Johnny Gahir’s story
There must be some mistake, thought Johnny Gahir. After all, the robust, energetic 37-year-old father of two from Surrey exercised regularly and took good care of himself. But there was no mistaking the chest pains he was experiencing after coming home from the gym. A cardiology stress test at his local hospital revealed a shadow on the front of his heart and the need for a referral to Royal Columbian Hospital’s cardiac care team.
Terry Fox’s Story
In March, 1977 Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer at Royal Columbian. He was not yet the famous young man who would inspire people around the world with his courage. As his older brother Fred says, Terry was still an 18 year old “kid”. From the start, he found a welcome at Royal Columbian.
Wally Buono’s Story
In November of 2004, CFL coach Wally Buono fell just short of leading the BC Lions to a Grey Cup victory, losing 27-19 to the Toronto Argonauts. But as hard fought and grueling as that game was, his toughest battle was yet to come.
Stanley Franks’s Story
Stanley Franks was in his third season with the BC Lions. During a game on July 8, 2011 against the Calgary Stampeders, he dislocated his left knee.
Trevor James’s Story
In December of 2010, 39-year-old Trevor James fell five feet from a ladder, hit the concrete ground and fractured his skull. He was rushed by air ambulance from his Chilliwack worksite to RCH, one of the 10,000 trauma patients from across BC that the RCH receives every year.
Carol Thorpe’s Story
In April, 2010, Carol Thorpe, a healthy 53 year old woman, had a sudden stroke. A CT scan at her local hospital showed she had a massive bleed inside her head. She was transferred to the RCH where Dr. William Siu, Department Head of Medical Imaging, found a large brain aneurysm.
Curtis Zanussi’s Story
Curtis Zanussi was almost buried alive, but quick-thinking rescuers and a determined trauma team at RCH saved his life.
Tim Delesalle’s Story
Tim Delesalle was a healthy, active 57 years when he had an acute heart attack in May 2010. He had just returned from a run, when he collapsed at home. His wife Karen and her two daughters were at home and immediately administered CPR. Within minutes, paramedics were on their way.
David Woo’s Story
“They call me the Miracle Man,” said 60-year old David Woo, who is still recuperating from life-threatening injuries when he was hit by a car six years ago.