Recognizing the severity of her condition, Ornge was dispatched to transport her to The Ottawa Hospital for specialized care. "The Ornge helicopter arrived on time and they got me on board. I was in great care! Later, I was told that it took 15 minutes for the Ornge transport crew to airlift me to The Ottawa Hospital," she shared. Upon arrival, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she remained in a medically induced coma for two days. Thérèse spent a week in the hospital, with five of those days spent in the ICU.
 
“When I returned home, I needed a lot of rest to regain my strength. It was a very slow recovery. I was feeling dizzy, lightheaded when walking and I couldn't drive for a few weeks. It took a while to regain my appetite. My voice was affected and different. I had difficulty saying certain words. After six months, I fully recovered my voice. I know I am truly blessed to be alive today and also grateful to so many professionals. It has been quite a journey!” she said.
 

Thérèse with her daughter

Mark and Thérèse after waking up from the coma

Recently, Thérèse had the opportunity to visit Ornge’s Ottawa Base and personally thank the team who transported her. “I am deeply grateful to Ornge’s transport team in Ottawa, the Paramedics David and James, the Pilots Harry and Martin, the dispatchers Phil, Mukhtar, Megan, and Shannon and the Transport Medicine Physician (TMP), Andrew, for their great care and for taking me to The Ottawa Hospital on time! Because of all of you, Mark and I celebrate life today and we enjoy every special moment, big and small, and every single day. Mark said Ornge not only saved my life, but his life as well. My life was definitely ‘Uplifted by Ornge’” Thérèse shared.