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A place to heal and a place to call home

The tables were turned on compassionate care when MSH Child Life Specialist Julie Atkinson received her breast cancer diagnosis

A shocking diagnosis

When Julie Atkinson turned 50, she had cake, gifts, and an appointment for a mammogram.

Even though there weren’t any signs that something was wrong, as a health care professional she knew how important breast cancer screening and early detection are.

After her mammogram at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH), she received a call to come in for an ultrasound, after which, a radiologist recommended a biopsy.

“The results filled me with fear and disbelief,” says Julie.

Photos by David White

From health professional to patient

Suddenly, Julie was a patient at the same hospital where she had worked as a Child Life Specialist for nearly 29 years. She was used to supporting children and their families through illnesses, surgeries, tests and treatments. Now, she was the one wearing the hospital gown.

Julie’s health care team spoke the same words of comfort and reassurance that she herself had so often shared with others and she took them to heart. She knew she could trust her team of heroes to help her get through the biggest challenge of her life.

Julie’s biopsy confirmed that her tumour was small, however, her cancer was aggressive. She needed surgery and chemotherapy to prevent it from coming back. Her surgeon, Dr. Crystal Pallister, performed her partial mastectomy, removing the tumour and surrounding lymph nodes.

After surgery, medical oncologist Dr. Mateya Trinkaus took over her care in The Shakir Rehmatullah Cancer Centre at MSH. Julie had twelve weekly sessions of chemotherapy followed by a targeted drug therapy.

My team checked in on my emotional health, celebrated milestones with me and my family, and offered encouragement on days I needed it most.

Julie Atkinson

Health care heroes

While it was a scary time, Julie says that the heroes in the Cancer Centre made all the difference. She remembers when she was first diagnosed, a social worker told her that MSH would wrap its arms around her like a giant hug to provide the care she needed.

“I could feel that hug every time I stepped into the hospital,” says Julie.

And, they were with Julie on her last day of chemotherapy to cheer her on as she rang the bell. The expertise and unwavering support of her team reminded Julie why she has always been proud to work at MSH.

Support that makes a difference

After experiencing both sides of care at MSH, Julie continues to encourage the community to support the hospital with a renewed perspective. She now knows more than ever that donor support helps to ensure that patients like her receive outstanding medical care, along with the compassion, dignity, and resources they need throughout their journeys.

“Thank you for helping to create a healing environment, right here in our community, where patients feel supported every step of the way,” says Julie. “Your generosity touches more lives that you may ever know. As a Child Life Specialist at MSH and as a patient here, I am deeply grateful to be one of them.”