Photo Credit: Rod PradoHealth
National Trauma Survivors Day 2025: Survivors reunite with those who saved their lives
The third annual Trauma Survivor’s Day Celebration and Patient Reunion was held at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The celebration and ceremony honored and celebrated the resilience of survivors and the medical teams and first responders who have helped them on their journey to recovery.
National Trauma Survivor’s Day is observed on the third Wednesday of May each year and challenges the concept that recovery is a process that must be tackled alone and that healing is complete once a patient has discharged from the hospital.
View moments from the celebration on the Hello Woodlands Facebook page:
The third annual Trauma Survivor’s Day Celebration and Patient Reunion, sponsored by Howard Hughes, celebrated 23 survivors and recognized EMS, medical teams, and first responders that helped save the survivors’ lives. A custom medal was presented to each survivor as a reminder for how far each patient has come.
During the event, Trauma Survivorship Coordinator Melanie Bradshaw, MSN, BA, RN, shared a welcome and introductions, before Jim Carman, President – Houston Region of Howard Hughes, shared a few words as the sponsor of the event, stating, “We [Howard Hughes] are here to strengthen the fabric of community…like supporting Memorial Hermann. Today we are here to celebrate courage.”
After Trauma Program and Emergency Department Director Denise Martin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC gave the blessing, Trauma Medical Director Timothy Hodges, M.D., shared an emotional response, “Thank you for letting us take care of you.”
Three survivors shared their stories, thanked EMS and Memorial Hermann doctors, nurses, and staff, and praised God for their miraculous recoveries.
Cynthia Thigpen, a longtime social worker from Pollok, Texas, was critically injured in a head-on collision caused by a texting driver. She wasn’t expected to survive; however, after 31 surgeries and four months of hospitalization at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Cynthia is walking, talking, and full of gratitude. “It was a God thing that I was brought here [to Memorial Hermann], a top facility of trauma. He made a way when there was no way…I had such a good staff that was always there for me. It made me cling to scripture Romans 8:28 ‘we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’.”
Mark Meeker was at work on a ladder at their family-owned wedding venue business. He fell off the ladder, hit his head, and was bleeding. His son-in-law and daughter found him that early morning and called 911. He doesn’t remember the first four months of his recovery, except for what his family has told him and how Memorial Hermann was there for him every step of the way. “One thing that I am looking forward to today is to see the people that helped me. They saved me. Look at the jobs of so many workers. You guys do an amazing job and thank you.”
Andres Briceno was in a car accident, his car wrapping around a tree on his way home in The Woodlands two years ago. After two weeks in a coma, he woke up on his mother’s birthday and they had a party for her in the ICU. He is now an active member of the Online Survivor Group. “Trust in the power of your story and have a good impact in the world – use it for good…The Trauma Survivor Group can help you talk with people that went through an experience just like you.”
We also had the opportunity to talk with Ella Walker, an 18-year old who came into the emergency room following an accident at a trampoline park. Doctors feared paralysis and she required surgery, rods and screws in her spine. Ella realized she was likely going to miss her prom as a result, so the care team at Memorial Hermann the Woodlands brought the prom to her. A month and two days after the accident, Ella is now walking, talking, smiling – and ready to the the EMT test that she had previously missed due to her accident. “Being at [Memorial Hermann] was such a blessing. Literally this place is amazing. Anyone that has taken care of me since the start of my injury to when I was discharged from the hospital to now has been incredible. They’ve had such of an impact on my life. It showed me what I want to do with my future as well. The week of my accident I was supposed to take my EMT test to get certified to be an EMT that weekend, which I obviously didn’t take because I was in the hospital getting surgery. But I’m going to take that on Wednesday. I’m really excited. This whole experience just kinda showed me that this is exactly what I want to do. I want to be able to make an impact on people’s lives.”
Following the ceremony, trauma survivors with reunited with the health care professionals and first responders that helped save their lives, taking photos, sharing hugs, and celebrating this special day.
Trauma Survivorship at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center
Surviving a traumatic injury can be challenging, not only physically, but emotionally. Survivors may feel alone and struggling with what the future holds. The Trauma Survivorship Program at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands offers free resources that allow survivors to share their stories and challenges with others who have had similar experiences, while learning powerful skills for coping and navigating their new lives post injury.
Memorial Hermann currently offers a monthly, virtual support group for survivors, the ability to connect with a peer survivor/mentor, a monthly newsletter, and referrals to a variety of resources both locally and nationally.
Learn more Trauma Services and Survivor Resources at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center at https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/trauma/woodlands
