A Fighting Chance

A Fighting Chance

Lifelong Lima residents married nearly 25 years, Jeff and Jeannie placed their trust in the Lima Memorial team, never imagining how urgently that trust would be tested. Jeannie, who works in Lima Memorial’s Foot & Ankle office, experienced firsthand the Great Care she sees demonstrated every day by her colleagues.

When Jeff was rushed to the Emergency Center with increasing pain and alarming symptoms, Dr. Brookens and physician assistant Jessica, immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Their swift assessment identified a rupturing abdominal aortic aneurysm, a condition with an extremely low survival rate. Without waiting for a CT report, Dr. Brookens FaceTimed with vascular specialists in Toledo, sharing Jeff’s images and receiving confirmation of the rupture. His decisive action put Jeff on the right course of treatment without losing a precious second.

The Lima Memorial team stabilized Jeff, administering 31 pints of blood, and prepared him for life flight to Toledo for a complex vascular repair. Jeff later learned he had lost nearly 20 days of memory from the ordeal, yet he gained something far more powerful, a renewed chance at life.

“He gave me a chance,” Jeff reflects. “Dr. Brookens gave me a chance to fight when there was no chance.”

Once Jeff recovered, he and Jeannie returned to the Emergency Center to personally thank the caregivers who saved his life. Their journey reinforced the extraordinary skill, vigilance and compassion of the Lima Memorial Family, qualities Jeannie has always admired but now understands even more deeply.

Now, several months later, Jeff continues to heal and embrace life with a new sense of purpose. Together, he and Jeannie share their heartfelt gratitude for the courage, expertise and dedication of the Lima Memorial team. Their story is a powerful reminder of the difference Great Care can make. If you have had a positive experience at Lima Memorial or want to recognize a caregiver who made a difference, consider sharing your story. Visit Lima Memorial's Recognize and Thank a Caregiver page to express your appreciation.