Beloved SIUH Nurse Suffers Stroke, Colleagues Rally to Support Her Recovery
Image Source: GoFundMe
Cathy, a recently retired nurse from Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), is now navigating the hardest chapter of her life after suffering a devastating hemorrhagic stroke. For years, Cathy was more than just a nurse to her colleagues, she was their “work mom,” mentoring countless coworkers and shaping their careers. Now, the nursing community she supported so selflessly is stepping up to care for her in ways that reflect the deep bonds nurses share.
Cathy’s stroke required 13 days of intubation and a decompressive craniotomy to relieve life-threatening intracranial pressure. It’s a sobering reminder that even those of us who dedicate our lives to caring for others are not immune to becoming patients ourselves. But Cathy’s story also shines a light on the unwavering strength of the nursing community, proving that when one of our own is in need, we don’t hesitate to act.
From Caregiver to Patient: A Role Reversal That Hits Close to Home
“She’s like my work mom,” one of Cathy’s colleagues shared, summing up how deeply she impacted those around her. If you’ve been in nursing long enough, you know exactly what that means. Maybe you’ve had your own “work mom” (or been one)—the nurse who teaches you the ropes, has your back during chaos, and slips you chocolate when you’re drowning in charting. Research backs up just how important these relationships are: 85% of nurses report having a mentor who significantly shaped their career .
But now, Cathy is facing a new reality. Hemorrhagic strokes, which account for about 13% of all strokes, are no joke. They come with a mortality rate of around 40% within 30 days. For survivors like Cathy, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. It can involve months, or even years of grueling rehabilitation, and the costs can pile up. The average first-year expenses for stroke care exceed $50,000.
That’s where her SIUH family has stepped in. From emotional support to organizing a GoFundMe campaign, her colleagues are ensuring Cathy feels the same care she gave to others for decades. It’s a testament to the unique culture of nursing: when one of us is down, we rally. Because honestly, who else knows better than nurses just how tough recovery can be?
Nurses and Stroke Risk: Why This Story Hits Especially Hard
Cathy’s stroke is a stark reminder that nurses aren’t invincible and no matter how much coffee we drink or how many double shifts we power through. Risk factors for strokes don’t care if you’re wearing scrubs. In fact, some studies suggest that shift work and the high stress of nursing may actually increase stroke risk.
It’s easy to ignore our own health while taking care of others, but Cathy’s story could be a wake-up call. If you’re overdue for a check-up, let this be your push to schedule it. If you’re skipping breaks or running on fumes, remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. And don’t forget to check in with your coworkers, especially those who may not let on when they’re struggling. Sometimes, it’s the strong ones who need help the most!
A Nursing Family’s Strength
What makes Cathy’s story so powerful isn’t just her resilience—it’s the way her colleagues are rallying around her. They’re not just coworkers; they’re family. And the “work mom” connection demonstrates something we don’t talk about enough in nursing: the informal mentorship that keeps our profession going. Sure, preceptorship programs are important, but let’s be real—who hasn’t likely learned more from an experienced nurse during a busy shift than from any textbook or training module?
Research even suggests that these relationships are key to nurse retention. When you know someone has your back, it makes the tough days a little easier, doesn’t it? Cathy embodied that kind of support for her colleagues, and now they’re returning the favor, proving that the bonds we form in this profession are like no other.
Continuing the Care
As Cathy works through her recovery, she’s surrounded by the love and support of her nursing family who are people who understand better than anyone what she’s going through. Her journey reminds us of the best parts of nursing: compassion, solidarity, and the unshakable belief that no one should have to face life’s hardest moments alone.
If you’d like to support Cathy’s recovery, you can find details about her GoFundMe here. Because at the end of the day, nurses don’t let nurses go through hard times without a little help from their “work family.”
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