Neurocritical Care Society

Stories of Hope

Stories of Hope showcase inspiring stories related to coma, stroke and/or traumatic brain injuries—uplifting patients and providers alike.

The Journey of Recovery: Stephen Moskovits—A Testament to Resilience, Faith, and Advocacy

Written By: Stephen Moskovits ; Channa Leibowitz, MS CCC-SLP; Section Editor: Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, FCCM

Following a cardiac arrest several years ago, when my heart suddenly stopped, I embarked on a long and arduous journey toward recovery. My first...

Finding Her Voice Again: Vanessa’s Story of Hope

Written By: Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

Vanessa was used to an active lifestyle; she was a mother of a three-year-old daughter and had a career as a school-based speech pathologist....

Story of Hope: Charlie

Written By: Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

In 2019 Charlie was “on top of the world,” enjoying his life as a medical student. He had spent a few years as a physician assistant...

Glen’s Story of Hope

Written By: Liz Jelnicky, ACNP-BC ; Tommy Thomas, MD, PhD; Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

After landing in Atlanta on August 1, 2023, Glen Schultz made his way to the Sky Lounge at Hartsfield Jackson Airport to ride out his layover and...

Part 2: Ray’s Story of Hope

Written By: Kathleen Skeins; Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

From this point forward things started moving at warp speed. Once the breathing tube was out, we could hear Ray speak, although his voice...

Part 1: Ray’s Story of Hope

Written By: Kathleen Skeins; Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

Life before the brain injury was busy. Ray was on the move all the time. He worked in the automotive industry for a supplier and was in Mexico,...

From Posturing to Recovery: My Dad’s Story of Hope

Written By: María Belén Solís, MD; Lauren Koffman, DO, MS

It was 2022 and I was loving the intern year of my Neurology residency. My dad and nieces were visiting for the Christmas holiday, a visit I...

Part 2: Story of Hope – Life After Cardiac Arrest

Written By: Tara Wall (with Ron, December 2023); Daryl C. McHugh, MD, MPH; Jenna Gonillo Davis, MS, ACNPC-AG, CCRN; Lauren Koffman , DO, MS

Ron had to remain intubated for a couple more days while his ventilator settings were weaned.