A Veteran, husband, dad, caregiver, widow, volunteer – and then a patient
Jim Wellman has experienced many aspects of Bruyère Continuing Care
Becoming a Bruyère volunteer filled a huge void in my life. It started when my wife, Jackie, my best friend and life-long partner, passed away.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Jackie was told by doctors they could do nothing more for her. Thankfully, Jackie was able to spend her last days in the palliative care unit at Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital. The doctors and nurses managed her pain, keeping her as comfortable and aware as possible. Jackie stayed there for almost five months – I visited her every day.
You really get to know a place and the people who work there after that length of time. I can tell you that the staff at Bruyère are truly a special brand of people. Everyone – from the doctors, to the nurses, cleaning staff and volunteers – are so caring, compassionate and willing to help in whatever way they can.
Life is funny sometimes. A few years after Jackie’s passing , I found myself as a patient at Bruyère. I’ve been disabled since I was 20 years old, after losing my leg while in service with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. These days I need a wheelchair to get around.
The rehabilitation I received at Bruyère after my fall helped me return home and remain independent. That’s important to me.
Your financial gift or gift of time as a volunteer today will help Bruyère Continuing Care provide essential care to people who truly need it. People like me. People like my wife Jackie.