For Kim Douglas, the final months of her mother Isabel March’s life brought difficult decisions, treasured moments, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people who cared for her at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).
As a retired registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in emergency care and employee health, Kim understood the healthcare system well. But this time, she wasn’t a nurse. She was a daughter watching someone she loved navigate declining health.
In December 2025, Isabel was brought to GBGH, where she was admitted before eventually moving to the Rehabilitation Unit on 1 North. Over the 8 weeks that followed, it became clear that Isabel would not be able to return to independent living, and her care eventually transitioned to a palliative approach.
Isabel passed away on February 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.
The people behind the care
Throughout Isabel’s time at GBGH, Kim and her family found comfort in the compassionate people caring for her mother.
Mat, who supported activities on the Rehabilitation Unit, made a point of visiting Isabel each day, encouraging her to take part in exercise and activities.
“She loved seeing his face and couldn’t stop talking about how he was such a positive force,” Kim recalls. “I want to thank Mat for everything he did for her, right up until the very end.”
She is equally grateful to Dr. Mathai at GBGH for taking the time to listen, answer questions, and guide their family through difficult conversations.
“Dr. Mathai never made Mom or us feel rushed when asking questions,” she says. “We are so grateful to her for explaining everything and having discussions as needed.”
Kim’s gratitude extends to the entire 1 North team, whose compassion and willingness to help left a lasting impression.
“You have a passion for the patients you are taking care of. Thank you for taking care of my mom.”
Turning gratitude into something lasting
Before Isabel passed away, she and Kim talked about making a donation to GBGH, in honour of her care. The question was: what should their gift support?
The answer came during a conversation with Mat about a therapeutic virtual reality program he hoped could one day be available on the unit. Isabel’s daughter immediately saw an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
“I went back to talk to Mom and told her about the virtual reality program,” Kim says. “I told Mom that this was what I was going to donate on her behalf. She absolutely loved the idea.”
Today, their generosity is helping make that idea a reality for the hospital, creating a lasting tribute to Isabel while giving back to the team that meant so much to their family.
A heartfelt thank you
Through the GBGH Foundation’s Heartfelt Thanks program, grateful patients and families can honour the caregivers who made a meaningful difference in their healthcare experience while supporting care at GBGH.
For Isabel and her daughter, their gift became more than a way to say thank you. It became a way to carry their gratitude forward.
Donations through Heartfelt Thanks help GBGH invest in equipment, technology and patient-care resources that support patients and families right here in our community. Every gift is an investment in having excellent care available close to home, when it is needed most.
Isabel’s story is a beautiful reminder of the difference compassionate care can make, and the lasting impact gratitude can have.
To Isabel’s family, and to our entire generous donor community, thank you for helping make excellent local health care possible.
