Patients and their families are often looking for meaningful ways to thank those who were involved in their care or that of a loved one.

For almost ten years, the Honour Your Caregiver (HYC) program has offered grateful patients and their families an opportunity to express their gratitude to Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Providence Care staff.

Huong-Thi Tran was the matriarch of her large family. In May this year, she was admitted to KHSC’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite the best efforts of doctors and staff, Huong passed away six days later. This summer, her extended family and their community raised funds in her honour, making a generous gift to the HYC program. For Huong’s loved ones, this was a way to show their appreciation for the excellent care that Huong and her family received from KHSC’s ICU staff.

“She was a very important element in all of our lives,” says Tien Tran, Huong’s niece-in-law. “My husband, his four siblings and all of our families were in the hospital scrambling to get information. I am sure it was a challenge for the staff, but they managed all of our emotions and needs incredibly well during that difficult time. To do that as part of your job is just remarkable.”

“At one point, a field of doctors were answering questions and they were so sincere and empathetic,” says Tien. “I’d also like to give special mention to nurses Jessica and Samantha who sat with us, comforted us and gave us time to express our feelings. They were so kind and really went the extra mile to take care of us. All the staff were just fantastic.”

The gift was made in memory of Huong, who lived a frugal life for herself yet was very giving to her community and local health care. Whether it was donating money or buying pizzas for health-care workers during the pandemic, Huong’s generosity inspired her family to have an impact on patients  and staff at KHSC.

“I am happy that Tien, Phat and their whole family felt supported during unfortunate circumstances,” says Samantha Smith, ICU Nurse at KHSC. “We always try to provide the best care possible to our patients and their families, and we are all very touched by the generous donation in honour of our work. When patients or family members make gifts  like this they are helping to fund better patient care for generations to come. This is really inspiring for us and we are so grateful.”