Grateful Family – Jon and TinaMae’s Story
Dr. Ernest Inegbu, TinaMae Traina-Smith, and Earnest Jon Smith
On November 21, 2023, TinaMae Traina-Smith called an ambulance for her husband Jon who was experiencing disorientation and severe flu-like symptoms. He was taken to the Emergency Department (ED) at the Brantford General Hospital. This is her story of Jon’s lifesaving medical journey, recovery and exceptional care received at the Brant Community Healthcare System.
“My husband Jon and I moved to Brantford from Hamilton 7 years ago. It wasn’t until this intense medical event that we realized what an amazing community we live in. No words can express the depth of our gratitude for the support we received over the two weeks of treatment, care, and recovery that Jon received at the Brantford General Hospital. That is why I want to share our story.
When our family arrived at the ED we were told that Jon was being assessed and I felt, almost intuitively, that something was not right. Just a few minutes later, a nurse came and told us that the medical team was taking lifesaving measures to resuscitate Jon. I couldn’t process what was being said. I remember sliding down a wall and thinking I was going to pass out. The pain in my heart was excruciating. I was torn between wanting the doctor to come and talk to us, but not wanting that at the same time in fear of what they would say.
The next thing I remember is ED physician Dr. Irvine crouching down in front of me. Our eyes locked and I knew before he spoke that things were not good. Dr. Irvine’s eyes were so incredibly blue and filled with compassion. He explained that Jon’s heart had stopped, and they had been up to this point unable to resuscitate. The medical team was still diligently working on him, but it was more likely that Jon would pass than survive. It sounds very cliché, but my life with Jon flashed before my eyes – from the time we met, to what clothes I was going to bury him in.
This story has many chapters that stretch over fourteen long days for Jon and our family at the Brantford General:
- As we received the joyous news that the ED team had managed to get Jon’s heart beating!
- As he was stabilized and transferred to the Critical Care Unit (CCU), bravely fighting to stay alive.
- As he was intubated for eight days and endured the difficult process of having the breathing tube removed.
- And as he finally woke, recognized us, said his first words, and began to understand the enormity of what happened and the road to recovery ahead.
Watch: Earnest Jon Smith and TinaMae Traina-Smith recently sat down with BCHS Foundation staff to share more of their story in this exclusive interview.
This story has a happy ending thanks to the physicians, medical caregivers and support staff who acted so swiftly, professionally, and tirelessly to save Jon. They were exceptional in everything they did for Jon, and they simultaneously took care of me and our family. They are truly the superheroes of our community.
Jon was so fortunate to be under the compassionate care of Dr. Inegbu and a team of wonderful nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical caregivers in the CCU who always took the time to honestly explain what was happening and answer our questions. Your gift of time and genuine concern truly helped ease our distress and make a hard situation more bearable.
Though I can’t recall the names of every person who played a part in our experience, there were so many across the hospital who helped and touched our lives in different ways and we are deeply thankful:
- To the security team. You were so understanding and empathetic. You went above and beyond to find me a quiet space to grapple with the news my husband was dying, thank you.
- To the ED team, who delivered CPR to Jon for over an hour. You worked together as one and gave him everything you had. You didn’t give up and you got him back for his family, thank you.
- To CCU Nurse Sam who compassionately held me in her arms as I cried and tried to comprehend the long fight Jon had ahead of him. You were truly an angel, comforting me in one of my deepest, most devastating moments, thank you.
- To all the medical caregivers who always took the time to honestly explain what was happening or what to expect and answer our questions. Your gift of time and genuine concern truly helped ease our distress and make a hard situation more bearable, thank you.
- To Kelsey, a Social Worker. You were quick to make a connection and help us start the critical emotional and mental healing process that comes with such a life-changing experience. We are truly grateful for this support, thank you.
- And, to Tammy and Fran at the information desk, the hospital volunteers in D-Wing, and Michelle and the Tim Hortons team members who all became familiar with me. Your smiles, concern and friendly interactions made a difference in my heart and in my energy, more than you can ever know. You gave me a sense of community and a renewed faith in basic human kindness, thank you.
While reflecting on this whole experience, I felt compelled to look up the definition of ‘eternal gratefulness’ and what I found was the most perfect expression of what flows through my heart:
“Eternal Gratefulness is the appreciation of the soul that gives the spirit within the strength to be thankful by sharing its light with the world.”
Our family remains eternally grateful to the Brant Community Healthcare System for being there when we, and everyone in our community, needs it.”
– TinaMae Traina-Smith, Earnest Jon Smith & Family
Over the past decade, the Brantford General Hospital has experienced increased demand for emergency care. Volume is expected to grow to over 70,000 patient visits per year by 2030.
The ED Renovation Improvement Project, currently underway, will greatly improve the space and further enable our healthcare professionals to provide the care patients need and deserve. The purchase of new patient equipment will put the best resources and medical tools in the hands of physicians and caregivers, keeping our hospital resilient and ready for our community in their time of greatest need, just as it was for Jon.
The BCHS Foundation is responsible for raising in excess of $8 million to cover the local share of ED renovations and the purchase of medical equipment and furnishings for the new space. We have less than $2 million left to raise to reach this goal, but need your help now to make a renewed Emergency Department a reality for our community.
Today, please take a moment to reflect on the meaningful impact you can have on healthcare in our community. Every donation matters and every dollar counts!