A Wonderful Tribute to Darren
During the 2009 Gift of Hope Radiothon, a member of the HSC Foundation read a letter on-air composed by Theresa and Henry Romijn about their son’s treatment at HSC. The following story is an excerpt of that Radiothon interview.
“Thank you – This past summer I had the privilege of working very closely with a very special family - Theresa and Henry Romijn and their sons Gary and Greg. While the family would have loved to be able to be here in person, it is still too difficult for them to talk about their story, but they wanted to share their experience.
On July 6, 2008, Theresa and Henry Romijn received a call telling them that their son, Darren had been involved in a serious car accident and was in surgery at Health Sciences Centre. Shortly after they arrived, two doctors came in to provide them with an update. They were told their son was now in the Adult Intensive Care Unit, that everything humanly possible was being done, but the situation was extremely critical. The Romijn family said at that point they truly appreciated the honesty and compassion shown to them by the doctors.
Not long after, the doctors returned and said the family could go in to be with their son. I quote from their letter “the team was still working on Darren. And I mean team…. Mrs. Romijn states - I didn’t actually count, but it seemed to me they all had varying tasks and despite our presence continued diligently doing all they could.” She says - She remembers hearing one doctor suggest to another that he take a break at which time the doctor did not hesitate to say “no” and then he added, “I’ve been here since this young man came in and I am not leaving him now.” I knew in my heart that if they could save Darren they would do everything possible.”
Mr. & Mrs. Romijn said that the medical team was very aware of their needs - especially to be close to Darren – the staff continued to work around them right up until the last moment of Darren’s life. They also knew that it was very difficult for the staff – it was evident on their faces - they never gave up hope. Mrs. Romijn says in her letter – “We also knew that if it was mean to be, Darren would have lived in large part to their outstanding efforts and compassion.”
She states, “I thought to myself afterward how very special the men and women would need to be to work in this environment and to face the challenges they do on a daily basis. The commitment and team efforts required would be huge. I thank God for these people, as none of us know when we may need their expertise. Even though my son did not survive from his injuries, I know in my heart every effort was made by this team of very dedicated people.”
A few months after Darren’s passing the family knew they wanted to do a fundraising event to honour Darren’s life. Darren had experienced giving back in his life, whether it involved volunteer work, in his teens and as a young adult or simply being there when people needed him. He had a huge heart and reflected a kindness that resided in him from an early age and stayed with him right to his last day.
They said the decision to raise funds for the HSCF was an easy one - Darren came into this world prematurely, spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and spent his last remaining hours in the Adult Intensive Care Unit.
Theresa goes on to say that they knew how important it was for medical professionals in these units to have the equipment they so badly need for these vulnerable patients.
With the support of a committee made up of Darren’s family and friends, they were able to host a very successful event called the “Darren Romijn Memorial Golf Tournament”. The tournament was held at Oakwood Golf course – where Darren’s last full day of life was spent with family and friends golfing in the 2008 Lilac Resort Tournament. The success of this Golf Tournament was evident in that the family raised in excess of $20,500. So many family members, friends and sponsors participated in the tournament and it was a wonderful tribute to Darren. Mrs. Romijn states: It was a very special day to honor Darren’s memory and to fundraise for a very, very worthwhile cause.
The money raised was directed towards two initiatives – Our Foundation was able to purchase a Phototherapy Light which attaches to a neonatal incubator and is housed in the Women’s Hospital Intermediate Care Nursery. We also purchased two parent beside chairs, specially designed to support breastfeeding and cuddling of a preterm infant - These chairs are also housed at Women’s Hospital. In addition to these items, Health Sciences Centre Foundation was also able to purchase a very highly sophisticated Versacare with Air Bed which is used specifically for trauma patients in the Emergency Department.
I can say firsthand what a wonderful family this is – so giving and caring. It was my honour and privilege to work so closely with them on the tournament and while the days are still difficult for them, they always say to me that their son has left them with so many wonderful memories and they are so thankful for that. Our Foundation is very grateful for their fundraising efforts especially given the very difficult circumstances. It is through the support and generosity of families like the Romijn’s that our Foundation is able purchase equipment like I have mentioned which in turn truly helps the caregivers at Health Sciences Centre.
Thank you.“