Former trauma patients at Tampa General Hospital enjoyed an emotional reunion Wednesday, as they had an opportunity to meet with and said 'thanks' to the caregivers from TGH and USF Health who saved them.
- Reunions were part of annual TGH Trauma Awareness Day luncheon.
- Dozens of patients listened as the survivors shared testimonies and stories of survival.
Fifteen year old Heather Coronado was one former patient in attendance for the hospital's annual "Trauma Awareness Day" luncheon. She suffered several broken bones, a cracked skull and internal injuries in a car crash in 2015.
"[Coronado] was very sick, ended up in the ICU, had multiple injuries from her head to her abdomen," said pediatric trauma surgeon Dr. Noor Kassira.
Kassira was one of the first surgeons to see Heather after her accident. She was shocked and thrilled to see how fast her one-time patient has recovered.
"It's absolutely fantastic, said Kassira, "and it's so gratifying from our standpoint and it's not just a surgeon who takes care of her it's a whole team."
In a matter of weeks, Coronado was back on her feet, playing softball and competing in pageants. She said her accident has made her stronger than ever.
"Still trying to reach my dream of playing softball in college, and not letting [the injuries] get in the way of my life," Coronado said.