Together, our community cared for Ron Witt

In March 2024, a vascular ultrasound revealed that Ron Witt wasn’t getting enough blood flow into his legs. To prevent sepsis — a potentially fatal condition — he needed surgery right away.

When a lower-risk procedure proved unsuccessful, he underwent a second, more extensive operation. Ron’s wife, Linda, worried they would lose him.

Each day, she prayed for the strength and grace to get them through to tomorrow. But knowing he was in good hands at Guelph General Hospital provided a lot of comfort. “I just knew Ron was taken care of, so that gave me peace of mind every night when I went home,” she says.

They point to the skill of their surgeon, Dr. Afagh, and his compassion. He visited daily throughout Ron’s stay and took the time to answer all their questions — even when his beeper was going off.

They applaud the cheerful nurses and the hospital volunteers who went the extra mile to make their experience a little easier. Meanwhile, when Ron developed an infection after he was discharged, they recall how well the staff in the emergency department looked after him until he was re-admitted.

“I just had excellent care from the minute I came in here until I left,” says Ron, who altogether spent 31 days in hospital.

Ultimately, the treatment proved successful. And as well as being grateful to the doctors and nurses at Guelph General, they also have a lot of love for the community donors who funded all the equipment used in Ron’s care.  

Now, they’re paying it forward by adding The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital to the causes they support each year. “You’ve got to remember your community hospital. I feel very strongly about that,” says Linda. “You need to share. You need to give back.”

Today, they’re once again enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Ron gets out for his daily walk, along with his McDonald’s coffee. He cheers on his beloved Buffalo Bills. He and Linda meet up regularly with friends. And they spend time with their children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. “It’s a wonderful life,” says Linda. “We’ve been blessed.”