Todd Clerkson was at home recovering from Achilles surgery when everything suddenly took a dramatic turn. Without warning, he went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics arrived quickly, revived him, and rushed him to Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH), where he was placed on life support.
Todd underwent emergency open-heart surgery performed by a skilled team of surgeons, including Dr. Gunning, Dr. Sharp, and Dr. Tau. Cardiac physicians Dr. Muth and Dr. Wormsbecker were also instrumental in his care throughout his hospital stay. Reflecting on the chain of events that saved his life, Todd says, “Stars aligned. It wasn’t my time. Only 58 and everything worked out in a line from the paramedics to the transfer to the surgeons being here, to the life support, to the post-op care physiotherapy — it all just worked out.”
Todd stays determined in his recovery, lifting light weights from his hospital bed as part of his physiotherapy routine.
Today, Todd looks back with gratitude for the exceptional care he received at RCH and the unwavering support of the physiotherapy team that helped him reclaim his life. His experience gave him a newfound appreciation for the healthcare system and the important role of hospital foundations. Todd now understands how vital it is to have the right equipment, resources, and staffing to support patients through complex medical journeys. He has seen firsthand how additional funding makes a difference in patient care, and he hopes to support the hospital in the future.
Through every step of this life-altering journey, Todd’s wife Lori was by his side. She remained with him throughout his hospital stay, offering constant support and encouragement. “I wouldn’t have made it without her,” Todd says.
While surviving the cardiac arrest and surgery were monumental, Todd’s recovery journey was just beginning. He would spend 80 days in the hospital, working every day to regain his strength and independence. During this time, physiotherapy became a central part of his life. “The physio is the thing I look forward to every day because of the people,” Todd shares. “The little milestones you reach just keep you going — 80 days is a long time in the hospital, but they’re friendly, caring, and truly invested. They really care about your progress.”
Helping patients like Todd achieve mobility and independence is at the heart of the physiotherapy team’s work at RCH. Stacey Rigby, Clinical Practice Leader of Physiotherapy, emphasizes their role: “Physiotherapists play a crucial role in helping patients reach their highest level of function and mobility. We are movement experts who work with some of the most complex patients here at RCH.”
Kevin Custodio, one of Todd’s physiotherapists, saw his progress firsthand. “The people who stay positive, push themselves, and fight usually have a better prognosis,” says Kevin. “Todd’s long struggle to recover is a testament to his character and attitude. His independence was achieved by his efforts and it is well deserved.”
Todd relearning how to walk, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to recovery.