A Mother’s Gratitude: 60 Years in the Making

From a young age, Barbara has been inspired by the medical care that has been available to her family.

Now 91, it was a doctor at SickKids who showed her the power of kindness when her first son, Jimmy, was born.

“My oldest son spent a lot of time downtown at SickKids when he was born,” Barbra explains. “When the doctor called to tell us he could be discharged, we found out it would cost $45. That was a lot of money at the time, which we didn’t have. We called around, but no one would help us. The doctor heard we needed help, and ended up paying for it himself so we could bring our son home. I’ll never ever forget his kindness that day.”

That one quiet act resonated with Barbara, leaving a lasting impression. From that day, she pays keen attention to those who lead with compassion, and is always there with a compliment and a word of appreciation for those who cared for her, her late husband George, and their two sons, Jimmy and Bob.

In October 2023, almost 60 years later, it was the quick thinking and actions of Bob’s family doctor, along with Dr. Ariah Schattner and his team, that had Barbara brimming with appreciation.

“My son, Bob, got a call from his family doctor on a Friday, and he told him to go directly to the Emergency Room,” Barbara recalls. His doctor had learned that Bob’s hemoglobin had fallen to 59 G/L, well below the normal range for men, which is between 130 G/L and 170 G/L.

“The staff were great. They ran all sorts of tests and gave him some blood. Then they referred him to the Hematology Clinic and Dr. Schattner. He looked at the results and quickly ran more tests and a bone marrow biopsy. That’s when Bob was diagnosed with lymphoma.”

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that stems from the growth of abnormal white blood cells and begins in the lymphatic system. It spreads through the body using the bloodstream and can reach almost any tissue or organ. There are two main types of lymphoma; overall, it is the sixth-most common form of cancer.

“The care he received, and so quickly, was exceptional,” explains Barbara. “I can’t say enough. They saved his life.”

When looking through the newspaper one day, Barbara noticed an ad for Lakeridge Health Foundation, which talked about Planned Giving. In addition to Bob’s cancer journey, he had also spent 91 days in Lakeridge Health Oshawa (LHO), including 35 in the Critical Care Unit with COVID-19 in Spring 2021. Barbara’s husband, George, also relied on LHO following his own cancer diagnosis. The Hospital holds a special place in Barbara’s heart, and she wanted to make sure everyone has access to the same incredible care her family has received.

Barbara wanted Dr. Schattner, who still cares for Bob today, to know how much she appreciates the care he is providing her son. She called her lawyer to ask his opinion on either adding Lakeridge Health Foundation as a beneficiary in her Will or finding another way she could support the Foundation. 

“Our doctors and care teams don’t get enough credit,” Barbara says. “They do some amazing things.”

Based on her lawyer’s recommendation, Barbara decided to make an upfront gift of $50,000 through Lakeridge Health Foundation’s Circle of Gratitude Program. The program enables patients and their families to recognize the exceptional care they’ve received from a physician, Hospital staff member, or volunteer.

Barbara wanted to personally thank Dr. Schattner, rather than have her gift delivered after her passing. She recently visited the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre with Bob and his wife, Paula, to present the gift and express her gratitude to Dr. Schattner in person.

This is Dr. Schattner’s 23rd Circle of Gratitude recognition.

“It’s always so meaningful to hear from patients and their families,” explains Dr. Schattner. “I was so touched when I learned how excited Barbara was to meet for the first time!”

“I give the Lakeridge Health Oshawa a 10 out of 10,” Barbara says with a smile. “We’re so grateful for everything they do.”

To learn more about how you can create a personal and meaningful legacy call Steve MacDonald at 905-576-8711 ext. 34176 or Adrienne Burns at 905-576-8711 ext. 32784 or visit our website at www.mylakeridgelegacy.com.