Heavenly care on earth. A team of angels and a robot you funded made Jerry Shuster a believer
When he was referred to St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Jerry Shuster didn’t expect that his care would come from a team of angels and a robot. Nor did he think he would regain his faith in the health care system. But that’s exactly what happened. 
Just two years after he retired, with plans to enjoy a lakeside home and travels in France, Jerry watched his wife lose her battle with breast cancer. He was heartbroken, and had become very frustrated with the health care system. So, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer years later, he undertook a great deal of research to learn more about his condition and determine the best course of treatment. He also met with several different care teams at three different hospitals in Canada and the United States, and eventually was referred to Dr. John Denstedt at St. Joseph’s.
After an initial consultation, Jerry came under the care of Dr. Stephen Pautler who thoughtfully reviewed all the treatment options available and recommended a robotic assisted prostatectomy. Familiar with the procedure thanks to some information from his son, Shuster welcomed the operation.
Laying on his stretcher as he was wheeled in to the operating room, Jerry saw what appeared to be a mechanical octopus out of the corner of his eye. He knew of course that this was the famed da vinci robotic surgical system that would be used in his operation.
One of only 11 in robotic surgical systems in Canada, this cutting edge minimally invasive surgical equipment was entirely funded by St. Joseph’s donors. In total, you donated $3 million through hundreds of donations to cover the cost of the equipment. You have made it possible for more than 600 people, to receive surgery using the robot. It is because of you, that they are now able to live their lives to the fullest.
Reflecting on his experience at St. Joseph’s, Shuster is incredibly grateful to Dr. Pautler, the nursing team, and the existence of the da vinci robot.
The beginning of his operation felt more like a pre-game pep talk, as Dr. Pautler bounced into the operating room, clapping and like a football coach, began inspiring his team. Jerry was introduced to the nurses and doctors who would spend the next few hours with him. He immediately felt at ease.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it,” says Jerry. “I was so pumped up I nearly jumped off the table and started cheering myself.” The next thing he knew he was in the recovery room.
The nurses are phenomenal,” he says. “They do twelve hour shifts, run up and down the hall and do everything with a positive attitude.” It is thanks in large part to the nurses, that Jerry was up and walking with assistance the day after his surgery and on his own within 48 hours of his operation. And thanks to the robot, he “made it through with zero pain.”
“St. Joseph’s should be proud of this group of people, as should London and Ontario,” says Jerry. “I brag about my care to everyone. I call this a world class organization. God still hangs around St. Joseph’s and his angels work there.”
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