Meet Donalda MacIsaac – A voice of hope for families and better care

When you meet Donalda MacIsaac, a patient family advisor (PFA) with Nova Scotia Health, one thing stands out — her strength. She carries deep hope for a stronger, more supportive health system, and she shares that hope with everyone she meets. 

PFAs are volunteers who use their own experiences with the health system to help make it better for everyone. But Donalda’s journey as an advocate began long before she joined any committee. 

Donalda’s youngest son, Caleb, was diagnosed with a rare brain disease at 23 months. From that day forward, Donalda became his voice. She learned how to navigate home care, hospital care and community support. Thanks to the help of Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care and many others, Caleb was able to live at home, surrounded by the people who loved him most. 

“People don't realize the value of our lived experiences,” Donalda says. “We can take what we've learned and use it to help improve the healthcare system.” 

Donalda and her family spent 28 years caring for Caleb. These experiences gave her a powerful understanding of what families go through when they rely on home care, palliative care and the broader health system. For the past seven years as a PFA, she has used that insight to help shape meaningful change. 

Donalda is known for her honesty and courage. She challenges assumptions and asks tough questions. She makes sure the voices of caregivers, people facing barriers and others are heard. 

Donalda has been a key member of the Continuing Care Central Zone Quality & Patient Safety Committee since 2020. More recently, she has contributed to the provincial Home First and West Bedford Transitional Health initiatives. Her voice has helped shape more patient-centered models of care that rethink traditional home care, discharge planning and transitions from hospital to home. 

“Her insights into home care redesign have influenced policy and practice, ensuring services are accessible,” says Glenda Keenan, senior director for Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care. 

Everything Donalda does is grounded in empathy. “Donalda’s ideas have improved how people move from hospital to home,” Glenda says. “She focuses on clear language, cultural sensitivity and real-life needs. For her, every policy affects a person—and every person deserves dignity.” 

Through her work as a PFA, Donalda has gained a deeper understanding of how the health system works. “Sometimes when you see what’s going on inside, it gives you a little more appreciation,” she says. “I have felt so respected and welcomed in every initiative I’ve been part of at Nova Scotia Health.” 

Her feedback for the Diagnostic Therapeutic Services Network has helped shape important initiatives like electronic referrals (eReferrals), diagnostic imaging's centralized intake process and reducing missed appointments. “Donalda always puts patients first, focusing on fairness, clear communication, patient awareness and giving people choices,” says Tim Mailman, senior medical director for the network. “Her advice has led to more supportive messages and smoother processes that better meet patient needs.” 

Glenda agrees: “Donalda’s ability to balance personal experience with system-level vision has helped staff, community members and health leaders appreciate the human side of care delivery. She ensures that the voices of individuals and caregivers don’t just get heard—they help shape the system.” 

Even after losing her son last year, Donalda continues to volunteer. Her strength and compassion inspire everyone around her. In 2025, she received the Nova Scotia Health Making Waves – Volunteer Excellence, Outstanding Patient Family Advisor Award. 

“Everything I do and accept is Caleb’s, not mine,” she says. “I learned so much from my son. My role is to walk this journey and make a pathway. If I can help someone else, that’s what it’s all about.” 

Today, Donalda continues to speak up for people like her son—those who cannot speak for themselves. Her faith, courage and deep compassion guide her every day. She is a shining example that one person can spark lasting change. 

If you have personal, family or caregiver experience with Continuing Care or any other Nova Scotia Health services, you can apply to become a patient family advisor. 

More Info: www.nshealth.ca/PFA 
Call: 1-833-732-5646 (PFA JOIN) 
Email: PFAjoin@nshealth.ca 

If you or someone you know needs help to stay at the place they call home, Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care can help. Call 1-800-225-7225 or visit www.nshealth.ca/continuing-care  

Photo of Donalda MacIsaac.