From Pain to Possibility: One Patient’s Story of Hope and Recovery

My name is Ashley Voutour and I’m a grateful patient of the Saint John Regional Hospital.

For years, I lived with back pain. It started as something I could manage, but over time it became a constant part of my life. I’d have good days and bad days — but the bad days started to take over. The pain would shoot down my leg, sometimes leaving me unable to stand up straight. I stopped going to the gym, stopped doing the things I loved. I gained weight, felt discouraged, and honestly, I just stopped feeling like myself.

"I stopped going to the gym, stopped doing the things I loved… I just stopped feeling like myself."

Then one day, things got worse. I started losing feeling in my leg, and simple tasks — walking, sitting, even sleeping — became difficult. I knew something was seriously wrong.

When I finally saw a physiotherapist, she listened and pushed me to get an MRI. That decision changed everything.

The scan led me to Dr. Small at the Saint John Regional Hospital, and from the moment I met him, I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time. He explained everything so clearly and made sure I understood exactly what was happening with my spine and what could be done to fix it. I could tell he genuinely cared.

"He explained everything so clearly… I could tell he genuinely cared."

Within four weeks, I was in surgery. Dr. Small discovered two herniated discs that had been causing problems for years. The surgery went incredibly well — I was in and out the same day, and my recovery was faster than I ever expected.

Today, I can move freely again. I’ve started exercising, I’m more active, and most importantly — I feel like myself again. Dr. Small and his team didn’t just treat my back; they gave me back my confidence, my energy, and my quality of life.

The care I received at the Saint John Regional Hospital was truly life-changing. From the physiotherapist who took me seriously to the surgical team who made me feel safe and cared for every step of the way — I am so grateful.

That’s why I’m proud to share my story during the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation’s Radiothon. When you give, you’re helping patients like me get the care they need, close to home, from people who truly make a difference.

"Your generosity changes lives — I’m living proof of that."

- Ashley