Donna Dooher, chef and owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, was taking a break from her busy life when she suffered a break of a different kind. Donna was on a ski tip in British Columbia, skiing a very challenging mountain. She had a bad fall and was taken to a local hospital, where she found out she had broken both her legs.
“I was in shock when the doctor first told me both legs were broken,” said Donna. “As a chef, I stand on my legs all day. My life changed in that instant.”
After undergoing surgery in B.C., Donna was transferred back home to Toronto’s Bridgepoint Active Healthcare for rehabilitation. She was admitted into the old hospital for a few weeks, and then transferred to the new Bridgepoint facility. She was in awe of the bright and modern facility, and was one of the first patients admitted to new facility in 2013.
“When I first was wheeled into this new, state-of-the-art hospital, it gave me a lot of hope,” said Donna. “I really felt like this was a place where I could get better. I was motivated by the light and open space in my room, the physio room and the hydrotherapy pool to embrace my recovery with vigour.”
Donna spent nearly seven weeks at Bridgepoint. She underwent extensive rehab on both legs and her care team included doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Her therapy time in the hydrotherapy pool was one of the highlights of her treatment. Motivated by a positive attitude, inspiring surroundings, and an excellent relationship with her care team, Donna progressed quickly. Today, she is back on her feet, and doing what she loves most.
“I feel 100 per cent now, and I’m looking forward to skiing again this winter,” said Donna. “I’m still amazed at my recovery. Without Bridgepoint, I wouldn’t be standing in my kitchen today.”