To the editor,
This is a letter of love and gratitude to our most amazing health-care workers in Thunder Bay.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 2023. Through diagnosis, surgery and chemo, I have had the pleasure of dealing with the Linda Buchan Centre, the Cancer Centre, LHIN and numerous hospital departments.
Most recently, I developed a fever that necessitated a trip to ER and subsequent admittance to the oncology ward for five days. ER workers, you give new definition to the saying ‘grace under pressure’. You made the system work for me in a kind and caring manner.
To the oncology nurses, thank you for listening, educating and sharing a part of yourselves with me. The common threads among ALL health-care workers I have met -- from the person cleaning my room to the oncologist/surgeon fighting to get the care I need -- are smiles, reassurance, competence and the willingness to listen.
From my vantage point, I have watched ALL these workers working in an underfunded, crowded system while dealing with an often less than civil population.
Please take the time to thank your doctor, the support staff and the many workers who are the heart of our hospital.
Ask them how they coped during COVID, how their day is going, etc. Show that you see them and care. To all the health-care workers I have met - I saw you, appreciated you and have been grateful for every minute of your time.
For my cancer dream team of Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Anthes and Dr. Holmes, please do them and yourself a favour and book a mammogram if you are between the ages of 50-70. Encourage all the women in your life to do the same.
I am a textbook case of early detection equals excellent prognosis. Lastly, for my rock, Dr. Stewart Kennedy, I know I am benefiting greatly from all your years of hard work dedicated to the recruitment of these specialists and building a hospital and medical community that is world class.
Thank you.
Sharon (McClelland) Pedwysocki
