With the holidays now upon us, we reflect on all of the precious relationships we have in our lives. As we visit with loved ones and share in holiday traditions like exchanging gifts, we are reminded how good health truly is the most precious gift we can have. It’s also a gift we can give. The stories of patients and families who are grateful for lifesaving care at Richmond Hospital provide powerful testimonials and inspiration to give with joy to help other patients and families at Richmond Hospital so they too can continue to live healthy lives.
I’d like to introduce you to Mel Goodwin, who has lived in Richmond since 1952. In many ways, Mel represents the dramatically growing number of seniors requiring complex care in Richmond, which is one of the many reasons Richmond Hospital urgently needs a new Acute Care Tower now.
Mel, who is the husband of Barbara Goodwin, a Richmond Hospital Foundation Honorary Director and lifelong champion for our hospital, spent his lifetime working as an electrical contractor, consultant and project manager throughout Canada and the rest of the world. He shares his personal story how his mobility, independence and ultimately his health were all saved at Richmond Hospital:
“I am incredibly grateful to be up and walking, but without the expert care at Richmond Hospital, I could have lost both my feet.
“I didn’t fully retire until I was 82 years young, and all of those years wearing steel-toe boots definitely took a toll on my feet.
“One day, I noticed that my toe was very swollen and had turned yellow, but strangely I hadn’t felt any pain all day. When I got home, my wife, Barbara, was concerned and took me straight to Emergency at Richmond Hospital where Dr. Jerry Vortel assessed my feet and discovered I had a very aggressive infection that could spread if it wasn’t treated quickly.
“Over the next few weeks, I had to go for an IV every morning. While the swelling had gone down, the infection moved into the bones of my little toe. It was extremely serious but thankfully one of the hospital’s orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Erik Calvert, was able to perform surgery right away and I count my blessings that I only lost one toe.
“Without the expert care of Richmond Hospital’s doctors and nurses, the fast-moving infection could have caused me to have my entire foot amputated and I would have lost my ability to get around on my own.
“After a second equally serious infection occurred and was cured, I received a series of x-rays, CT scans, and blood tests. My doctors at Richmond Hospital discovered that I have peripheral neuropathy, which impairs sensation and movement. Having an accurate diagnosis was an incredible relief. It explained why I hadn’t been feeling foot pain that would have warned me of infections earlier on. The doctors carefully explained the effects of neuropathy and helped me adjust my lifestyle accordingly.
“Now that I’m back on my feet, I am enjoying life to the fullest. My wife, Barbara, and I are looking forward to taking a cruise together, where I plan to dance with her until we can’t dance anymore!”
Improved local health care relies on your support. Richmond Hospital Foundation welcomes your donation and your voice to ensure care now and in the future.
