CORNWALL, Ontario – After surviving a sudden and terrifying brain aneurysm, an area woman is happy to be alive to tell her story, and grateful for those who were instrumental in her recovery and for the love and support she received.
Last fall, the pride of Glengarry, musician, Kelli Trottier, was having dinner out with her family in Cornwall when she suddenly began experiencing a bout of dizziness. Within seconds she says the pain in her head became excruciating. “I knew that I was not ok, said Trottier. “I couldn’t even speak; I was disoriented and started trembling; I was in shock, I suspect. I knew something terrible was happening.”
Trottier was rushed to Cornwall Community Hospital where she was stabilized and air lifted to Ottawa General Hospital. She has no recollection of those events. After undergoing life-saving brain surgery she would spend two and a half weeks in recovery there.
Months later, the dizziness is finally gone and she is dancing, singing and playing again, in fact she is presently on tour in Nova Scotia.
“I am here today because of the amazing medical care that I received,” said Trottier who wants to give back in the best way she knows how.
Trottier says that she feels blessed by an incredible show of love and support from friends, family and fans and wants to put on a benefit concert to raise money for the Ottawa General Hospital, where so many from this area have been cared for, and to share some music and joy with everyone who rallied around her during a very difficult time.
“It will be a day of music and celebration, and I am honoured to have Wayne Rostad and Bobby Lalonde joining me.”
Kelli Giving Back, benefiting the Ottawa General Hospital brain trauma unit, will take place on Sunday, June 2, at the Bonnie Glen in Alexandria. Tickets are $20 and are available at Flowers Cornwall, in Cornwall; Fassifern Garage and Town & Country Flower Shop, in Alexandria. For further information contact Elsie Formagie at 613-632-6925.
