“I don’t know how they do it”

Published on December 17, 2023

Life was good when Barbara headed to the racetrack with her husband for a Father’s Day outing earlier this year. It was a sunny day and people were in good spirits. About halfway through the afternoon, Barbara put her head on her husband’s shoulder. That simple moment would be one of the last things she remembers about that day.

Barbara couldn’t move her left leg or left arm and the left side of her face was drooping. A friend rushed to get a first responder and 911 was called. Barbara was having a stroke.

“I remember very little,” explains Barbara, “just the sound of the sirens as we rushed to the Niagara Falls hospital and I remember being restless.” There were tests, medications, a visit from her son – they were hours of Barbara’s life that she knows happened but cannot remember.

The following day, her husband, who couldn’t ride in the ambulance with her, came for a visit and while Barbara was still a little slow in her speech and movements, she was doing okay. She was herself and showed no side effects whatsoever. “It is a miracle,” says Barbara, who couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing care she received during one of the scariest times of her life.

Words seem inadequate for expressing my gratitude for the care I received. You never know when you or someone you love needs this kind of professional and compassionate care, so my donation is my way of supporting our local hospitals and showing my appreciation.

“Everybody was so awesome. My husband doesn’t drive, so they kept him updated by phone. They were kind and patient, and I really cannot say enough about the team at the Intensive Care Units and Stepdown Units.” Her healthcare team worked tirelessly to check her for every possible side effect and, even though they were very busy, they cared for each patient with kindness and compassion. “I don’t know how they do it,” muses Barbara, who says that being treated with respect and feeling like everyone genuinely cared was a very reassuring and good feeling.

Only three days after her stroke, Barbara got to go home and, even then, the follow-up care that was in place for her was well-organized and helpful. To show her gratitude and appreciation for the care she received, Barbara decided to make a gift to the Niagara Health Foundation and sent in a note of gratitude for her healthcare team.

“Words seem inadequate for expressing my gratitude for the care I received. You never know when you or someone you love needs this kind of professional and compassionate care, so my donation is my way of supporting our local hospitals and showing my appreciation.”

“I don’t know how they do it”

Published on December 17, 2023

Life was good when Barbara headed to the racetrack with her husband for a Father’s Day outing earlier this year. It was a sunny day and people were in good spirits. About halfway through the afternoon, Barbara put her head on her husband’s shoulder. That simple moment would be one of the last things she remembers about that day.

Barbara couldn’t move her left leg or left arm and the left side of her face was drooping. A friend rushed to get a first responder and 911 was called. Barbara was having a stroke.

“I remember very little,” explains Barbara, “just the sound of the sirens as we rushed to the Niagara Falls hospital and I remember being restless.” There were tests, medications, a visit from her son – they were hours of Barbara’s life that she knows happened but cannot remember.

The following day, her husband, who couldn’t ride in the ambulance with her, came for a visit and while Barbara was still a little slow in her speech and movements, she was doing okay. She was herself and showed no side effects whatsoever. “It is a miracle,” says Barbara, who couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing care she received during one of the scariest times of her life.

Words seem inadequate for expressing my gratitude for the care I received. You never know when you or someone you love needs this kind of professional and compassionate care, so my donation is my way of supporting our local hospitals and showing my appreciation.

“Everybody was so awesome. My husband doesn’t drive, so they kept him updated by phone. They were kind and patient, and I really cannot say enough about the team at the Intensive Care Units and Stepdown Units.” Her healthcare team worked tirelessly to check her for every possible side effect and, even though they were very busy, they cared for each patient with kindness and compassion. “I don’t know how they do it,” muses Barbara, who says that being treated with respect and feeling like everyone genuinely cared was a very reassuring and good feeling.

Only three days after her stroke, Barbara got to go home and, even then, the follow-up care that was in place for her was well-organized and helpful. To show her gratitude and appreciation for the care she received, Barbara decided to make a gift to the Niagara Health Foundation and sent in a note of gratitude for her healthcare team.

“Words seem inadequate for expressing my gratitude for the care I received. You never know when you or someone you love needs this kind of professional and compassionate care, so my donation is my way of supporting our local hospitals and showing my appreciation.”