My name is Don Taylor. I’ve been a proud Richmond resident since 1991. I have a loving wife and two amazing daughters. After 28 years working in the insurance business, retirement has been a rich time of focusing on personal health and deepening my ties to the community, especially refereeing local soccer games. In everything I do, I like to keep a positive attitude and add some humour in the world, because I believe laughter is the best medicine.
Recently, I faced a serious medical situation, but I was so moved by the encouragement and support I felt from my community hospital. Patients and families have come to rely on the trusted, expert care at Richmond Hospital, and I now know it can only be possible with support from people like you. That is why I’m writing you this letter. Would you please give today so that more Richmond residents can receive the highest quality of local health care, like I did?
It all started when I had a routine blood test done for my insurance policy. A few days later, I got a call from my family doctor asking me to come in to discuss the results. The blood test showed that there were complications with my prostate and I was quickly referred to renowned Urologist, Dr. Dan Rapoport. After receiving another series of tests, I was sent in for a biopsy, which confirmed that there were dangerous abnormal cells present. I was shaken. The thought crossed my mind—am I going to have to write my obituary?
Experiencing a serious health crisis can be a frightening time, but having quality health care nearby can make a world of difference. Gifts from the community have provided countless people with expert care at Richmond Hospital. With your added support, people will be able to receive the highest quality of care when they need it most. Would you please give today to help grow a stronger, healthier community?
The news was shocking and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to tell anyone. Dr. Rapoport took time to carefully explain my options. Between radiation and surgery, we decided on surgery, which would offer the most certain results. Despite my fears, it was clear that I was in the hands of an expert.
On the day of my operation, I was doing my best to keep my spirits up, but so many fears and worries were in my head as I entered the hospital. Will they get all of the dangerous cells? Will I live long enough to be there for my children as they grow older?
Because of support from donors like you, Richmond Hospital was there for me when I needed them most. Even though I was filled with fear, every individual I met made such a positive impression on me from the moment I walked in. I can still remember their names. A nurse, Lana, provided clear and concise direction on what to do to prepare for my operation. She genuinely smiled and wished me well when I got on the table. Dr. Rapoport performed the two-and-a-half hour surgery with extreme precision and care.
When I woke up, I was in a recovery room with another nurse, Ilea, sitting beside me, checking to make sure I was all right. I was moved to the 4th floor recovery rooms where nurse TJ explained everything to me about my stay, what the various cords and devices were for, and truly raising my confidence level during my recovery.
One night in the hospital, I had woken up from terrible dreams. The night nurse came to check on me and discovered a dangerous drop in my blood pressure. She called Dr. Rapoport immediately for his guidance. I was touched by this level of dedication and care—even at 2 a.m. Richmond Hospital’s staff went to great lengths to ensure my safety and comfort. I could feel how much they cared.
Nobody wants to end up in the hospital—but when an emergency hits, it is so important to have quality care nearby. Won’t you please give today to support much needed health care in our community? After seven days, I was able to go home where I continued to rest and recover. It took about two months for me to get back to the gym, and I’m looking forward to regaining my fitness level and getting back to the soccer field.
I am so thankful for all the medical teams at Richmond Hospital and how much I appreciated being looked after by them. I have never felt so cared for by an entire team in my life. Without their expertise, I’m not sure what would have happened to me. I am grateful for my life and for every day I get to spend with my family and friends.
Your support is so important. In this community, we have to look after each other. Please help keep our community healthy by giving today. With your support, Richmond Hospital can continue to offer the lifesaving services we rely on.
Sincerely,
Don Taylor
Supporter of Richmond Hospital Foundation
P.S. Please donate today. You could be saving someone’s life.