Where There Is Breath, There Is Life

"Karen and Susan's story are a testament to the strength, commitment and love that defines their relationship. The "sudden event" of a ruptured brain aneurysm took them on a harrowing journey into hospitals, rehabilitation units, and care facilities. The title, "Where there is Breath, there is a Life," defines the journey from the perspective of simply the act of breathing and the hope that life is still present. The word, 'BREATH', represents key concepts for the reader. B defines "BIG Crisis" Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that is usually caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. Twenty percent of individuals who sustain SAH from this cause perish within hours of the event... R defines RELATIONSHIPS: When an individual (patient) enters the hospital, a relationship is established with the health care team... E defines EMOTIONS: Loved ones of the patient may experience highs and lows in an hour or in a day.... A defines ADVOCATE: Susan's perseverance and dedication to Karen are evident throughout the journey.... T defines TEAMWORK: Often most individuals refer to the health care team as the ones that possess teamwork.... H defines HOPE: There are two mottos on the wall in the SICU. The first is, "Where there is life-There is Hope"! The second is, "NEVER GIVE UP... NEVER SURRENDER."(From the Forward by Mary Kay Bader RN MSN CCNS FNCSFAHA Neuro/Critical Care CNS, Mission Hospital )