Memorial Hermann hosts reunion for 2024 Trauma Survivors Day

THE WOODLANDS, TX – This week saw the annual observance of National Trauma Survivors Day, and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center celebrated in style. Staff started the day with an early morning blessing of the Life Flight helipad. Then, that afternoon, several former patients who had been treated by the hospital’s trauma crews descended on the hospital for a celebratory lunch, reunion, and awards ceremony.

Organized by Melanie Bradshaw, MSN, RN, trauma survivorship coordinator for Memorial Hermann, the event was an affirmation of life, family, and the indomitability of the human spirit.

“Today we celebrate some amazing people who were treated here,” she said. “National Trauma Survivors Day recognizes survivors of traumatic injuries and their caregivers as they overcome the challenges brought on by traumatic events that resulted in severe injury. The road to recovery requires tremendous resilience, courage, and support. That road begins at Memorial Hermann, and we are proud to provide the expertise, empathy, and support that can start trauma survivors on their road to recovery.”

After a blessing by Denise Martin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, trauma program and emergency department director at Memorial Hermann, trauma medical director Timothy Hodges, MD gave an introduction. Next, staff, media, family members, and engaged citizens heard stories, memories, recounts, and remembrances from survivors Alexander Baas, Ian Sandlin, Bethany Levrier, and Mark Denham.

Once the speeches were completed and the photo opportunities concluded, the survivors enjoyed a meet-and-greet with their health care professionals.

“Our trauma survivorship program was designed to help our patients cope with the emotional impact of their injuries,” Bradshaw told Woodlands Online. “We do a really great job at survival rates and all of the physical aspects, but we recognized the opportunity to deal with the emotional impact. One in five trauma survivors will go on to develop depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and we’re trying to help with that. We have a monthly virtual support group, and a support group for our caregivers.”

Survivor Ian Sandlin told Woodlands Online, “I got in a motorcycle accident in February of 2023 and I hit the ground pretty hard. I was brought here by ambulance for them to conduct a craniotomy. I was in a coma for two weeks and in this hospital for two months. It’s been a journey ever since, and I’m grateful for the individuals here. I had a great team who took care of me, and my surgeon did a stupendous job.”

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