Nov 17, 2025 | Mental Health, Patient Stories
Each November, National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) invites Canadians to come together to reduce stigma and promote understanding around substance use, recovery, and mental health. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Change Together,” reminds us that every story of recovery helps shift perceptions and encourage compassion.
At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), we are proud to share one such story from Robert Roberts, one of the clients featured in our organization’s impact film, More Than Medicine. Robert continues to demonstrate courage, honesty, and hope in his recovery journey — reminding us that healing often begins with the willingness to grow through discomfort and connect with others.
One of the first things I was taught in recovery was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This really was at the core of my disease. I was always uncomfortable in my own skin and would do anything to numb that feeling. I had to learn how to work through my own discomfort without running away from it with something external. I had to find my comfort, to learn how to be content with myself and my life from within.
That brings me to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s 'More Than Medicine' film and with it, this wonderfully uncomfortable journey the team has given me the opportunity grow and be a part of. Just over a year into my sobriety, I was pleasantly greeted one morning to an unexpected message. Dan, my counselor from withdrawal management, said the hospital had this idea to do some small social media posts to bring awareness to programs they had. I jumped at the opportunity; another thing I was taught in recovery was that you don’t get to keep this unless you give it away. This was my first real chance to give back, show my gratitude to the people who so freely gave this gift to me, and with any luck inspire someone to step out of the fear and shame of addiction and take that helping hand.
Just before Christmas I had a chance to meet the director of communications, Nicole. She explained what they were trying to do and I told her about my journey. This was the first time I shared this with someone who wasn’t directly part of my Healthcare team or someone who was dealing with the same struggles as me. This was my first opportunity to get uncomfortable. I survived, this wasn’t so bad, I might even be excited to do this.
From there things were quiet about this project and my old negative thoughts of self-doubt had crept in. I figured the meeting hadn’t gone as well as I had imagined. Then I got the email: “We have an exciting idea we would like to discuss, no more social media posts, let’s make a documentary!”
Things just got a lot more uncomfortable, but I didn’t think long about it, I knew this was this was the right thing I needed to do. At this point, my addiction and recovery was kept quiet. Unless you were a part of my immediate family or a member of one of my groups, I did not show this vulnerable side of me. I was still full of shame; it was still my dark secret.
I realized it was time to start speaking openly about my recovery- I couldn’t keep hiding. I didn’t like the idea of people I knew finding out because they watched this documentary or heard, “Hey, did you know this about Robert?” So it was time to get really uncomfortable.
I went to work and told my boss, and a few select colleagues I was close to that I was an alcoholic in recovery, and that I was going to be a part of this project. Surprise, surprise- I was met with nothing but compassion and understanding, not the horrible judgement I had imagined.
Shortly after this the team at Media Street began filming my interview. Part of this included asking if my daughter, Ruby, could be involved in some footage to tell the story of life in recovery. Ruby was a big motivation in my journey, and this gave me the opportunity to have some very hard, but very important conversations with her. I didn’t want her to be like me, ashamed of mental health struggles, or afraid to ask for help when she needed it.
As we neared the end of this uncomfortable adventure it was time to screen my part, audio only, so I could give my approval to use it. Nicole and her team had one last uncomfortable surprise left to truly push me out of my comfort zone for good: the documentary would premiere at WIFF (Windsor International Film Festival), on a big screen. And why not invite just about everyone you know and love, to see it. Actually, that last part was my idea, I was finally starting to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this project and to share the screen with four other families who courageously shared their stories of strength and hope with all of us. I still struggle with those old negative thoughts; just because I put down the bottle doesn’t mean my disease went away. But with the help of HDGH and their ongoing encouragement to keep growing, I can say I’m proud of myself and I’m grateful for everything in my life- including my struggles, because without them I wouldn’t be on this journey to become happy, joyous and free.
Oh yeah, Nicole had one more opportunity for me to get comfortable being uncomfortable. “Think you could write a blog for us?” So here I am, sharing my story- not because it’s easy, but because every time I do I grow a little stronger.
At HDGH, we believe that every recovery story — like Robert’s — reminds us that healing is a shared journey. As we mark National Addictions Awareness Week, we honour the courage of those who step forward, speak openly, and help inspire others to seek help and find hope.
Robert’s journey is one of the stories featured in More Than Medicine, a film that captures the deeply personal stories of five patients, clients and families whose lives were forever changed by the HDGH’s specialized services. Watch the full film now on YouTube.
Nov 19, 2024 | Patient Stories
As the Patient Advocate, I have a unique role within the hospital. Often this role is filled with working with patients, clients and families to support them with challenges or difficulties they may be experiencing during their hospital stay. However, there is one unique part of my role, and that is the role that I play, alongside with Lisa DePutter, Administrative Assistant, and our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), in facilitating requests through the HDGH Benevolent Fund.
The Benevolent Fund provides support and assistance in the relief of severe but temporary financial hardship and/or unforeseen circumstances outside the control of the individual patient or dependents. This fund has been made possible by generous donations from our community and these donations truly have had a profound impact on our patients and clients. It is because of the Patient Benevolent Fund at HDGH that our patients and clients, along with many others, had their stories turned around and were helped, ensuring that money was not a barrier on their road to recovery.
Many of our patients require restorative care, which often involves specialized equipment that can be a financial burden. The Benevolent Fund enables us to purchase vital items like slide boards, offloading boots, and hand splints. These tools are not just equipment for our patients; they are lifelines for those striving to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
One of the most touching impactful examples comes from a young client at our Regional Children’s Centre (RCC). Following an injury that limited their mobility, this child faced barriers to both education and continued treatment at HDGH. Thanks to funds from the Benevolent Fund, HDGH was able to assist the client’s family with reliable transportation, allowing this young student to attend school, programming and maintain vital connections with their peers and educators.
We often take everyday items for granted, but for many of our patients and clients transitioning back to independence, these items can make all the difference. Recently, funds were used to purchase a new mattress for a patient who was not able to afford one. This simple yet profound change allowed the patient the means to begin their home recovery and enhanced their overall well-being. It is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures can lead to the biggest transformations.
Facilitated by Lisa DePutter, and approved by our Patient and Family Advisory Council, every dollar raised for the Benevolent Fund directly support our patients and clients and assist with purchasing the necessary equipment, tools and comfort items that contribute to each person’s unique care journey when finances do not allow them to do so themselves.
If you would like to donate to the Benevolent Fund, please visit www.hdgh.org/donate
As the Patient Advocate, I review feedback that is provided by patients, clients, and family. If you have any feedback from your stay (or the stay from your loved one) here at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, I encourage you to reach out. Your feedback might include compliments, inquiries, suggestions or complaints regarding the services that we provide. For more information on my role as a Patient Advocate or to get in contact with me, visit our Patient Advocate page.
As the Administrative Assistant to the Communications and Mission portfolio, in addition to the Lead Agency portfolio, I have the opportunity to work closely with our Patient Advocate and our Patient and Family Advisor Council. In my role, I receive the request for the Benevolent Fund and facilitate the approval through PFAC, assisting with purchasing the items and connecting with our frontline staff to ensure the patients and clients have what they need to support their healthcare journey. I am a firm believer that patients and families should have a voice in their care, and the tools to help them on their journey. I am honoured to support one aspect that can have such a profound impact on our patients and clients.
The Patient and Family Advisory Council is an advisory committee to the Senior Management Council here at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. The Council helps review areas of opportunity and offers ideas on the best ways to move forward with changes that affect the patient experience. Patient and Family Advisors share suggestions, assist in advancing patient/client and family-centered care, review patient/client related policies, and more.
Aug 11, 2023 | Patient Stories, Faces of HDGH
With the bright sunshine, warmth of summer days felt on our skin, and nature blooming around us, there is no surprise that the month of August is designated as Happiness Happens Month.
Over the years, we have shared what has inspired happiness in us at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, what brings happiness to our employees and physicians, and how they share happiness with others.
This year, happiness and inspiration comes from a young mind who is capturing happiness in their own, creative way.
A client of HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre Intensive Treatment Services program began taking photographs of the world around them, things that inspired them and brought them joy. Recently, their muse was HDGH’s vibrant 33-acre campus.“What inspired me to take the pictures is I like flowers, plants and the scenery looked relaxing,” they said.Capturing blooms in our Healing Garden and commemorative stones throughout, they wished to share their images with others.“I thought it would be nice for people who cannot visit around the campus to see what it looks like. For example, people who are in their rooms and can’t go outdoors.” They hope the beauty in their photos will inspire others to visit the HDGH grounds, saying, “If people see how relaxing it looks, they may want to come here in the future.”It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we are grateful that this client shared the beauty and happiness they saw with all of us.
Aug 2, 2022 | Patient Stories, Faces of HDGH
A little-known fact about August – it’s Happiness Happens Month! This month is meant to remind us that happiness happens in small moments. It’s our job to recognize those moments when they happen. In this Maison Dieu Health Blog, we are recognizing those moments with “10 Things That Made Us Happy.” We hope they also make you smile!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (@hdghwindsor)
A post shared by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (@hdghwindsor)
No matter the occasion, patients, their loved ones, and staff can always find the perfectly-canvassed walls leading to the outpatient rehab reception decorated in full recognition spirit. The leading lady behind these creative designs… Certified Rehab Assistant, Sonia Ferrante. Thanks, Sonia, for taking the time, energy, and bringing happiness to everyone entering Outpatient Rehab.
Patients of the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute (TNI) were able to safely return to one of their favorite pastimes of enjoying an afternoon movie in our Brown Auditorium.
Check out this inspirational message that our President & CEO, Bill Marra, posted on his LinkedIn
It had been a few years since we were able to host our annual recognition event but the 2022 evening was worth the wait. More than 500 of our HDGH gathered at the Ciaciaro in early June. The energy, smiles, food, and laughter made for a very happy night.
It was the perfect celebratory farewell for Janice. The afternoon open house celebration welcomed staff, patients, community partners, family, board members, and friends to celebrate Jan’s more than 30 years of healthcare leadership.
We often hear that our HDGH Campus is one of the most beautiful well-kept, peaceful places in the city. “It doesn’t even feel like a hospital” are usually the words from patients and visitors. Our HDGH Team takes their own opportunity to enjoy the campus groups and surrounding nature with lunchtime exercise – the perfect way to stay healthy, balanced and moving.
One of the most recognized regional fundraising events has officially parked its bikes. With more than 1.2 million dollars raised to support our HDGH Foundation, the Probert Family along with more than 1200 bikers, sponsors and fans celebrated a decade of contribution to local healthcare in the 10th and final year.
Of course, nothing makes us happier than knowing we have positively impacted our young people. Below is a happy moment shared by a member of our RCC Team:
Apr 1, 2022 | Mental Health, Leadership, Research and Innovation, Community and Partnerships, Patient Stories, Faces of HDGH, Road to Recovery – Restorative Rehabilitative Care, Palliative Care, Spirituality, Heritage
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Welcome Readers. Our HDGH Team has always loved sharing stories with our community. Our Blog is just one of the many creative ways to do that with you. It has become a popular corner of our website where everyone is welcome to not only learn ABOUT our hospital, but also FROM the talented healthcare experts and professional voices we are proud to call our HDGH People. Our blog will be home to sharing expertise through varying healthcare-related topics from interviews, experience, patient stories, daily topics on how to stay healthy, and more.
You may have also noticed a new name to the HDGH Blog. “Maison Dieu Health” is a nod to our HDGH Heritage, honouring our French-Canadian five founding sisters of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph’s (RHSJ) who with love, perseverance, faith and persistence travelled from Montreal over 135 years ago to establish Windsor’s first hospital – Hôtel-Dieu of St. Joseph.
You can think of Maison Dieu Health as your refuge for wellness-related resources, all accessible “under one roof” through the many voices of our HDGH staff and community.
With that, welcome to Maison Dieu Health.