Ana’s Story
On November 4, 2025, Ana was standing on a ladder when she fell, striking her head on a concrete floor.
Gallery Director at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, Ana has spent her career connecting people with creativity, culture, and community. She is a wife, a mother of two grown children, and someone who has travelled and lived abroad, giving her a unique perspective on healthcare systems around the world.
At first, it appeared to be a minor injury. But within moments, something changed. She was bleeding from her head, and those around her knew something was seriously wrong. She began saying things that didn’t make sense. She couldn’t answer simple questions.
An ambulance was called, and Ana was taken immediately to Brantford General Hospital.
A CT scan quickly revealed a traumatic brain bleed. Ana was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where physicians intubated, sedated and closely monitored her condition. Her husband was told to prepare for the possibility of a long and difficult recovery, stating that brain bleeds can leave lasting impacts on speech, mobility, memory, and cognition. Rehabilitation plans were already being discussed.
For Ana’s family, the future suddenly felt uncertain.
Thankfully, the bleed stopped on its own and days later, Ana was taken off sedation, and she began to wake up. To the surprise of everyone involved, her speech was normal. She could walk. Other than a headache and fatigue, she showed no lasting effects from her injury. And just three weeks later, she returned to work. A specialist later told her, “You don’t realize how rare this situation is.”
Today, Ana is profoundly grateful for the quick and effective care she received close to home. “I received a CT scan immediately,” she recalls. “The staff were knowledgeable, compassionate, and kind.
Ana believes more people need to share positive healthcare experiences. “People don’t realize how fortunate we are,” she says. “You can come to the hospital in a crisis and know you’ll be cared for, you’ll be seen, and you’ll receive excellent care.”
Ana’s story is a powerful reminder of why local and timely access to care matters. Every day at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), Diagnostic Imaging helps physicians quickly identify injuries, diagnose illnesses, monitor treatment, and make critical decisions when every minute counts. Whether it is a CT scan identifying a brain bleed, a mammogram detecting breast cancer, an ultrasound monitoring a pregnancy, or an MRI helping diagnose a complex condition, these technologies provide information patients and families depend on.
Last year alone, over 220,000 diagnostic imaging procedures were performed at BCHS. Behind every exam was a patient looking for answers, a family seeking reassurance, with a healthcare team working to provide the best possible care.
As our community continues to grow, so does the demand for Diagnostic Imaging services. To keep pace with that demand, BCHS must continually invest in new and replacement equipment. These essential tools help provide clearer images, faster diagnoses, and better outcomes for patients across our community.
This September, Diagnostic Imaging is the focus of our Ignite Gala held on September 19, 2026. Funds raised through the Gala, and our Fund a Need campaign taking place that evening, will help purchase and upgrade critical Diagnostic Imaging equipment that is not funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Ana understands that reality firsthand. “If we want enhanced testing and enhanced machines; additional fundraising is required,” she says. “People don’t always realize how fortunate we are to have this level of healthcare available right here in our community.”
Your gift today will support patients like Ana, who faced uncertainty, by giving them access to the diagnostic imaging technology that provides answers when they need it most.
Give today in support of Diagnostic Imaging at BCHS. Every image tells a story. And every patient deserves the best possible chance at a positive outcome.
Let’s invest together to re-imagine healthcare.