HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital celebrates survivors, honors trauma care professionals and first responders

Trauma survivors are expressing their gratitude for the care they received at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital following an emotional reunion May 27 during the hospital’s annual Trauma Survivor Celebration.

Held each year during National Trauma Awareness Month in May, the reunion recognizes the strength and bravery of patients who have survived life threatening injuries and celebrates first responders and care team members dedicated to treating traumatic injury patients.

Julie Tindel was critically injured during Hurricane Nicole in 2022 by a falling tree that crushed her leg among other injuries.

“I just want to say thank you to the whole trauma team and our EMS workers,” Tindel said. “I honestly believe if it wasn’t for every single person who was here that day, if one person had taken that day off work, I probably wouldn’t be here. I am just thankful every day to still be here and, because of all of you, to be able to be my son’s mom.”

As Seminole County’s only Level II trauma center, HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital provides a higher level of care than a hospital emergency room. Unlike a standard emergency department, trauma centers have specialized personnel, equipment and protocols to provide rapid, expert care, particularly during the critical “golden hour,” the 60 minutes after an injury.

“At HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, we believe healing happens through collaboration – from the very first moments with EMS, through the hospital stay, and long into recovery. That’s what this annual event is about – honoring the journey and everyone who makes it possible,” said John Gerhold, CEO.

“Today we recognize our trauma survivors – resilient individual who have fought their way back from the brink and the families who have stood beside them every step of the way,” said Dr. Sanjiv Gray, trauma medical director.

After the reunion, each survivor placed a butterfly sculpture in the Trauma Survivor Garden in front of the hospital.

Email: victoria.heller@hcahealthcare.com
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