Since 2004, I have experienced 3 heart attacks, triple bypass surgery, bladder cancer, ventricular tachycardia, and just recently an ischemic stroke. My wife says that I’m on my 7th life and I have both the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to thank for making it to lucky number 7.
I was fortunate to access the expert care and advanced medical equipment in the cardiac unit at Kelowna General Hospital without having to travel elsewhere. The staff was all incredibly kind and my surgeon is one of the best in Canada.
After my third heart attack, my cardiologist implied that in order to benefit from bypass surgery, my lifestyle had to change. So, in 2013 I stopped drinking, quit smoking, improved my diet, and made the YMCA a major part of my routine.
The Kelowna Family Y has, for ten years now, been invaluable to myself and my wife. We absolutely love it. The Y keeps me focused. I credit the Y’s Healthy Hearts program with preparing me to undergo the triple bypass surgery at KGH that saved my life. Being physically and emotionally strong helped immensely in my recovery. Soon after, I returned to my workout routine and have happily continued with it since.
We are extremely fortunate to have access to such facilities as the Y and KGH, who provide innovative health care and preventative health programs to so many, like myself. Over the past several years, we have watched the Kelowna General Hospital grow from a small community hospital to a major health care facility with remarkable equipment and incredible staff.
The YMCA offers many preventative programs to those experiencing health issues. There are many who, life myself, have benefited greatly from these programs and the facility’s equipment, but it’s the expertise and friendship of the caring staff who keep us coming back.
Simply put, I possibly would not be here if it were not for both the Kelowna General Hospital and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. I am extremely thankful to the many generous donors who make this all possible. Together they helped saved my life and the lives of countless others. From myself and my family, a huge thank you to all who donate to and support these organizations.