66 km in Memory of Krystyna: a personal Bike and Braai story
The 10th annual Bike and Braai, a fundraiser for Kelowna General Hospital, was held June 7, raising $20,000 for surgical equipment at the new Interior Heart and Surgical Centre.
For Mary Drzewiecki, it was a ride in memory of her sister, Krystyna Groholski, who was cared for at KGH, but died in November. The following is an account of Krystyna’s final days and Mary’s appreciation for the care she received, in Mary’s words.
No one thinks about going to the hospital until they need to go. My dear sister, Krystyna Groholski, needed to go on Nov. 22. Her cancer had metastasized to stage four and she was showing symptoms of a stroke.
Within minutes, the ambulance was at my front door. She was taken to Kelowna General Hospital and the medical professionals and technical equipment she needed.
She was under the expert care of many brilliant doctors and nurses on 6 West. They were so knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding in all that they did for her. The house-keeping staff, too, were respectful of her needs.
There were no boundaries on visitations on 6 West. The nurses accommodated the family with cots and linens for overnight stays. This was greatly appreciated, for the moments we had left with Krystyna were few and becoming fewer. My dear sister was dying.
Krystyna’s daughter, 88-year-old mother, and I were sleeping on cots beside her when we awakened to a change in her breathing. She was leaving us. Mom held Krystyna until her last breath. Her life had ended ... and we cried and cried. It was Nov. 26, 2014. She was 66 years old. To honour Krystyna’s memory, to show my gratitude to all who cared for her in her last days, and to help others needing hospital care, I cycled in the Bike and Braai on June 7, a KGH Foundation fundraiser.
Krystyna’s children and grandchildren gave me a great send-off the morning of the ride.
They were cycling, running, and pushing strollers beside me. Krystyna was with us in our hearts. It was an endearing memory, and so much fun ... full of smiles and laughter. I know my sister would have loved it. I cycled 66 km in total ... one km for each year of Krystyna’s life. As of June 15, $1,220 has been donated to the KGH Foundation in memory of my sister, Krystyna Groholski. I sincerely thank all those who donated and showed their support in this worthwhile fundraiser, and I sincerely thank all the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at all levels who kept her as comfortable as possible as she went into full palliative care. Your kindness is remembered.
No one thinks about going to the hospital until they need to go. My dear sister, Krystyna Groholski, needed to go on Nov. 22, and how wonderful it was to have our hospital ready and waiting. Thank you KGH, Mary Drzewiecki