This is the second in a series of articles highlighting 100 years of care and community as Southlake Regional Health Centre celebrates its centennial this year.
Almost every young girl imagines what their future wedding day might look like — from the location, to the dress, to the flowers, and down to each and every colour. While all of this was true for Olivia as she began planning her dream wedding, the one detail she held far above any other was being able to share the moment with the people closest to her – her family.
Sadly, Olivia’s mother, Lillian, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer in June 2018, just months before the big day. Shortly thereafter, Lillian was admitted to Southlake Regional Health Centre, and her family was told they didn’t have long, meaning Olivia’s dreams for her wedding were put in jeopardy.
“My mother was always so caring, thoughtful and outgoing, and as a teacher, she could talk to anyone and within minutes after meeting you, making you feel like you were always old friends,” recalls Olivia. “When she got sick, it was a shock to us. And though things were very difficult, she never lost her spirit or determination to make sure she was at my wedding, telling anyone who would listen that she would be there. But to think that she might not be, it was devastating to think about.”
Having spent the past 100 years and counting delivering compassionate care at the side of patients and families from across the region, that was enough for the Southlake team to jump into action to make sure Lillian could watch her eldest daughter get married.
In just one day, they pulled together decorations and set up a location in the hospital for the ceremony as Olivia raced to pick up her dress and her vendors shifted gears to ensure they would have food and supplies ready in time for the impromptu wedding. On Aug. 19, 2018, on the hospital’s outdoor mezzanine, surrounded by loved ones and the Southlake team, Lillian got to watch as Olivia walked down the aisle.
“Her time with Southlake may have been short, but this experience with the wedding left a lasting mark on our family. I will always be grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff for all the amazing ways they went above and beyond to care for her as they comforted and supported us. Our community is incredibly fortunate to have this level of care available so close to home.”
In the years that followed, like many people born and raised in the communities Southlake serves and who choose to set down roots here, Olivia would come to rely on Southlake through many of life’s milestones. This includes the good moments, like the birth of both her children, and the bad.
Olivia’s family once again faced one of these challenging moments when her husband, Matthew, suffered a severe heart attack in 2023. While waiting in Southlake’s emergency department to determine the cause of the mystery chest pains he was experiencing, he went into cardiac arrest. The nurses immediately resuscitated Matthew through CPR and, though his recovery was lengthy, he was able to return home in good health.
“Southlake saved my husband’s life," says Olivia. "Throughout his recovery, they provided continuous updates and support, keeping me as calm and informed as possible during an unbearably stressful experience for our family. The hospital puts people first and, while the patient is always the priority, the Southlake team understands the impact these experiences have on their loved ones and goes that extra mile to support them as well.”
Though Olivia has been a part of the community since she was just two years old, watching Southlake continue to grow over several decades, it was through these experiences that her own appreciation for the hospital and the people who worked there could go much deeper.
“Southlake is more than just a hospital. It’s more than simply a place to be cared for when you’re sick. They are and will always be an important part of our family’s lives, and I’m certain the same can be said for so many other families in our community. They walked with us through some of our darkest moments, and thanks to the team's dedication, support and expertise, we will continue to confidently put our health and well-being in their capable hands.”
Olivia’s wedding is one of many stories of staff going above and beyond throughout Southlake’s 100-year history. Their dedication to providing the best experiences to everyone who walks through Southlake’s doors is what creates a bit of magic in some of the most difficult moments.
For 100 years and counting, Southlake has built healthy communities through leading edge care with an unwavering pride for people, place and performance. To celebrate its centennial anniversary, Southlake is revisiting some of its hallmark stories and achievements over the years through the Southlake Centennial series. Learn more about Southlake’s esteemed history and how they’re celebrating throughout the year at www.southlake.ca.
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