This year, 40-year-old Dana has an inspiring reason to celebrate: her life was changed and saved by the exceptional care at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Hers is a story that I hope will inspire you to support Overlook Foundation and invest in the future of health care on this side of the Hudson.
Dana, a busy wife and mother of three young boys, began experiencing severe migraines last fall. Chalking it up to stress, Dana sought the advice of her family care provider and, later, a neurologist. When, months later, the migraines became worse and more frequent, Dana’s husband, Ryan, took her to Overlook’s Emergency Department. There, they learned that Dana had a golf ball-size mass in her brain that needed to be surgically removed.
“When friends found out about my health issue, several of them suggested we go to New York City,” says Dana. “But we knew Overlook had a top-notch reputation for neurological care and we had first-hand experience with it when my dad was treated there for several strokes. Plus, when Ryan spoke with Dr. Yaron Moshel, the neurosurgeon, he immediately put us at ease.”
Five days after a successful surgery to remove the benign tumor in her brain, Dana returned home and attended her son’s T-ball game the very next day. Three weeks later, she welcomed 100 guests to a birthday celebration for two of her boys. “Recovery from a C-section was harder!” she jokes.
“I truly don’t remember being nervous. I just remember the staff being so knowledgeable, helpful, and good at managing my expectations…telling me what would happen and what to be prepared for. The nurses in the Neuro ICU really made me feel like I mattered.”
Now, looking back at the past year, Dana is grateful for the high caliber of care available in her backyard. “It was wonderful that I was at Overlook, where my husband could visit me and then go back home to be with the kids. We’re so lucky to live here and have access to so much!”
Born at Overlook and now having her life saved here, Dana reflects, “We have much to celebrate and I’m so fortunate to be here for it.”