2007 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

heat in her side and back. When she looked downshe saw blood and thought, “Oh my God, I’ve beenshot!” Still on her feet and able to think clearly, sheran back into her house and called an ambulance.She had been shot four times in the chest andabdomen, one just inches from her heart.Rushed to the Memorial Leighton Trauma Center,Ann received immediate evaluation and treatmentfrom a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, andothers who treat the most critical patients. The rapidresponse of the Trauma Team resulted in getting Annto the operating room withinminutes, which ultimatelysaved her life. The surgerywas a success and Ann wastransferred to the SurgicalCare Center to begin herjourney toward recovery.“The care Ireceived was justexcellent,” saysAnn. “MemorialHospital has thebest trauma team,and I’m not justsaying that becauseI work there! Dr. Scott Thomas is one of the besttrauma surgeons there is, I was lucky to have him.”Her amazing recovery is matched only by heramazing spirit and gratefulness to be alive. Herfriends and family from home, work and churchaided in her recovery.“Everybody who came to see me said, ‘I can’t believeyou look so good!’” Her doctors and nurses were alsoamazed. “As the doctors came in to visit me, they toldme they couldn’t believe how good I looked after allI’d been through.”Not only did she look much better, she was beginningto feel much better as well. And after just one weekin the hospital, she was discharged to the care of herfamily and friends at home. Now back to work inMemorial Hospital’s Childbirth Unit, Ann says she’sglad to be back with her friends and colleagues, helpingothers, just as she received help, not too long ago.“It’s been mind blowing just to think about it,” addsAnn. When talking about that fateful day, she realizesjust how fortunate she is. “I know who kept me, it wasthe grace of God. I am a walking miracle.”(from left) Dietitians Holly Platz, R.D.,and Melissa Spencer, R.D.“Trauma care is about the team. Our goal is to provide injured patients with the highest quality of care available today.Our team has consistently demonstrated its ability to meet those standards.” — Scott Thomas, M.D.