Home for the Holidays

Donna Kidwell is a vibrant woman with a passion for reading and a love for playing Words with Friends. For the past few years, she has been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly known as COPD, making hospital visits a familiar part of her life. Through this unexpected journey, Donna has discovered a silver lining – a deep love and appreciation for the compassionate teams at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. 

On Thanksgiving Day, Donna began experiencing symptoms far worse than usual. She knew something wasn’t right and immediately called her son. Struggling to breathe, she asked to be taken to TriStar Greenview’s emergency room. 

After meeting with a provider and undergoing tests, she was diagnosed with pneumonia. She also had elevated troponin levels, a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.  This meant she needed a heart catheterization since she could have damage in the muscle due to the high levels. 

“I was so scared and panicking because I couldn’t get air,” Donna recalled.  “I remember my son telling the EMS service ‘Please do not let my mom die.’” 

Nearly a week later, Donna is recovering on the telemetry floor at TriStar Greenview. She’s back to playing Words with Friends and has a novel in hand. “Everyone here has been exceptional. I always receive excellent care,” she shared with a smile. 

“For us, it’s all about helping Donna feel strong and confident again so she can enjoy the holidays and transition smoothly to rehab,” said Ashley, director of Physical Therapy at TriStar Greenview. “Every day, we work on exercises like seated leg lifts, gentle stretches and supported standing to build her endurance and mobility. That’s what brings her closer to her goal.”  

Thanks to the dedication of the TriStar Greenview care team, Donna is well on her way to spending the holidays at home with the people she loves.