Vivian's Story of Hope - Chapter 2
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Vivian, who was otherwise healthy and had no immediate health issues, suddenly collapsed at her table during a community luncheon. For the next 20 minutes, the people at her table came to her side and called 9-1-1. The event leaders asked at the podium if a doctor was in the room, and held the start of the event as first responders arrived to help.
She was not aware of the concerned faces bending over her trying to bring her back to consciousness. She could not hear the calls for a doctor over the microphone. Time no longer moved for Vivian. For 20 minutes, worried friends and onlookers did everything they could until first responders arrived on the scene.
No, this was not the next adventure she was seeking.
As the ambulance sped through the streets of Milwaukee - sirens blaring - Vivian remained unconscious. Even the horrible potholes causing the ambulance to bounce like a roller coaster weren't enough to wake her. While going over her symptoms, Vivian had another episode in the ambulance and it became clear to them she was now suffering from her second stroke.
The healthy, active Vivian had no known health issues that would have led her to this scary, dark place being rushed through the emergency room of Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Her friend, June Perry-Stevens, was already there when she arrived. Another friend who had been at the event with Vivian had called June to get to the hospital immediately. There, Vivian received a full and thorough evaluation. The staff kept June informed and she was able to call Vivian’s mom and tell her that she needed to travel to Milwaukee ASAP.
Another friend, Beverly Cooley arrived at Aurora Sinai Medical Center as well. “I had never seen Vivan so still. She’s already a small person, but seeing her – it was almost like she had shrunk,” she recalls. Seeking to give Vivian the best and most effective care, the medical team recommended transporting her to the neurological intensive care unit of Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. June was able to meet her there and be one of the friends to stay with her until Vivian’s mom arrived. There, she would remain under the constant care and devotion of the properly trained staff for 10 days. Vivian was uncommunicative and could not remember all of the things she used to do.
Eating that piece of sausage, "That's the last thing I clearly remembered for the next 10 days," Vivian said.
Vivian was surrounded by love and support while in the neurological intensive care unit. Not only by friends and family, but staff as well.
When asked about the care Vivian received, her friend and colleague, Dr. Joan Prince said, "At St. Luke's, the staff was amazing. I was a little flustered because I was trying to reach Vivian's family and I didn't know where they were taking her. From the moment I walked into the hospital, the staff not only helped me locate Vivian, but one caregiver actually walked me through the halls to her. My experience there was fantastic. The care I witnessed was not just patient-centered, but also focused on me as a visitor and family member. I remember the nursing staff approaching me and telling me that they would provide as much information as they legally could, and out of privacy for Vivian, would help limit the amount of people coming in. At that moment, I had just spoken to Vivian's mother, who was out of state. The medical team was so caring they allowed me to sit with Vivian so she wasn't alone. When I did have to leave, I knew they would continue this level of exceptional care, and that gave me comfort."
Thank you for reading the second chapter of a four chapter email series sharing Vivian’s Story of Hope. The future of medicine is happening here at Aurora Health Care and you’re at the center. No matter what your need – common surgery or pioneering treatment – you can count on our experienced and specialty physicians to provide expert care and excellent outcomes.
Aurora St. Luke’s, one of Aurora’s hospitals where Vivian received care, is the only hospital in Wisconsin with a 24/7 on-site heart-care team, you can expect to receive premiere cardiac services. Aurora St. Luke’s has earned a reputation as Wisconsin’s leading medical center, not only for providing exceptional medical treatment, but also for treating each patient with compassion and care.
This level of expert care would not be possible without donors like you. Whether it’s neonatal, cardiac, cancer, or end-of-life care, we invite you to share your story and make a gift to the program of your choice today.
We offer a special thank you to Vivian King for allowing Aurora Health Care Foundation to share her story of hope.