Please tell us about your journey to StayWell, what led you to us, where does your story begin?

 

"Late on a Saturday night, I got a call that no one ever wants to receive. My diagnostic imaging showed I had a tumour growing in the cervical spine of my neck, causing severe pressure on my spinal cord. After a speedy consultation, my surgery was deemed urgent and booked in a couple weeks. We had many questions, and all the possible outcomes of the surgery were weighing on our minds. We wanted to be prepared for a longer stay in Toronto but didn't know how we were going to afford it.

 

Thanks to a friend who regularly visits those hospitalized, we learned about StayWell. After submitting a request through the online form on StayWell’s website, we received a clear and easy-to-understand reply the very same day with all the information we needed, including an affordable nightly rate."

Where did you have to relocate from? How was the journey from home to Toronto?​

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"We made the trip from Timmins, Ontario. It can be a long trip by car depending on the traffic but it was an easy trip this time around."

What were the things you found difficult? How did StayWell help?​

 

"One of the most difficult parts was finding a place that would be flexible if we needed to extend our stay. It was also very important for us to have a space where we could cook our own meals to help keep costs down and stay within our budget.

 

StayWell provided us with a full kitchen, including a fridge and dishwasher, which made a big difference. We also had a living room separate from the bedroom, which allowed guests to visit my wife even if I was resting in bed."

What were the positive aspects of your stay?​

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"It really was a home away from home. We felt much less stress having the StayWell apartment to go to. We brought some of our personal belongings and were able to cook comforting meals, which helped alleviate the stress of dealing with a major health issue. We feel that our stay supported our recovery far better than if we had stayed in a local hotel. Access to the suite was easy and straightforward, and having food options within walking distance made a significant difference for us."

Would you recommend StayWell to other patients in need of access to medical care in Toronto?​

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"Yes."