Being stuck for hours in a hospital emergency room waiting for care is no one’s idea of fun. But even here, little acts of kindness can make a world of difference.
Jordie Barrie knows and demonstrates this daily.
As a child, he came to Five Counties Children’s Centre for speech and occupational therapy. He credits the treatment he received at Five Counties for helping him thrive as an adult — including in his career as a porter (or patient transfer attendant).
“I want everyone to know how special the staff are at Five Counties,” Jordie says. “They focused on my most challenging issues and, by meeting my needs as a child, helped me as an adult. I had the chance to develop the personal skills and knowledge to have the great life I have now. I walked out of Five Counties ready to be my best.”
Jordie’s best way of living is hard to miss.
As a porter, he transports patients around our local hospital for different procedures. Often, he is the one tasked with moving patients from ER into a hospital room once they’re admitted.
This past June, a work colleague of mine who had to take a relative to the emergency department saw the power of Jordie at work.
In a nearby ER cubicle, my Five Counties colleague noticed how friendly, upbeat, and approachable Jordie was in greeting and introducing himself to an older man who was alone in the ER, awaiting admission. The quiet, withdrawn man had not spoken or smiled for hours, but was soon grinning and chatting with Jordie, as he wheeled the patient to a hospital room.
“People aren’t here for good reasons, so you just kind of make the best of the situation and, you know, help them out the best you can,” Jordie says, matter-of-factly.
Jordie’s hospital co-workers realize his superpowers.
“Jordie always brightens the room when he walks in,” one says.
Another colleague notes, “There’s no getting Jordie down. He’s the world’s cheerleader. We need more Jordies in the world.”
We at Five Counties wholeheartedly agree, and are glad to highlight Jordie’s success after his experience receiving treatment at the Centre.
“While I was getting assistance to improve my communications skills, I was also learning how to socialize and make friends, and I made some good ones while I was at Five Counties. It was more than just about learning,” Jordie recalls.
He is grateful for what he has: close family and friends, a job he loves, an ability to talk to people, and an interest in volunteering, including giving his time and talents at many Five Counties fundraising events.
“I don’t know where I would be without the support I got at Five Counties,” Jordie adds.
His parents, Shelley and Tim, echo the sentiment: “The early support from Five Counties laid the foundation for Jordie’s success in school, college, career and — ultimately — his life.”
In marking our 50th anniversary in 2025, Five Counties is pleased to highlight the successes of Jordie and other alumni. And as the holiday season approaches, we ask you to please consider donating to Five Counties to reduce wait times and ensure more children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs get the care they need when they need it the most.
Donate today to support the Jordies of tomorrow.
