Having lived a life so passionate about health and wellness, I was blind sided when I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 35. At the time I was a busy mama of 2 boys, still nursing my youngest, while eagerly preparing for my oldest’s 5th birthday party. Our family of four hiked up mountains, skied down them and loved family bike rides. I was attending professional conferences and mom and babe classes. I just couldn’t stop asking how this could lead to my stay at “hotel VGH”.

My leukemia proved quickly to be very aggressive in nature but I now stand as the very blessed, humbled and honoured recipient of both a bone marrow transplant and a double lung transplant.

I have learned first-hand that there is truly no predicting who may find themselves in such a scenario. But because of your donations, I get to tuck my babies in every night and be the first to greet them in the morning. I get to be their loudest cheerleader and I get to kiss their owies with my husband by my side.

I survived as a result of the incredible facilities and staffing at VGH. I could not be more thankful for all the resources we had at our fingertips, every step of the way.

I could not be filled with more heartfelt thanks for all the efforts made by everyone at VGH: the incredible administration staff at every level, my brilliant and persistent team of medical doctors, the fun porters, the kind-hearted lunch ladies and the diligent cleaners. And of course, the smiles and precision of the imaging and technical staff and the zillion nurses who create the heart and soul within those walls for those of us in for the long haul.

On behalf of myself and all others that find themselves in desperate need of urgent and highly specialized medical care, I thank YOU for the role that you played in making my ‘hotel VGH’ a truly 5-star experience.

Sincerely,

Erica Harris
One very grateful patient