Thread by @broadwaybabyto

10 years ago I moved across the country for a job opportunity in Calgary. It was a big risk - I didn’t know anyone outside of some folks from this app whom I had never met in person.

I had a medical emergency a few weeks after moving - and one of those people saved my life 🧵/1

His name was Tory and at the time I knew him only by his avatar and handle. But when I landed in Calgary he reached out via DM and offered me help and advice for getting to know my new city. /2

I told him I would take him up on that offer when I was more settled - but truthfully I was a bit leery about meeting a man I didn’t know in real life. So we exchanged messages here & there but did not meet up in person. /3

I was living in temporary housing - so I didn’t officially have an address or any real “roots” in the city. One day I came home and started feeling off. I was nauseous, sweaty and shaky. Before long I couldn’t stand up. Tory had texted to check in so I told him I was sick /4

He said it sounded like food poisoning and agreed to check in on me later that evening. I tried to go to bed but the symptoms kept getting worse. I had no idea where the nearest hospital was, no doctor to call, no friends or neighbours. /5

When Tory texted a few hours later… I was huddled in a ball on the bathroom floor barely able to read my messages. He suggested the hospital but I was scared and thought I could wait it out. So he asked to come over. /6

Somewhat reluctantly I gave him my address and crawled to the door to unlock it. He arrived not long after, took one look at me and said “we’re going to the hospital”. He practically carried me to his car while I embarrassingly protested /7

I was so worried I would puke on his seat and I remember he kindly said “I’ve got three kids - don’t you worry about a thing.” He got me to the hospital & into a wheelchair but before we got to triage I began projective vomiting so fiercely it knocked the wheelchair backwards /8

At triage I could barely tell them my name because I had become so woozy - and Tory only knew me by my handle! As they were attempting to get my emergency contact information I blacked out. I woke up in a trauma room with my shirt cut off & a flurry of activity around me /9

Truthfully I remember very little other than Tory - still there & warmly holding my hand - telling me I had to unlock my phone so the ‘nice people’ could figure out who I was and who to contact. He knew I was scared & tried to be a calm and grounding presence /10

Eventually they got me stabilized and once I was feeling better Tory told me he needed to leave to go to work. This kind man - whom I had not met before that night - stayed with me all night in the ER despite needing to work the next day. /11

I thanked him and he left - and to my surprise a few hours later his partner showed up with their new baby in tow. She had brought me a change of clothes and some personal care items. She kept me company for a few hours and said Tory would come back after work /12

I shudder to think what would have happened to me had it not been for Tory. I want to believe I eventually would have called 911 - but I may have lost consciousness before that happened. I was too disoriented to even realize how sick I was. But Tory knew. And he protected me. /13

We never did find out what made me so sick. Years later I learned I had a cardiac issue which was why I passed out so quickly … but the next few months were incredibly scary for me. I was on my own in a new city & without a family doctor or any idea WHAT was wrong /14

I was also without a place to live - having been unable to find a suitable apartment. Tory to the rescue again! He found me a place & even helped me move in. My entire time in Calgary he was like a guardian angel … always there with a helping hand & that warm beaming smile. /15

I was only in Calgary for two years before being transferred back to Toronto - but Tory made those two years some of my best. He made me feel like I had a family. Introduced me to all kinds of awesome people & showed me parts of the city I never would have known to explore. /16

Now Tory needs help - and I know it can’t have been easy for him to ask. I share this story in the hopes more people will help him get the care he needs but can’t afford - because the world needs more people like Tory. /17

These last few years have been hard & in many cases we’ve seen the worst of humanity… so I hope this story is a reminder of the goodness that exists in the world. Of the kindness of strangers and the existence of people who want to help & expect nothing in return. /18

If more people were like Tory - the world would be a much better place. If you’re comfortable & able to help I know he would appreciate it. And let’s all try and emulate the kindness & generosity that Tory shows people everyday. . /endtinyurl.com/ypa8yj2n

Epilogue: If someone ever tries to diminish friendships you make on this app…. Remember Tory and I. He’s one of an incredible group of friends that I have due to social media. Digital connections are no less real or valuable - and are a lifeline for housebound & disabled people.