Where There Is Breath, There Is Life: A Memoir

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 )