A new beginning for Steve
A long-time Milton resident, Steve spent 21 years in Pharmaceutical Sales and Management, travelling for over half of each year. The demands of life on the road made it difficult to maintain consistent healthy habits around eating, sleep, and exercise. Living with diabetes and struggling with his weight, Steve admits he hadn’t been managing his health as diligently as he should have, but always felt it wasn’t a big deal, and that sacrifice came with the job and travel. When Steve became ill, a visit to a local walk-in clinic resulted in a diagnosis of pneumonia. Two nights later, however, his condition worsened dramatically. Extremely exhausted and gasping for air, Steve realized something was very wrong. Even the inhaler he had been prescribed offered no relief. Steve’s wife, Erin, insisted they go to the Hospital.
Shortly after arriving at Milton District Hospital’s Emergency Department, the care team quickly recognized that Steve was not only suffering from pneumonia, but also diabetic ketoacidosis — a severe, life‑threatening condition that required immediate intervention.
Steve was admitted to hospital, and the seriousness of his condition became clear when Erin prepared to leave briefly to gather a few personal items, and staff gently advised that she might not want to leave his side right now. During transfers within the hospital, a crash cart accompanied him as a precaution.
“They always took the time to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way, even when I didn’t realize the severity of my condition.”
In total, Steve spent four days in the Intensive Care Unit, followed by three additional days in hospital. Throughout his stay, he was deeply impressed by staff’s efficiency, swift responses, and the reassurance they provided.
Today, Steve is grateful to be alive. He credits the Intensive Care Team at Milton District Hospital with saving his life — a gratitude he has chosen to pay forward. Steve and Erin are now donors to the Milton District Hospital Foundation, and Steve is a regular volunteer in the ICU. “We need to celebrate the wins in healthcare,” Steve says. “There is so much to be grateful for here in Milton. The staff at MDH saved my life.”
