Arthur Sercan remembers what it was like when he could not breathe or walk on his own, unable to receive comfort from his family other than over the phone.
He recalls “all the thinking I did during that time made me see how fragile life really is, and taught me — and by extension, my family — not to take life for granted,” he said in a news release.
It was a scary time. Sercan, a COVID-19 survivor, and his wife, Jenny Spanos, hosted the official Markham launch of their book Life Happens on April 26 at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital. Proceeds from all book sales will help the growing, aging, and diverse community the hospital serves. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Recounting Sercan’s stay in the intensive care unit, this book is in part his thank you to the many health-care professionals who helped him to stand and hug his family again.
In 2021, Sercan was admitted with a debilitating case of COVID-19.Throughout his stay in the ICU, he was in the care of many diligent MSH staff, including intensivist Dr. Anand Doobay, who shared a video message in support of Sercan and his family.
“To see Arthur enjoy life with his wife and his two kids now is extremely rewarding for all of us,” said Doobay.
“We recognize that your generosity is a reflection of the confidence and trust you have in our hospital and the care you can count on. We know it is the care you receive that inspires your support, and we are privileged to provide it.”
The government can’t fund all equipment and other priority needs, so MSH must rely on community support to drive innovation and enable growth, the release said.
"Generous support is essential for Markham Stouffville Hospital to be able to remain on the cuttinge edge of patient care, and prepared to provide life-saving treatment to every patient, in any scenario," added Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation.
