WHAT: White Sox legend Ron Kittle broke his neck at the start of his career, just the first of many crippling baseball injuries. Kittle headlines a reunion of victims of serious injuries caused by car and motorcycle crashes, stab wounds, gunfire, athletic activities and more. All come together to share stories, reunite with their medical care team and celebrate lives saved, thanks to Loyola University Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Program.
More than 1,000 patients have been invited to the annual “Loyola Big Save Barbecue” held indoors and led by Dr. Thomas Esposito, chief, Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Burns, in the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center.
Loyola Emergency Department cared for 53,000 patients last year and is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Illinois that is verified by the American College of Surgeons, a distinction held by a select group nationwide.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19.
WHERE: Loyola University Health System Stritch Cafeteria, Cuneo Building, 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, Ill.
To attend, please contact Stasia Thompson at (708) 417-5036.
MEET: Martha Gainer, 63, who endured two pelvic surgeries, a collapsed lung, 22 stitches to her head and nine broken ribs after being involved in a car crash. She was airlifted to Loyola for care by the trauma team. She is now back at work as a nurse.
Robert Searcy, 31, who uses a wheelchair after a motorcycle accident on his mother’s birthday just one block from her home. Claria Searcy shepherded her son through countless procedures and a 39-day hospital stay.
Dr. Thomas Esposito, who leads the uniquely qualified medical staff at Loyola’s Level 1 Trauma Center.
Dozens of patients of all ages who triumphed over serious traumatic injuries and life-changing events.