Evening chores are a regular routine for Becky Oakley, who owns and operates Coachlight, an equestrian centre in Midland. The evening of Friday, October 19, 2018 began like any other, as she headed out to the barn on her own.
“I had my pony, Cotton, tied in the aisle while she ate. Something must have startled her, making her kick out with both back feet. I remember seeing her kick, and then I remember waking up on the floor about 50 ft. away. I couldn’t catch my breath, and I could barely move. The pain was incredible.”
Becky crawled to the other side of the barn to retrieve her phone, and she called for help. When she arrived at Georgian Bay General Hospital, the team determined she had a life-threatening intra-abdominal injury, and she was rushed into surgery.
“Dr. Churchill saved my life, 100%,” shares Becky. “She is a fantastic surgeon.”
With significant damage to her bowel and kidney, Becky was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she stayed for two months. Her condition was complicated by sepsis, requiring prolonged intubation, and it was not certain if she would ever be able to return to her former level of physical ability.
Two months later, on December 20, Becky was discharged from the ICU and began rehabilitation therapy at GBGH.
“I am so grateful for the care and compassion I received from the staff at GBGH. All the nurses, doctors and specialists in the ICU are incredible,” continues Becky. “There were so many people involved in my recovery. They saved my life, plus set me up for success when I came home to recover.”
Today, Becky has made a full recovery and has returned to enjoying life on the farm. She is incredibly grateful for the care she received at GBGH, both during her treatment and recovery.
“Without the support of the GBGH Foundation, and the community, I would not be here today,” says Becky. “We need community support to provide the critical equipment and technology so the staff can provide the best care, like they did for me.”