I’ve always been taught to take care of others, it’s one of the lessons I learned as a young boy.

Everything in the world depends on one another.

In April of 2023, I came to depend on a team of healthcare workers at Royal Jubilee Hospital.

After days of experiencing severe stomach pain, I ended up spending three weeks in the hospital. I was a student at the time, taking a course on mental health and addictions at Camosun College. I happened to be speaking with an instructor one morning when the pain hit. She told me to call an ambulance. I didn’t think I needed one. Thank goodness she persisted. She was at my home in a matter of minutes and quickly got me to the hospital where I was admitted.

A CT scan and MRI guided my path forward. The imaging showed my pancreas had become inflamed, and my doctors told me they needed to remove my gall bladder. The swelling on my stomach was visible and painful. I was on my back in a hospital bed, unable to move very much, for two weeks.

“You’re a lucky man, you could have died,” my surgeon said. I didn’t realize how serious my situation had become.

I’m so grateful to those doctors, nurses, and all the staff that took care of me during my hospital stay.

I put my trust in the caregivers. I have so much respect for them. They work long hours and deal with so much.

I think they’re special people for taking care of so many others with different needs. They deserve so much gratitude.

I’m proud to say that at the age of 71, this was my first extended stay in a hospital. The experience was very emotional for me at times because I always viewed myself as healthy, I never get sick.

I felt so supported by everyone during my healthcare journey.

My family and friends regularly visited me. We sang healing songs in the All Nations Healing Room at Royal Jubilee Hospital. I love the artwork in that space, it feels a lot like a home away from home.

I also appreciate the Indigenous Liaison Nurses in our hospitals, they are a voice for us. They are also the proof of the teachings I learned growing up, that we must take care of anyone who needs help—that’s exactly what they do.

I’ve had two MRI scans since my time in the hospital, and my doctors tell me I’m a healthy man. I can eat anything I want. I can continue with all my activities. The only reminder I have left is a little scar from the incision.

I’ve had a lot of life experiences shape who I am. I lost nine years of my life in residential school. We couldn’t talk to each other, and I wasn’t allowed to speak my language. When I got out of school, I got to live my dream of becoming a fisherman. I spent 35 years doing that all over the island.

Those experiences have made me want to help others in our community and show gratitude for the caregivers that have helped me. I had a great team of doctors and nurses to depend on, in my time of need. I always tell others to take care of anyone who needs help. Just being around someone who is receiving care can make a big difference, words aren’t always necessary. The people receiving the care know you’re there..

For the past several months, my sister Deb has been receiving care at Victoria General Hospital. I don’t worry about her because I know she is in good hands. I know she’s receiving the same great care that I did.

I received the best care when I needed it the most.

The hospital teams, my family and friends were all there for me. I allowed myself to depend on the doctors and nurses and they took the very best care of me.

I raise my hands to all the caregivers in our hospitals—and to all the donors who change and save lives though the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Hych’ka, Hych’ka for putting the community first.