A Niagara woman is singing the praises of Hotel Dieu Shaver this holiday season – and for good reason.
In January 2022, Katelynn Wild suffered a stroke that left her fully paralyzed for weeks – during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic wouldn’t allow her visitors at the hospital.
It was after three weeks she went to Hotel Dieu Shaver, who she says welcomed her with open arms because of a friend that worked there.
Wild says the staff at Hotel Dieu Shaver made her feel welcome from the moment she arrived. While in a general hospital, she hadn’t been able to move for weeks, while staff at Hotel Dieu Shaver wanted to focus on what she could do, which resulted in her starting to gain back her mobility.
Now, almost three years later, Katelynn has been able to enjoy a number of great life experiences that she never though she would again. Since her stroke, she’s gone paddleboarding, kayaking, and even swimming with dolphins.
While all of that are definitely something she doesn’t take lightly, she says the smaller things like walking her dog Kevin are what she appreciates most.
During her time with Hotel Dieu Shaver, Katelynn went from using a wheelchair, to a walker, to being able to move around without any supportive devices.
After being discharged, she said the first thing she did was take Kevin for a walk. While she could only go about 20 steps at the time, she says she’s now able to walk him upwards for four kilometres, something else that felt impossible if not for the help of those at Hotel Dieu Shaver.
During the holidays, HDS raises money through its Snowflakes & Angels Christmas Campaign – their largest fundraiser of the year. Residents throughout the Niagara Region and beyond can make donations in honour or celebration of a loved one, with over $150,000 being raised last year.
Funds from this campaign allow HDS to buy priority patient care equipment that isn’t covered by the government like it would be at other healthcare sites.
Wild says she wants to shine a light on Hotel Dieu Shaver because of how they gave her hope when she had none at all. She says it’s in ways a hidden gem in Niagara, as many people don’t understand the services they provide, from medical devices to things like a driving simulator that patients can use during their stay. Wild says driving is one of those things that signify independence, so being able to do that while staying there helped her a lot.
You can make a donation to Hotel Dieu Shaver by visiting their website or calling them at 905-378-HDSF (4373).
(Written by: Matt Latour)
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