Sandy: my mother’s angel

My mother had a fall in 2010. For almost three years, she was suffering from very bad neck and shoulder pain. My mother tried many different places in Richmond and Vancouver for treatment. After many therapy sessions, no one could help her or understand her pain. It got to the point where we accepted her pain could not be cured. She hardly could move her neck and shoulder. This tragedy affected her mentally, physically, emotionally and she lost herself. Before her fall, she was a very active and happy person.

A few months ago, her doctor sent my mother to the Physio Arthritis Rehabilitation Program at Richmond Hospital for her knees. Her doctor mentioned that Ms Sandy Scott would help my mother with her neck and shoulder as well. At that time, my mother and I were very tired of trying, disappointed and had lost hope.

In March, we met Sandy for the first time. The moment that Sandy started examining my mother, I realized she was different. She cares and doesn’t look at my mother like a number. I came to know that she treats every single patient like her own loved one. My mother meant a human being in pain to her. From the moment my mother lay down on the bed, her comfort level in any movement and exercise was Sandy’s number one concern. She was so focused and exact in her measurements of my mother’s disability, and she always involved me in her diagnosis.

Sandy’s love, attention, optimism and encouragement helped my mother to heal faster. During these three months, we always saw Sandy in the same pleasant, sweet mood. She always gives the patients and their families the opportunity to ask questions, and patiently provides them with enough information. She did an excellent job of explaining exercises to my mother, and made sure she understood them. She provided the most effective at-home exercises for my mother’s condition and, in every session, the first thing she was asking was how my mother is doing, and she meant it.

After three months of working with Sandy, my mother’s neck and shoulder pain was completely gone. My mother got back her strength, movement, and self-esteem. Sandy changed my mother’s life. Now, she is ready to go for her knee surgery, with full confidence.

Our world needs more people like Sandy. My mother calls her an angel. Thank you for having such a wonderful person on your team.