I'm a 20-year-old college student who was home for Christmas break. I went into a clinic for a routine physical never expecting to end up in an ambulance to one hospital and then airlifted to another hospital (MCR) for a lifesaving surgery. I had an epidural hematoma leading to a craniotomy and 4 nights recovering at MCR. This all stemmed from me fainting and falling off of the exam table when I was left alone after a blood draw. The reason I had gotten this blood draw in Colorado vs my home was due to a fear of blood/veins and a complicated relationship with feeling heard by providers. Fast forward to waking up and recovery post-op; my only concern was whether my nose was crooked. My mom informed me that half of my hair was shaved off, face was bruised and that this was more than a bump on my nose. From there, I avoided hearing any of my medical details and did everything to make sure I would avoid seeing myself. I would wash my hands looking away from the mirror and refused to face much of myself. Then I met Deb.

While every member of my care team was beyond amazing, Deb's impact was profound on my recovery. Her compassion and time she took to relate and get to know me made me feel as though she was my friend. In this, she helped me do the unimaginable and 'face the music' of my new appearance. Her approach wasn't the basic "You'll have to face it someday" but was rather filled with patience, kindness, and innovation. She offered to draw the stick figure version of me and did it slowly. This idea removed some of the unknown and ultimately was the push to do something I had avoided for days. She was MONUMENTAL to my recovery and I am unsure how my journey would have gone without her. Deb truly has a special touch and heart and I am forever grateful that we crossed paths. Thank you, Deb!