A broken hand threatens a family vacation in Newfoundland and a chance to reconnect after COVID

...except for her 17-year-old son Graydon who was tied up with lacrosse games in Orangeville. Graydon had plans to join his family for five days of the trip between his play-off series.

Graydon, during one of the lacrosse matches* broke his hand. He was temporarily casted at the Groves Memorial Community Hospital and referred to Dr. Rebecca Greer, Plastic Surgeon, for follow-up care.

The same day he was set to meet his family in Newfoundland, Graydon found himself scheduled at our plastic surgery clinic.

Given the restrictions to travel to Newfoundland over the past few years with COVID-19, the province initiated a ‘Come Home 2022’ campaign which encourages former residents to come home for a visit. The week of Graydon’s trip coincided with ‘Come Home Week’ in Newtown – the location of Jacqueline’s extended family.  Graydon’s great grandmother is 94 years old and was very excited to see him.

The family called Dr. Greer’s office from Newfoundland before an appointment was made to see if anything could be done to ensure Graydon did not miss his flight.

“Rachel, administration for the clinic, completely understood our challenges and went out of her way to find out what our options were,” shared Jacqueline.  

Rachel spoke to Dr. Greer and was able to get Graydon’s Diagnostic Imaging results over to her.  Dr. Greer confirmed his hand was stable in the cast and he would be fine to travel. He would need to get into the clinic once he returned the following week. 

Rachel even called the family back to see if Graydon could come in first thing the morning to the clinic on the same day as his flight so they could re-cast him so he would be more comfortable,” shared Jacqueline. 

“It's difficult being away from your kids when they are unwell (even when they’re 17 and almost an adult).  We feel very lucky to live in a very supportive community,” shared Jacqueline.

There was an array of support for Graydon during this ordeal and Jacqueline couldn’t be more grateful. From the Northmen team trainer who called the family in Newfoundland and took Graydon to the Emergency Department, friends who took him to the grocery store because he couldn’t drive, and of course the care of Dr. Greer and the entire care team for going out of their way to ensure he could travel.

Jacqueline joined the Headwaters team on May 30, 2022, as the Project Management Lead. We couldn’t agree more with you Jacqueline, it takes a village to raise our families, and we are grateful you are part of ours.
 
Photo caption: Graydon with his 94-year-old grandmother in Newfoundland.
 
* On Friday July 22, the Orangeville Northmen played game 2 of the OJLL Final 4 playoffs.  Versing the Fergus Thistles, Orangeville was down 6-3 to Fergus at the end of the 2nd period but managed to tie the game up to 7-7 by the end of period 3 pushing the game into overtime.  After 3 overtime periods, the Northmen came out victorious winning the game 9-8. The team went on to win the Meredith Cup, the provincial championship.