Just days after returning from an adventure-filled summer vacation on Canada’s East Coast, Nadine Fowler found herself in the Emergency Department at the Queensway Carleton Hospital with a ruptured appendix.
Her sudden health crisis placed her unexpectedly on the other side of the care she’s been championing for nearly 14 years at QCH Foundation, where the seasoned fundraiser holds the role of Vice President of Philanthropy.
“It gave me a whole new perspective,” said Nadine. “It also allowed me to see firsthand just how valuable the life-saving medical equipment is, and how kind and caring our staff is.”
Nadine began feeling unwell several days prior to her hospital admission but dismissed her illness as the stomach flu because the symptoms felt so similar. “I waited and waited, thinking it
was going to pass, but it didn’t, of course.”
After a particularly painful night, she asked her husband to drive her to QCH during the early-morning hours of Friday, September 5. Not long after arriving in the Emergency Department, she was examined and sent for a CT scan that revealed a ruptured appendix that would require emergency laparoscopic surgery.
“I never expected it was appendicitis,” said Nadine, who might have panicked had she suspected it sooner. “Ignorance is bliss; it keeps you from understanding what’s really wrong.”
Before long, Nadine was on the operating table, with surgeon Dr. Ron Monaghan performing the procedure. His connection to QCH runs deep; nearly 50 years ago, his elderly grandmother, Stella, was the very first patient admitted to the hospital.
“The very tools used to save my life are the ones QCH needs.”
The benefits of laparoscopic surgery, Nadine explained, are fewer complications, faster recovery and smaller scars. “Not that I will ever wear a bikini again,” she joked.
The very tools used to save her life are the ones QCH Foundation is raising funds for this year. It urgently needs 27 new laparoscopic surgical instruments to keep up with patient demand.
“I’m quite keen to raise money for those tools and exactly that kind of equipment that was used for my surgery,” added the born-and-raised Ottawa resident.
Nadine also plans to make a financial gift through the hospital’s Champion of Care program, which allows patients and/or family members to donate in recognition of any QCH team member who delivered special care.
“That caring culture that patients always speak of — I really did feel it,” she said. “They were attentive, comforting and considerate.”
Nadine pointed out how lucky she was to become seriously ill after her road trip ended. “It was so close on the heels of our holiday. I’m just so grateful to have been at a hospital I know and trust for excellent care.”
As an added blessing, Nadine was discharged from the hospital in time to attend her son’s civil wedding ceremony at the Town Hall in Renfrew. She was still recovering at QCH when he
updated her on his exciting plans. “Oh, by the way, if you and Dad can be our witnesses, that would be wonderful,” he told her.
Nadine wouldn’t have missed the wedding for the world. “I was ready to crawl out of bed with the IV still attached just to be there to support him.”
This Giving Season, you can help make QCH’s holiday wishes come true by funding vital medical equipment for our care teams. Your generosity helps equip our healthcare teams with the essential medical devices they need when delivering the exceptional care QCH is known for — today and for generations to come. Every donation will be matched up to $50,000, doubling your impact for patients and families who rely on QCH.