We're facing a defining moment
06/10/2022
It was just
after New Year’s when I got the call.
“Tom, you and your team are needed on
the frontline.”
Hundreds of our staff were in isolation due to
COVID-19 and unable to work.
The beds in our care facilities were full. Our
remaining staff needed urgent help to continue to serve our patients and
residents. It was all hands-on deck.
I was redeployed as a Unit Support
Worker—one of the many critical roles at Bruyère care
facilities. At first, my job was to feed patients and residents who were unable
to feed themselves. Men like John, who wanted so desperately to be able to do
it on his own.
It was emotionally demanding work to be among so
many wonderful people experiencing health struggles—people who I came
to know and care about. People who began to feel like family.
But I was humbled by how physically demanding the
work was, too. Usually, I was on my feet for six to eight hours with only a
short break to eat. Then, it was back to clearing dishes, scraping left-over
food off plates, bringing bags of soiled linens to the laundry, taking out the
trash, and replenishing essential personal protective equipment—like
surgical gloves and hospital gowns.
By the end of my time on the frontline, I was
absolutely exhausted. It was eye-opening to experience firsthand what our
healthcare workers go through day in and day out.
But it was also incredibly rewarding, and I left feeling
full of hope.
Why? Because while I was working the
frontline, I got to see your generosity at work. How you—and
other generous people just like you—fuel our care teams…
helping them keep our patients and residents, maybe even your loved ones,
comfortable, safe and in the best health possible.
It was so important to me to share my experience
with you. Especially as I return to my regular job leading the fundraising team
at the Bruyère Foundation.
...There’s no use sugar-coating it:
healthcare for our aging population is in need of serious improvement.
And despite easing restrictions, our community of
patients, residents and staff are still living with the struggles that COVID-19
presents.
But your generosity and compassion can help make a
difference at Bruyère. You’re among a rare group of people
who understand just how critical the need for excellent healthcare is in our
community. Your gift today—of whatever amount feels
right—will help purchase priority medical equipment for all
Bruyère care facilities. Equipment that will help
frontline staff keep our vulnerable patients and residents
comfortable, safe and in the best health possible.
Equipment that will improve quality of life for
everyone.
The people I worked alongside for two months have
the most remarkable spirit. They are unbelievably resilient. But their
resiliency has been tested. Some are leaving the healthcare profession for
good.
Which is why your gift today is so
important. Not only will it provide improved quality of care for
our patients and residents, it will raise the spirits of our staff ! And we
need to raise their spirits if we hope to keep them. Because they truly are the
very best—the heart and soul of Bruyère...
…And your family members deserve the
very best.
I’ve always
thought that our vulnerable and elderly citizens should be cared for with the
same tenderness and love we give to newborn babies when we welcome them to the
world.
As a supporter of Bruyère, I imagine you
feel the same.
Now is our chance to do so. Will you
help us purchase new equipment for our care facilities
today?
We’re more aware than ever of the gaps
in our healthcare system. I saw it myself when I was redeployed. It’s
going to take a while to fill in those gaps. Our staff need time to heal from
the demands of the last two years…while continuing to provide the
best care possible to our patients and residents.
… And providing the best care possible
is expensive. But I have hope because of people like you. People who not only
understand how important resources like new equipment are, but also how
important healthcare facilities like Bruyère are.
And who are willing to help make them the best
they can be… for our loved ones and our community as a whole.
With your compassionate support, we
can take small, dedicated steps together towards a better future for our
patients, residents and our staff.
…If you don’t mind,
I’d like to share one more story.
Recently, we started replacing our vital signs
monitors across all our care facilities. While the ones we were using worked,
they were outdated and clunky.
When our staff saw the new equipment, their
gratitude was off the charts. They were so excited about even the smallest
upgrade and what it meant for their quality of care and their
patient’s quality of life.
So, with your help, our goal is to
invest in equipment. But more importantly, our goal is to continue investing
in people.
In a time when our world is so troubled, one of
the best things we can do together is continue investing in each other.
With each new piece of equipment you help
purchase, we’ll be able to help our healthcare workers get back on
their feet. To increase the quality of care for our elderly population.
And to make sure we’re prepared for your
loved ones when they need help. As always, thank you for trusting
Bruyère with your generosity. Thank you for being there for our staff,
patients and residents in such a defining moment.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Hewitt, CFRE
President, Bruyère Foundation
P.S. The pandemic made us more aware
than ever of the gaps in our healthcare system—especially for our
elderly. Our staff need time to heal from the demands of the last two
years… while continuing to provide the best care possible to our
patients and residents. But providing the best care possible is expensive. Your
generosity can help. Your gift today will help purchase critical medical
equipment for all Bruyère care facilities. Equipment that will provide
improved quality of care for our patients and residents, and raise the spirits
of our hardworking staff.
Please give
now.