Interdisciplinary Orthopaedic Surgery Team of 6 East, Orthopaedic

Understanding and respecting the individual needs of patients is part of the 6E team’s daily work, and one of the most prominent examples is the special care they have shown a patient throughout his heart-wrenching battle with cancer.

Johnnie and his two teenage children came to Canada to join his wife, and less than a year after arriving Johnnie was diagnosed with pelvic condro sarcoma. The diagnosis led to 33 radiation treatments and 18 surgeries, including a hemipelvectomy, to control tumours and persistent infections.

During the three years Johnnie has been in their care, staff have been generous and giving with their energy, taking time to do everything they can to enhance Johnnie’s quality of life and bring him hope. From bringing their own tablets so Johnnie can watch his beloved basketball games to spending extra time with him on their breaks, staff go above and beyond to make sure he is as comfortable as possible. For his 50th birthday, staff worked with Johnnie’s family to organize a surprise party. They decorated the lounge, organized a potluck with his favourite Filipino foods and learned to sing Happy Birthday in Tagalog. 

The 6E team has demonstrated incredible sensitivity to Johnnie’s needs since he came into their care three years ago, and they continue to support him and his family now that he is receiving palliative care.