Myrtle Kell

Myrtle Kell had good reason to consider the Sault Area Hospital in her estate.  Two late husbands accessed the hospital's services prior to their deaths and she would require extensive care near the end of her own life.

"A hospital supports community members in all stages of life, from birth to death, and into subsequent generations through bequests like Myrtle has made," says long-time friend Lorna Ferguson.  "Myrtle was a philanthropist at heart. She was community minded and a hospital is a huge part of anyone's community."

A fall in February 2007 at her home left Myrtle with a fractured skull, resulting in a 2 1/2 month hospital stay that supported her recovery and ultimate discharge. Treatment at SAH as she progressed from Palliative Care and then to the Rehabilitation Unit allowed Myrtle to move on to Extendicare VanDaele by April of that year.

"She made an amazing recovery," says Lorna.

Myrtle passed away in November 2008 at age 90. Her estate gift has provided the Sault Area Hospital Foundation with $61,000 to date. Monies from her donation go into the Fund For Better Care (FFBC), allowing the SAHF to purchase critical, urgent pieces of equipment.

Myrtle had no family to serve as her advocate and Lorna gladly stepped into that role. In the early weeks of her hospital stay, Myrtle was unable to communicate with her caregivers and it became apparent what a challenge this presented to hospital staff.  Realizing how difficult it must be to care for someone who is not mobile and can't articulate needs, Lorna decided to help hospital staff by penning a letter telling them about Myrtle.

"There were so many things that would resonate with others - her love for the outdoors, her extensive travels, an avid interest in the arts and culture, her enthusiasm for gardening and passion for curling," Lorna says. She was a museum volunteer, a member of the Ontario Genealogy Society and a knitter, seamstress and designer. She supported many causes, with special emphasis on children, animals and the natural environment.

"Hospital staff would not know this information unless someone else told them. They appreciate the insight they can gain from family and friends that allows them to develop a relationship that is so helpful in a patient's recovery," says Lorna.  "It is important to not just give someone to the healthcare system. Everyone involved is part of a team and vital to the person's recovery. And so it became a team effort ‘all about Myrtle'."

Although the head injury left permanent damage, a spirited and contented Myrtle brightened life at VanDaele and she soon become a favourite among staff and administration. She was no longer able to walk unsupported, but Myrtle could scoot around in her wheelchair and continue her travels, although in a smaller world.

"Myrtle had a strong belief and appreciation for community and, fittingly, continues to contribute to the community beyond her passing," says Lorna. "Her gift to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation will have ongoing benefits."