When Emma and Kevin Thurlow noticed a rash spreading rapidly across their two-year-old daughter Audrey’s body, they were concerned — but unsure if it warranted a trip to the Emergency Department. Like many parents, they hesitated. But they’re grateful every day that they didn’t wait.

At Arnprior Regional Health (ARH), they found a calm, efficient team that saw them right away. Within minutes, Audrey was triaged. What followed was a whirlwind of swift decisions and compassionate care that changed everything.

Dr. Jason Woods, Chief of ARH’s Emergency Department, ordered urgent blood work. Emma and Kevin, understandably anxious about their toddler’s first experience with needles and medical tests, were reassured and supported at every step. The staff treated Audrey with kindness and helped her parents stay calm through what became an increasingly frightening situation.

When the test results came back, the news was devastating: Audrey had leukemia.

Dr. Woods acted immediately, arranging for Audrey to be transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for further testing and treatment. Thanks to his fast thinking and the professionalism of the entire ARH team, Audrey’s diagnosis came early — a critical factor in treating childhood leukemia.

What stood out for Emma and Kevin was how seamless the collaboration was between ARH and CHEO. The trust between the hospitals meant that Audrey was able to continue parts of her treatment close to home — surrounded by her family and her own toys, in familiar surroundings. That made a difficult journey just a little bit easier.

Today, Audrey is a happy, healthy third-grader who proudly tells people she’s in remission. She’s energetic, inquisitive, and thriving — and now also a big sister.

Emma and Kevin don’t take that for granted. They credit the team at Arnprior Regional Health not only for saving Audrey’s life, but for supporting them as parents through one of the hardest moments they’ve ever faced.

Their experience is a powerful reminder of why community hospitals matter. They’re not just places for stitches and sprains — they’re the front line in life-threatening situations. When every minute counts, proximity, preparedness, and compassion can make all the difference.

“We are forever grateful,” says Emma. “ARH gave us time — time to act, time to hope, and time to watch our daughter grow up.”

Your support of the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation helps ensure that families like the Thurlows have access to high-quality, compassionate care — right when and where they need it most.