In 1993, the heel of Karen Burgess's right foot turned black and was extremely painful. At the hospital in Chatham, Karen was initially diagnosed with a hemangioma (a malformation of blood vessels) and referred to Dr. Chris Scilley, a plastic surgeon at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Dr. Scilley examined her foot and leg and concluded the problem likely had a different vascular cause; he called in vascular surgeon Dr. Guy DeRose to consult. Dr. DeRose suspected something was blocking the blood flow. An angiogram helped him diagnose atherosclerosis and a 90 percent blockage in her right leg.

When an angioplasty was unsuccessful in increasing the blood flow (due to calcification of the blockage), Dr. DeRose took the time to explain the surgical and non-surgical options to Karen. She chose the non-surgical route.

The treatment included low dose aspirin to thin Karen's blood, medication to lower cholesterol and participation in a fitness program. Karen also had to quit smoking. Following all of Dr. DerRose's advice Karen saw her collateral circulation improve, with smaller blood vessels above and below the blockage taking on the circulation needed to negate the effects of the blockage.

"I now do a yearly check with my family doctor in Chatham to make sure all is well in regard to my vascular condition," Karen says. "While it still does affect my walking long distances, I haven't needed surgery."

While she is thankful for the healthcare she receives close to home, over the years Karen, her daughters and their families have seen several specialists at LHSC for a variety of reasons, some requiring hospital stays.

"London Health Sciences Centre has certainly been good to us across three generations," Karen says. "Thank goodness for the hospitals in London, the people there and the resources the hospitals provide."

And it's not just the caring and professional physicians and nurses that have left a lasting impression. Karen remembers how well she was treated by all the staff at the hospital during each of her visits.

"Everyone was helpful," she says." They went out of their way, sometimes walking with me to find a room if I needed directions."

It is that type of extra attention to people's needs that Karen says gives her "a warm and fuzzy feeling." She appreciates those efforts, especially in such a large organization.

"I mean it from my heart. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to receive the great care that I did," Karen says. "It seems only fitting to give back to those who took such wonderful care of our families over the many years, so I included London Health Sciences Foundation in my estate plans. I hope that what I give can be used to care for people, do research and look for new cures."