705-526-4483

Category

Your Stories



For Franklin & Muriel Edwards, the incredible care they received at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) became an integral part of their legacy. The team at GBGH consistently went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable, and they were treated with kindness, compassion and dignity during every stay. They chose to give back to the hospital on many occasions throughout their lives to honour loved ones, and to support the outstanding nurses and staff.

When Muriel was a patient at GBGH in 2017, they made the decision to take their continued connection with the hospital a step further. They included GBGH in their respective wills.

This quiet, kind generosity permeated throughout their lives. They always had a deep sense of community, and believed strongly in doing the right thing.

“Uncle Franklin & Aunt Muriel never sought out any kind of recognition,” shares Robert Edwards, Franklin & Muriel’s nephew. “They would buy dozens of frozen chickens for the Salvation Army. No recognition, no receipts. Just purely out of the kindness of their hearts. They truly believed in helping people who needed help.”

When Franklin & Muriel needed help themselves, they found it at GBGH, in the hands of many caring and compassionate team members. For over 35 years, the Edwards family had a Sunday morning coffee club where family members and a few friends would discuss world events and community happenings. While Franklin was a patient at GBGH, the care team made it possible for this special tradition to continue in the hospital.

Giving back to the hospital, especially through a Legacy Gift, gave Franklin & Muriel the opportunity for their story of kindness and generosity to live on. The GBGH Foundation is honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate and recognize Franklin & Muriel Edwards for their lifetime of caring and impact through this story, and on the Foundation’s Donor Wall in the hospital’s main lobby.

Thank you Franklin & Muriel for your love of humanity and for the impact of your generosity on our community.

For more information on Legacy Giving, or about the Foundation’s Donor Wall, please contact Victoria Evans, Sr. Key Relationships Officer (evansv@gbgh.on.ca, 705-526-1300 ext. 5344)



YOUR
IMPACT

Kevin's Story

On August 16th, 63-year-old Kevin O’Connor walked into the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Emergency Department and said seven words that made our team immediately spring into action.

“I’m afraid I’m having a heart attack.”

Within minutes Kevin was wheeled to the back, hooked up to an ECG machine, and we administered medication and started bloodwork, while Dr. Gleason and Nurse Jaimie began to question Kevin and his wife Terry, about what had led up to this critical moment.

It turns out that Kevin has a family history of heart problems and he had suffered a heart attack five years ago. For the past few days, he had been experiencing severe heartburn, until the pain became so bad that he knew something was really wrong.

As soon as the bloodwork came back, it confirmed that Kevin was having a second heart attack and it was critical. He would have to be transferred to the regional heart centre.

I was devastated,” recalls Kevin. “When I heard that I was having a second heart attack there was so much fear and anxiety. But I could hear Dr. Gleason on the phone to the heart centre and she said ‘I have a patient who needs your help. It can’t wait until tomorrow. It’s important you see them tonight.’ She made my transfer happen at 1:30 in the morning.

Ten minutes later, Kevin was in the ambulance with Nurse Jaimie by his side.

Once he arrived at the heart centre, Kevin had a stent put in to remove the blockage in his heart and just two days later he was released from the hospital. And while the heart centre performed his procedure, Kevin credits the care that he received at GBGH with helping to save his life. “There’s no doubt in my mind that if Dr. Gleason and Nurse Jaimie hadn’t been so attentive and professional I would never know for sure the outcome. They were the ones who made sure I got the care I needed.

In Kevin’s words, “I’m so proud of our healthcare system. Some people complain about our system, but trust me, they wouldn’t, if they were ever in the position I was in. I am so, so grateful for the care I received, and my wife Terry, and our six kids and nine grandchildren are all so thankful to Dr. Gleason and Nurse Jaimie for helping me continue to lead a long and happy life.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our e-newsletter for inspiring stories, updates about events and to learn how donations are making a difference. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Man with short dark hair wearing a white shirt and a blue suit jacket

Jeff Holloway, Director

Jeff works at RBC Dominion Securities in Midland and joined RBC Wealth Management in 2014. In his current role, Jeff provides wealth management solutions to business owners, executives, professionals, and retirees.

Prior to working at RBC, Jeff was a partner at a leadership consulting firm and was a vice president at a Fortune 500 consulting company. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) while working for a multinational audit, tax, and consulting firm, he was the Controller at the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

Jeff was born in Kitchener-Waterloo and spent most of his childhood living in Owen Sound.  He moved to the Midland area full-time in 2019. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honors degree in Mathematics (Computer Science). Jeff also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.

Jeff is very supportive of many worthwhile causes in our local community. Currently, he is the Treasurer for the Quest Art School and Gallery in Midland.