Thank you, from KGH - Letters - Castanet.net

Recently, I came across a letter to the editor by Mrs. Jean Farina, who broke her pelvis and spent 17 days in Kelowna General Hospital this November. Her letter began, "Grateful. Thankful. Fortunate. Lucky", and for me, her words, plus one more – Hopeful – say it all.

Mrs. Farina writes, "Michael (my nurse) telling me I was a wonderful patient – oh how those kind words buoyed me up. Leanne (physio) saying to me 'let's go for a walk' when I didn't think it was possible to take a step. She made me believe I could walk again – and I did."

As the CEO of the KGH Foundation, I have the privilege of witnessing the 'big little miracles' that Mrs. Farina speaks of in her letter at KGH, JoeAnna's House, Hospice House and in healthcare settings across our community every day.

As we close another very difficult year, I hope Mrs. Farina's words inspire you as much as they did me. Because isn't it kindness and generosity that buoys us all when we don't think it's possible to take another step? Isn't this what we need most when we fall? For someone to reach out their hand and say, "I'll believe in you until you are strong enough to believe in yourself?"

The challenges we face in healthcare are complex and will take time to resolve. This affects us all, from our loved ones to our care providers. This year, more than ever before, our healthcare staff are a little like Mrs. Farina with her broken pelvis, learning to walk again, sore and bruised, frustrated and unsure. This is why YOUR generosity was our biggest little miracle (this year and always), sending a powerful message to all who work in healthcare that you are not giving up on them because they're not giving up on you.

This year, together, we raised $1.7 million in just six months to support the immediate needs and fund system innovation for our local mental health care providers. For the first time ever, acute and community care providers united to raise the funds desperately needed to support those who are struggling with mental illness. Your continued support for JoeAnna's House meant that no one from our region who needed a place to stay close to a loved one at KGH was turned away. And so much more. Cardiac care, brain health, seniors and pediatric health… the list is long and your generosity will have an impact right here in our community, now and for generations to come.

Despite all the challenges we face, there is one thing I know for sure. You still care, and you still believe. And as long as we have that, anything is possible.

On behalf of all those who pass through the doors of Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna's House, and Hospice House and who seek care from our community providers, thank you for your generosity this year. Giving has, and will always, change everything.

Wishing you good health, prosperity, and peace.

Allison Ramchuk, CEO, KGH Foundation