Jeunes Citoyens / Young Citizens

Phaedra Midgic, New Brunswick

Fair address: Anglophone East Regional Heritage Fair (Hopewell Cape)

Project: My Grandfather

My grandfather, Dr. Gillespie, was the head of the Cystic Fibrosis clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was very devoted to his patients and would spend hours with them. My grandfather was sick in university, so he knew what it was like to lie in bed hour after hour. My grandfather was a kind and compassionate doctor that would do anything for his patients.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned about my grandfather is that as the director of the Cystic Fibrosis clinic he traveled and saw patients all across the Maritimes. Also, I learned that he was always on call, no matter the time.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that just one person can impact an entire country.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

While I am not personally affected by Cystic Fibrosis, it is partly because of my grandfather the life expectancy is around fifty to sixty.

  • Lara

    So interesting - very inspiring. thanks for sharing his story. Great job!
    28-06-2019 6:11:10 PM

  • Anne Jefferies

    You must be so proud of your amazing grandfather. One person CAN do so much for others.
    26-06-2019 11:21:06 AM

  • Garth Williams

    Phaedra, this is a moving tribute that will, I'm sure, inspire other people to take on overwhelming challenges in their lives - just like your grandfather!
    15-06-2019 11:31:18 AM

  • Al Colodey

    A great story, well told! Sam G told me about your project. Best of luck!
    14-06-2019 7:01:43 PM

  • Donna Augustine

    Phaedra, your project on your Grandfather and the amazing work he did on Cystic Fibrosis will be remembered by many. He was my son, Steven Moin Nevin’s CF Doctor. Sometimes late in the evening when the Ward was quiet at the IWK Hospital; he would come in to visit us, and just to find out how we were doing. He would sometimes sit and talk for over an hour; simply because he cared. He truly cared about all his patients; and he was driven to always find ways he could improve the lives of all patients with Cystic Fibrosis. He had a brilliant mind but more than that, his heart and spirit were immense. Phaedra, I believe many of those values were passed down to you, and like many people; I am so proud of you!
    13-06-2019 10:09:25 PM

  • Marie Gallant

    Phaedra,What a beautiful tribute...I worked with Dr. G for 19 years as the social worker on the CF team....he worked his heart out for all CF patients and fought tooth and nail for them.He was the most dedicated doctor that I ever met and as well we were all conscious of how your grandmother Rose shared that special man with the CF community. Well done...it touched my heart.
    13-06-2019 5:31:05 AM

  • Charlene Bartlett

    My son has cystic fibrosis. I had the privilege of meeting this great man. Perhaps you will follow in your Grampa's footsteps. Thanks for keeping his legacy alive. I am sure he proud....
    12-06-2019 9:42:45 PM

  • Christine Griffiths

    Really enjoyed reading you project Phaedra. We'll done
    12-06-2019 6:22:55 PM

  • Mary Ann Beal

    Young lady, you should be so proud of your presentation. Your grandfather would be proud as well. Thank you for the Cystic Fibrosis information. A girl worked with me who had CF. She was a gem. She was a person who you could connect with Immediately. She talked to me at length about having CF and all the things she needed to adapt to. But above all, she loved life. When she finished her time with me, she moved back to her home in N.S. Thank you for bringing CF to the forefront. Information is everything. Your grandfather sounds like the Dr. Of a time when the Dr. Were so bound with their patients.. Patients would so grateful to have a Dr. like him. Top marks young lady for the great presentation. I believe you will go places in your life. Well done!
    12-06-2019 5:16:37 PM

  • Carolyn Williams

    I am so impressed the way Phaedra has written her story of her dearly loved grandfather
    12-06-2019 3:47:20 PM

+ Add Comment

Comments are moderated and will be reviewed before they are posted to the website.

 




Project partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
  • Canadian Heritage / Patrimoine Canadien
  • Government of Canada
  • HBC: Hudson's Bay Company
  • ecentricarts inc.