A life-threatening medical emergency brought Katherine Farquhar to the emergency department at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.
It was there that she met the caregivers who ultimately saved her life. There’s Gabriel Yango, the phlebotomist commonly known as “The Angel;” Laurin Manoubi, RN, the overnight nurse whose soothing voice calmed Farquhar during restless nights; and John Brebbia, MD, the bariatric surgeon who conducted her operation.
“Even when I was with one caregiver, I sensed an entire team at work,” Farquhar says.
“Her procedure and recovery couldn’t have been accomplished without everyone being involved. We draw from nearly every single one of our services in the hospital for each patient [who comes through the emergency department],” Dr. Brebbia explains.
For Farquhar, her second chance at life came with life-altering consequences. She returned home understanding that life now would be different than before her neck hematoma.
Every caregiver she encountered during her hospital stay helped her reach this point in her recovery and acceptance. The healing continues for Farquhar, and reconnecting with her caregivers today is a part of that journey. “Thank you all for the care. My whole life pivoted as a result of my hospitalization. I’m sure other people can relate to the unexpected happening to you and changing everything,” Farquhar says.
“Gratefulness is a complex feeling, one that carries so much appreciation and humility for the medical skills and teamwork that brought me through this crisis. Yet it’s on me now to do what’s possible to sustain the healing and celebrate the life that I now live.”
Katherine Farquhar currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors at MedStar Montgomery.