It was a moment I will never forget; I can still feel the panic - holding my daughter in my arms as she struggled to breathe.  Madison was only four years old.

She had been getting sicker by the day, and when I brought her to the Emergency Department at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), I was scared in a way I hope no parent ever has to feel.

The truth is, none of us ever expect to need the Emergency Department - until we do. I was born and raised right here in St. Thomas, so I’ve always known that STEGH was close by. That night, I discovered what that truly means.

From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were met with quick, professional care, and genuine kindness. Madison was treated for pneumonia, and we were heading home with a prescription in hand before we even had a chance to get comfortable in the waiting room. But it was what happened in between that will stay with me forever.

The staff saw more than a patient that day. They saw a little girl who was scared and a mother doing her best to hold it together. When Madison was too upset to decorate her hospital bracelet, one of the nurses quietly did it for her - adding holiday stickers to make it just a little bit more special. With that small gesture, I saw my daughter’s tears fade into a tiny smile. In that moment, I knew she felt safe, and that meant everything to me.

Before we left for home, Madison was given a small stuffed dog - she instantly hugged it, named him Squeakers, and to this day, sleeps beside him every night - a reminder of the comfort and care she received at STEGH.

Having an Emergency Department like STEGH’s right here in our community means more than convenience. It means knowing that when life feels scary and uncertain, there are people close by who care for us like family.

This holiday season, you can provide care for the next family who needs it. Your gift will ensure our Emergency Department is always ready to respond when seconds matter.

Thank you for helping make moments like this possible.

From a grateful mother - Happy Holidays,

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As Chief of Emergency Medicine at STEGH and a proud member of this community, I see firsthand just how quickly lives can change - and how powerful your support truly is.

My name is Dr. Jacob Pace - I chose Emergency Medicine because I wanted to be there for people on the hardest days of their lives. There is no greater privilege than doing that work in the place I call home.

Last year, our Emergency Department cared for more than 62,000 patients — neighbours, friends, and families like Madison’s. As our community grows, so does the need for strong, responsive, and compassionate emergency care.

This holiday season, help families like Madison’s receive the care they need. Every gift - big or small - will help ensure our Emergency Team has what they need to support every patient and family, when seconds matter.‍

On behalf of my team, the STEGH Foundation, and the many families we serve throughout St. Thomas and Elgin County - thank you. Your support is what makes this care possible.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

Warmly,

Dr. Jacob Pace, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Chief of Emergency Medicine

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital