Mr. & Mrs. Messina's Story

Each life encounter has a ripple effect. That’s because, as it has often been said, no one is an island. We’re all interconnected in one way or another. This is as true in our professional healing work as it is in our personal lives. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that as we focus our healing care on the person before us. But Mr. and Mrs. Messina remind us of our greater impact on healing families and healing communities as they share their recent experience.

One moment last April, Mr. Messina was manning his post as a school crossing guard, the next, he was found unresponsive by a group of students on their way to school. “The students were so caring and brave,” said Mrs. Messina. “They called 911 and stayed with him until help arrived.”

Mr. Messina’s condition was dire. He had suffered several seizures, a stroke and had a heart condition. “John spent four days in the Intensive Care Unit at Parrish Medical Center,” she continued. “The staff members in the ICU were so good to us both; they were so kind and took amazing care of John! They even allowed our church to come in and pray with us.”

Complicating matters, Mrs. Messina had just had surgery prior to John falling ill. She was in a wheelchair, unable to drive herself to and from the hospital. With no family in the area, the community pulled together to help her and to make sure she made it to the hospital every day to be with her husband. The school children, who had found him that day in April, sent 60 get-well cards.

On the fourth day, Mrs. Messina and the ICU care team witnessed something miraculous. John woke up. He was alert and answering questions and was very grateful after hearing of the care and love he received. Mrs. Messina explained that the loving, healing care did not stop there. After John was allowed to go home, his nurses and doctors arranged for Home Health and Therapy to come daily. When they found out that Mrs. Messina had recently had surgery, they made arrangements for her to have Home Health as well.

“This is beyond what you would expect,” said Mrs. Messina. “The kindness and support we received was overwhelming! John is now back to 100 percent, and we are so grateful to the Parrish Medical Center staff. The Home Health nurses and therapists have all been so delightful and attentive. I wish I could remember everyone’s name, but please know that you are wonderful. You saved him - you made him stronger and you helped me along the way. Thank you, Parrish Medical Center, for excellent care!”