I would like to share with you a story of how a beautiful summer day turned into a parent’s worst nightmare in the blink of an eye. And how Headwaters Health Care Centre was there when I needed them most.
It was a beautiful sunny day in August, and we took our son Morgan, 9 months at the time, and our daughter Scottlyn who was 3, to our friend Chad’s backyard to enjoy their swimming pool. The pool was refreshing, the sun was shining, and it was a perfect summer day. Until it wasn’t.
At one point, Chad had to head off and get ready for work. At the same time, my husband Scott went into the house to get changed, looking back as he did to see Scottlyn and Morgan in the pool with their nanny. But just as he was shutting the door, he heard a terrified scream and ran back outside to find out what was wrong. Chad heard the scream too, and he ran back into the yard to help.
They found Morgan by the side of the pool. He was unresponsive.
Scott immediately picked him up. Our little boy was turning blue and felt lifeless in Scott’s arms. Scott knew this was no time to panic and quickly moved Morgan out of the sun and started CPR. By this point, we had called 911 and Scott and Chad took turns trying to revive my baby. Their determined efforts lasted several minutes. And felt like an eternity.
Morgan finally did regain consciousness and the paramedics took him directly to Headwaters Health Care Centre. Upon arriving at the hospital, Morgan was brought into the Emergency Department (ED), was hooked up to number of machines to monitor his vital signs, and the hospital’s pediatrician sprang into action.
A chest x-ray showed that only a minimal amount of water had reached Morgan’s stomach and lungs. The Dr. then put on a heart monitor to ensure Morgan had proper rhythm. Morgan spent the night at Headwaters, with me by his side and regular monitoring to make sure that he was in the clear.
At 11:00 pm the ED made some accommodations for us so that Morgan and I could stay in our own private room. The next morning we had a final check up with the pediatrician, and she gave us the okay to go home.
It took us a few days for us to recover from this, and it’s something I wish no family would ever have to go through. I will always be grateful for the Headwaters team who took excellent care of Morgan and went out of their way to keep us together throughout his time in the hospital.
Today, as I ask you to think about making a donation to Headwaters, I would also ask you to consider that, like my son, one day you may benefit from the very gift you choose to give today. You see, the exceptional care you invest in today, could save your life, or the life of someone you love, tomorrow. So please, give generously!
Your support will help fund Headwaters’ vital medical equipment priorities, providing access to outstanding care for patients and families just like mine, close to home.
My family’s story is a testament to the incredible care every patient receives when they come through the hospital doors. In turn, the story of your support will highlight the remarkable impact you can have on patients and families when you invest in the tools your health care team needs to provide the best possible care.
Headwaters simply couldn’t do their important work without the community at their side.
Sharing my story reminds me how forever grateful I am to everyone who supports Headwaters Health Care Centre. Our son is happy and healthy thanks to the kindness of people like you who choose to support exceptional care, close to home.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Crewson