lorraine remembers her husband Rob raising some concerns before she left to return to the Home Show. “You’re not feeling good, are you?” he said. But Lorraine was adamant that she felt fine. Not long after arriving at the Home Show, Lorraine started feeling a bit tired. Rob said again, “You’re not feeling good, are you?” Though Lorraine tried to tell him again that she was fine, something was seriously wrong. “You’re not yourself. You’re not talking right”, Rob said.
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A Groves nurse at the Home Show immediately ran to help. After checking Lorraine’s general condition, the nurse called 911. Suddenly Lorraine was on a stretcher being rushed to Groves Hospital. After numerous tests and medical assessments, it was clear. Lorraine had suffered a stroke. The next morning Lorraine woke up in Groves Hospital. “I felt good”, she said. “To be honest, I didn’t realize the seriousness of it”-- even telling the lady next to her that she needed to do her arm and leg exercises. “So there I was, an eighty year old woman, doing my exercises until Dr. McPhedran walked in with a shocked look on his face, asking what I was doing”. She spent the next three days at Groves.
Following her stay at Groves Lorraine went to the Stroke Clinic in Kitchener, where the severity of what had happened finally sunk in for Lorraine. The doctor said, “I’ve taken a look at your CT Scan and it’s good news. Looks like we won’t need to operate and there appears to be no long term effects.” This wasn’t the first time Lorraine braved a serious health crisis at Groves Hospital. Almost eight years ago, Lorraine also beat Breast Cancer. “You put yourself in the hands of the physicians that are looking after you. You have to have faith that they are going to do their very best for you – and they do”, she said. Lorraine goes on to say that both experiences have given her a new outlook on life. “The cancer taught me to appreciate every day and realize I am one of the lucky ones. The stroke has made try to live life with little less stress and just take
my time”, she said. Over the years, Lorraine has frequently interacted with the medical staff at Groves-- both as an in-patient and volunteer. In her opinion, the compassion and care is unparalleled. “I can’t even centre any of them out because they were all so exceptional with me. Safe and comforted is how I would describe it…maybe you can attribute that to a small hospital. It feels like a family there…I think that’s how a lot of people in our community feel.” In December 2014, Lorraine Gilbert will celebrate 63 years of marriage to Rob. She has “two amazing daughters and four exceptional grandchildren”. In a few short weeks Lorraine and her family will also be celebrating the arrival of their first great grandson. “I’ve had a very happy and very fulfilling life”, she said.
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How One Volunteer Was Made: Jayne’s Story
How One Volunteer was Made: Jayne’s Story October is breast cancer awareness month. In October 2003, a community newspaper published an article listing several “potential symptoms” to help with early detection of breast cancer. After Jayne MacKenzie found a lump in her breast, she “went through all the symptoms listed in the article, but none of them matched.” A few weeks after reading the newspaper article, Jayne had her yearly examination with Dr. Roach. She showed him the lump and after a preliminary examination Dr. Roach quickly suggested a mammogram and ultrasound. “It was very easy for him to know that it seemed different for my body and that I was worried, so he ordered the tests”, Jayne says. Four days later, Jayne went to Groves Hospital for her mammogram and ultrasound. By 11:00 a.m. the tests were complete and Jayne went off to work.
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No one could prepare her for the news she received only three hours later. At 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, Dr. Roach called Jayne to tell her she has breast cancer. “I’ve booked an appointment for you with Dr. Tina Williams at Groves Hospital for 4:30pm today. You need to prepare for surgery,” Jayne remembers him saying. With less than three hours to digest the information, Jayne and her husband Rob went to see Dr. Tina Williams at Groves. Dr. Tina Williams suggested December 3rd, as a date for Jayne’s surgery. “That’s how fast it happened”, Jayne recalls. “I had three weeks from the time I learned about my breast cancer to when I was going in for my mastectomy at Groves”.
After a successful surgery, Jayne began her first round of chemotherapy.
Jayne also credits the medical staff at Groves for playing a pivotal role in her beating cancer.
“I remember being really sick. I knew my children (then eight and eleven years old) were really scared. All I could think about was their wellbeing.”
“I honestly believe I’m here today because of early detection. They got it quick. I had the surgery, the chemo and the radiation and I’m here – almost eleven years later. So our system works.”
Following that first round, on every third Wednesday for six months, Jayne continued her treatment. “After a round of chemo, things went back to normal”, she said. “Laundry, dinner, the usual mom stuff and then three weeks later I’d have another treatment, be really sick and really scared again.” Jayne completed her chemotherapy in August 2004. Two months later and for the next six weeks, Jayne underwent daily radiation. She credits her children and her husband for her strength and for never allowing her to lose hope. “Sure there were down times”, Jayne admits. “But I wanted to be there for graduations, dance at weddings and mark all the milestones. You find the strength to know that you’re going to beat this thing.”
Since her breast cancer, Jayne has wanted to give back to the hospital and medical staff that helped save her life. For over eight years, Jayne has volunteered her time and effort at Groves Hospital Foundation; raising funds for the hospital that has touched her heart on every level. “My daughter was born at Groves, my son had his appendix removed here and I had my victory over cancer here”, Jayne said. “All the physicians, nurses, medical staff. All the amazing services offered. We are all alive because of Groves.” Jayne MacKenzie has been cancer free for over a decade. She has seen both of her children graduate and most recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary with husband Rob.
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“You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference” - Erica Hyland On a sunny spring morning in May, Erica Hyland was much like any other first time expectant mother…she was 8 days overdue but that was not at all unusual. Then she started feeling a bit of pain. That afternoon her water broke, revealing meconium…something Erica knew meant all was not well. After quickly contacting midwives, she was to get to the hospital immediately. Ten minutes later Erica arrived at Groves. “Technically I wasn’t going through labour”, she said. “I wasn’t dilating, so I had to be induced. I went into the care of Dr. Riley. Even though it was my first pregnancy, I knew that it was going to be a different road.” Erica’s labour progressed and with every contraction her baby’s heart rate would go down and then quickly recover. “We couldn’t really find a position where it didn’t affect his heart rate adversely,” she said. There were four attempts to “vacuum” out her baby…all of which were unsuccessful.
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At 11:20 p.m. on May 27, Taylor Hyland was born. He wasn’t breathing well on his own. He wasn’t crying. The Groves team immediately began working on his breathing. Erica remembers being the only woman giving birth at the hospital at that time. “Everyone was right there. There was a big crowd of doctors and nurses to help with my baby”. The Groves team managed to stabilize baby Taylor but there were no typical responses in his legs or arms; his oxygen and blood pressure low. Several hours passed and baby Taylor’s responses began to slowly improve. Every physician and nurse at Groves was on the phone or fax trying to find a bed for him at a hospital with a Level 1 nursery. At 6:30 a.m., Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto answered everyone’s prayers.
Only two hours after being admitted into Mount Sinai, baby Taylor completely crashed and required resuscitation. He was showing seizure activity and there was concern for potential neurological damage or brain injury. The Mount Sinai physicians advised the Hylands that they were putting baby Taylor over ice for the next 72 hours--to bring down and stabilize his temperature. Meanwhile, first time mom Erica was still recovering at Groves. “It was a very scary ordeal and I was in rough shape. But everyone at Groves knew how worried I was about my son. They knew I wanted to be with my baby. They did everything they could to fix me up and get me quickly discharged.” Erica wants to dispel the notion that a “small country hospital” can’t handle much or do much in cases of significant medical crises.
“There are a lot of ways to make a very uncomfortable experience positive. It doesn’t take a lot of money and it doesn’t take a lot of effort. It takes awareness, caring and respect on the part of the people who are involved and I really got that from everyone at Groves.” Two and a half years later, baby Taylor is not only an extremely healthy and happy boy, he is also a proud big brother to one month old Sydney. Erica says, “the emotional support you get when you are very vulnerable during a crisis--from certain people you encounter--can be so impactful that you never forget it.” A truth she chose to put into action two months ago. Erica happens to work for the Fyfe Family Foundation. In June 2014, she approached Groves Foundation with a unique request—could we design a special proposal for the Fyfe Family Foundation?
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With a specific “high-priority” piece of equipment in mind, her intention was to be a champion of Groves Hospital. She presented the proposal to the Fyfe Board of Directors on Groves’ behalf.
She goes on to say, “you don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. When I have the opportunity to show appreciation wherever I can, however I can – I will.”
Eight months pregnant in September, Erica went in front of the Fyfe Foundation board and requested a onetime gift of $35,000--to purchase a brand new isolette for the Groves Obstetrics Unit (our existing one is at least 30 years old).
On September 9th 2014, The Fyfe Family Foundation unanimously granted a one-time gift of $35,000.
“We were exactly where we needed to be for Taylor’s birth and my family is very thankful for how it all turned out. And I know that the people at Groves were a big part of that,” Erica says.
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Groves expected to have its brand new isolette in early 2015!
Donor Wall The spirit of philanthropy is the commitment to help one another; to voluntarily give where there is no obligation to do so. In 2002, a small band of doers, leaders, thinkers, movers and shakers planted a flag in the ground and proclaimed that tomorrow will be better than today. Together, they made a difference. Together, they focused their efforts on local improvement, development and quality health care. They supported efforts to bring comfort to the ailing, strength to the weakened and leadership to our community. They proclaimed and they acted. Today we benefit and today we celebrate.
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Visionary Circle: $1,000,000 + Corporation of the County of Wellington Groves Hospital Volunteer Association
redevelopment campaign major donor wall We are grateful for every gift, and are proud to recognize individuals, private foundations, corporations, local businesses and organizations
Leadership Circle: $100,000 + Anonymous (1) A.O. Smith WPC Canada (formerly GSW Water Heating) Bob and Lynn Cameron Estate of Leila Kathleen O’Reilly Pine Meadows Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora The Vallery Family
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Partner Circle: $50,000 + Anonymous (1) Bruce and Margaret Youngblood CIBC Dave and Nancy Hurlburt Estate of Ruth B. Smith Iris and Fred Smith Jim and Sheila Dixon & Family Merlen and Doreen Kropf & Family Nexans Canada Inc. & the Employees of Nexans Fergus Factory RBC Foundation Reliable Ford
Scotiabank Station Square
Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants
The Murray Group Limited
Corporation of the Township of East Luther Grand Valley
The Ostic Group & Ivan and Elizabeth Ostic
Corporation of the Township of East Garafraxa
Eloquip Ltd. Estate of Muriel Rachel Rae Estate of William C. Anderson Estate of William C. McKay
Cricket by the Grand
Fergus & District Kinsmen Club
DeBoer’s Farm Equipment Ltd.
Fergus Elora Rotary Foundation
Donal B. and Marion McKeown
Fergus Lions Club
Arthur Lions Club
Dr. Kate Anderson and Edward Thomas
George and Lynda White & Family
Bellwin Farms
Dr. Nancy Hopfner
Benny Di Zitti and Rhoda Lipton
Dr. Rudy and Sandra Chiarandini
Gerald and Gladys Shortreed & Family
Builder Circle: $10,000 + Alex and Linda Burnett Anonymous (5)
BMO Nesbitt Burns Canarm Ltd.
Dr. Sheryl Howe Ecclestone Financial Group Inc.
Gordon and Janice Jarrett Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes Ltd.
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Greenwood Construction Company Limited Guelph Utility Pole Company Ltd. Hutten Collision Centre Inc. I Love Chocolate! Ltd. J.P. Bickell Foundation J.R. Coutts & Family James Russell & Sons Limited Jamie Sinkeldam Jefferson Elora Corporation
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Judy and Graham Knowles
Opti-Mrs. Club of Arthur
Kevin and Leah MacLean
Parker Hannifin Canada (formerly NexGen Hose Inc.)
Lyle and Wendy Hallman Martin and Maddie Johanns May - Bridge Harrows Meridian Credit Union Limited Michael and Carrie Chong MTD Products Ltd. Murray and Sharon Cox
Jennifer and Patrick Otto
NewDon Industries In honour of Mary Maggs
John and Judy Stickney
Norman and Lorraine Manning
John and Rilla Wheatley
Optimist Club of Arthur
Paul and Dianne Lindsey Peter and Bonnie Den Hoed Peter and Sandra Hannam Pine Needles Crafts R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd. Rafferty Insurance Brokers Ltd. Robinson, Lott & Brohman, LLP Ron Wilkin Jewellers Ltd. Royal Canadian Legion Elora Branch 229
Royal LePage RCR Realty
The Giles Family
Russell and Peggy Willoughby
The Jones & Whale Family In memory of Thelma Jones
Shantz Farm Equipment Special Effects Station Earth Inc. Stewart and Susan Smith Ted, Anne, Kyle and Tori Woods The Breadalbane Inn, Fergus The Broderick Family The Co-operators The Elora Lions Club
The Woods Farms Russel, Betty, Larry, Sally, Bill and Rosemary Tim Hortons Triton Engineering Services Limited Walinga Inc. Wellington Federation of Agriculture In honour of Wellington County Farmers Whitelaw Farms Limited WrightHaven Homes Limited
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Since 2002, the impact of the Groves Foundation has grown exponentially thanks to you, our phenomenal donors--and the vision and leadership of our exceptional board members and chairs. So much of our mission-driven work would not be possible without you. Two small words hardly seem adequate to express our deep gratitude and appreciation. But
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thank you.
Thank You