“I looked forward to 2017 being an awesome year. I had recently retired and was very happy working on my crafts and spending time with my family. But most importantly, I was busy helping to prepare for my son’s wedding.  My son Joe was getting married in just a few short weeks, and I had a lot to do. On January 6, 2017, I went out to get a pizza for the family before working on alterations for Joe’s wedding outfit. I would usually take the car, but that night, something told me to take my new truck. Shortly after leaving, as I was driving, I reached for something that had fallen onto the floor of the truck. It was at that moment that my life changed.

Upon first impact, it felt like I hit a guardrail. Everything happened so quickly, but oddly enough, my first thought was, ‘Oh God! Not my new truck!’ But then I felt my truck flip in the air. After the truck came to a stop, I was in and out of consciousness for a while. I do remember yelling ‘Get me out!’ and eventually hearing voices. The last thing I remember was someone saying, ‘We’re going to get you out. Just relax. It’s going to be alright.’

When I opened my eyes, I saw my daughter Sara standing over me. She said, ‘Mom, Mom, can you hear me?’  Then I saw my granddaughter Cora, my son Joe, and my husband, Mike. I wasn’t sure what was going on. I looked at Joe and told him, ‘I’m sorry. Please don’t postpone the wedding.’

I asked him to take lots of pictures for me. He said, “Mom, that was 2 months ago. You’ve been in a coma.” I was shocked! I tried hard to remember what happened, but nothing came to me, and I soon drifted off to sleep again. 

Obviously, I don’t remember the two months in the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) at Lakeland Regional Health, but thankfully, my daughter Sara filled out five journals about my time there. I finally read those journals one year after the accident. I was amazed as I read about what went on and the care I received.

The TICU staff went above and beyond. They were very attentive to everything I needed and became very close to my family. They explained everything that was going on with my care and took the time to explain every detail of every procedure in a way my family could understand. The TICU team held their hands, gave them hugs, let them cry on their shoulders, and even cried with them and celebrated with them when I passed each obstacle. My family was initially told I had a 20% chance of surviving, and if I did, I’d be a vegetable.  All I can say now is ‘Doesn’t broccoli look good?’ My family never gave up on me, and neither did the staff of the TICU.

Toward the end of March, I was transferred to another hospital, but thankfully, my stay there was short. While I was there, some of the staff from the LRH TICU even came to visit me there! I was so touched. Then, thanks to my daughter’s efforts, a few weeks later, I was able to go back to the rehab center at Lakeland Regional Health’s Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine*. Hearing that I was back, many of the staff from the TICU came to visit. They kept encouraging me and telling me I was going to be back to myself in no time. 

I was finally released from the hospital on May 15, 2017. It so happened that the very next day was Trauma Survivors Day at the hospital. This event is a time for trauma survivors to get together and share their stories. I made sure I was there that day and was amazed at the stories I heard. It moved me enough to share my own. Two paramedics came over to me and introduced themselves. It turned out they were the ones who responded to the call that day. How do you say thank you to the ones who saved your life?

The first 6 months after I got out of the hospital were difficult. My daughter Sara and my 16-year-old granddaughter Cora were angels. They never complained about having to lift me, dress me, or help me get into the shower. Having to do these things for me hit home because when I was 15, I had to take care of my mother when she became ill. Taking care of me was a lot for Cora, as a 16-year-old.

After a year and a month of being gone and after months of therapy, I got back to being myself. I was able to return to my home and my dogs. Had it not been for the strength and support of my family, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

An additional blessing that resulted from this ordeal was how it helped guide my granddaughter’s career choice. Cora spent many nights at the hospital with me. The TICU staff answered her questions and explained what was happening. They even talked with her about what it was like to be a nurse. I think at that point, she decided to pursue a career in nursing. She was hired as a patient care assistant at Lakeland Regional Health. After finishing high school with honors and attending Keiser University, Cora received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. As if caring for me hadn’t been enough, she also had to help care for her other grandmother who became ill. I’m so proud of the person Cora has become. She has the love and caring credentials needed to be an outstanding nurse.

I wouldn’t want to relive the traumatic experience I had, but the experience has introduced me to many wonderful and caring people. Now my granddaughter will be able to provide the same type of care for someone else who needs it.  I will be forever grateful for the care I received from the trauma team at Lakeland Regional Health.”