Page 8 - GBGH Foundation Newsletter - Summer 2024

THE GIFT OF A FIRST STEP

After months of intense treatment, a medically-induced coma and
rehabilitation, Martin Picotte took his first steps in December 2023
with the help of a Patient Lift at Georgian Bay General Hospital
(GBGH).

“The feeling of standing again brought a huge smile to
my face,” says Martin. “It just helped me so much. I was
smiling and my legs were moving – not very well – but I
was able to walk!”

The Patient Lift was purchased with funds donated through the GBGH Foundation,
and it allows patients to begin their rehabilitation therapy before they are medically
cleared to bear any weight.

In September 2023, Martin was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS),
a rare disorder caused by a virus where the body’s immune system damages
nerves, causing muscle weakness and, in Martin’s case, paralysis. He began
feeling miserable when he first woke up, and by the time the ambulance arrived,
his condition had deteriorated quickly.

Martin spent a total of nine and a half months in hospital, mostly at GBGH, and
a significant amount of time on the rehabilitation unit. From near total paralysis
at the beginning, to ambulating around the unit with a walker, Martin credits the
To view Martin’s first steps
team for helping him.
with the Patient Lift, scan
“I’m so grateful for the therapy team and the nurses [at GBGH] who have here:
become like family,” said Martin. “We joke and laugh, and they go out of their way
to help, no questions asked. And, thank you to all those people who donated to
help purchase the lift. It helped me and I know it will help a lot of other people
too.”

$5,000-$9,999 (Continued) Jane & Ray Millar Alan & Patricia Lewis
The Norris Family Jeff & Lynn McCoppen Alan Walker
The Township of Georgian Bay Jeffrey Orr & Suzanne Legge Alexandra McLaughlin
William Ferguson & Lynda Mickelborough Joan & Chris Tulley Alison & David Jarlette
John Cathers & Delia McLeod Allan & Marianne Dickey
$2,500-$4,999 Judy & Barry Goode Alta Vista Planning Partners Inc
Anonymous Kathy Perchalski AMJ Campbell, Toronto East
Arbor Memorial Inc Liahona Capital Inc Andrew & Karen Hachborn
Armin & Annemarie Grigaitis Lithia Motors Andrew Combes
Arnott Construction Ltd Margaret Gooderham Anne Legge
Barber & Haskill Marie Gram Anonymous
Belle Décor Mark & Laurie-Ann Fisher Anton Weber
Bob Kafato - LabX Media Group Canada Inc Martha LA McCain ARAMARK Canada Ltd
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Martine Celej Arbour’s Flower Shoppe
Bruce Chamney Mary Cottrell Audrey Atkinson
Carol Parkes Nicole & Martin Kraftscik Barry & Patricia Smith
Cassie & Tim Kastelic Paul & Terry Fahey Bernard & Georgette Mailloux
Chad & Natalie Parnell Penetang Sand & Gravel Bernice Matthews
Chefurka Consulting International Limited Philip & Vivian Wright Beverley Leonard
Cumulus Architects Inc Poppy & Peonies Beverley Stefureak
Dave & Sheila Carpenter, Herb Carpenter Limited Port McNicoll Lions Club BGC Funding Innovation Inc
Dave & Barb Turner Robert & Kathleen Martin Family Charitable Giving Fund Bob & Pam Gunn
Dennis & Joan Jackson Scott McIntaggart Bonnie McDonald
Elaine Whitford STBC Inc Brian Alves
Eleanor Allgood Svethlana Lyons Brian Angus
Garry & Catherine Travers Syntec Process Equipment Ltd Carol MacDonald
Gemtron Canada Corporation Team Jordan Catherine Morrison
Gerald White Terry & Anita Fegarty Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa
Gordon & Cathy McKay Terry & Anna Cheaney Christopher Pfaff
Gregory Herriott Triple Tech Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Inc Cindy Balaz
Gregory Rice Yvonne Howell Cindy Butler
Harris & Olive Coish Cintas Canada
Huronia Physiotherapy $1,000-$2,499 Collaborative Haus Marketing
IG Wealth Management Alan & Joan Sundeen Crooked Anchor Logistics
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