Grateful Patient – Don Beam
Grateful family member Larry, with photo of his Father-in-Law Don Beam
As the warmth of spring settles in and unfolds around us, we are reminded of the season’s spirit of renewal and fresh beginnings. With the arrival of longer days and nature coming to life, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the ways we can nurture the health and well-being of our community.
This spring, the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation is reaching out to you with an urgent appeal to support one of our most essential departments – the SC Johnson Departments of Medical Imaging and Diagnostics.
The importance of this support is reflected in the experience of individuals like Don Beam. A volunteer firefighter for over 30 years and a lover of “good food,” Don’s journey through Brantford General Hospital (BGH), as shared by his son-in-law Larry, highlights the critical role diagnostic imaging plays in patient care.
Don was experiencing difficulty breathing and trouble maintaining his oxygen levels. Thanks to diagnostic imaging, it was revealed that he had pneumonia and fluid around his lungs, along with his existing heart condition. This technology provided the medical staff with the information needed to guide the right treatment and ensure Don received the best possible care.
Having turned 95, Don has already surpassed what medical professionals predicted in terms of lifespan with congestive heart failure. Although Don’s family was informed that his condition was no longer treatable, Larry remembers how hospital staff went above and beyond in offering comfort and kindness. “The nurses and doctors were so kind; they were even stopping in the hallway to wish him well,” Larry recalls. Don’s story underscores the vital need for continued investment in healthcare services. As Larry shares, “The community is growing, and this facility needs support.”
Larry himself is a volunteer at BGH, giving back to the healthcare system that cared for Don and his family. Larry’s experience further strengthened his belief in the value of a community supporting local healthcare, and his dedication to helping others is inspiring.
“Thank you to everyone who provided excellent, compassionate care for our grandfather/father-in law while he was at Brantford General.”
Diagnostic Imaging is one of the busiest departments at BCHS, offering a wide range of procedures that help in the detection and treatment of various conditions. From X-rays, Mammograms, and Ultrasounds to MRIs, CTs, ECGs, EMGs, Interventional Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine – these technologies provide critical insights that guide treatment decisions and assess the efficiency of treatment. However, to continue offering the best possible care, we urgently need to replace and upgrade some of this equipment at an estimated cost of over $6 million.
This is where your generous support can make a profound difference. Your contribution will ensure that BCHS remains at the forefront of medical care, allowing us to provide exemplary care to our patients.
As the new season emerges, we ask for you to join us to renew and enhance the essential services that keep our healthcare system strong. Your donation, no matter the amount, will directly contribute to providing the highest quality care for those who need it most. Thank you for considering this important request. Your support is invaluable, and we truly appreciate your commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Please give today.