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Click on picture for full ICU hero story.

Sepsis/ARDS Presentations and Motivational Speaker  

I give motivational presentations all over the country about my traumatic ICU experience with life after Sepsis and ARDS. The service is free just pay my way and hotel. Send a message below or contact me through email if interested
                                                                   DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED BUT NOT EXPECTED

Testimonials

Hello Mr. Raikes,
I just wanted to tell you how much both you and your wife touched my heart with the presentation you gave at the ADS conference in Boston.
Your story was so compelling and you are so brave and strong to be able and willing to share it.  Please know that you and your wife had a great impact on me and I will share your story and take it with me wherever I go in teaching others about caring for patients.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Jeanne
 
Jeanne Kessler, MSN, RN-BC
CESI Educator
Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation
(CESI)

 Hartford Hospital
560 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT 06102
office: 860-972-0741
Fax:  860-545-2030
e-mail: Jeanne.kessler@hhchealth.org

​My name is Christine, and I’m an ICU nurse who attended the American Delirium Society workshop a couple of weeks ago. 
 
First, I wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing your story.  The things you taught me about your experience have changed the way I practice.  I truly appreciate your willingness to talk about what you went through, it is an incredibly brave thing to do.

​The Care Starts with Communication Between
The Patient and Caregiver. 

ABOUT ME

I am just your normal guy that went through a traumatic ICU experience and want to help others.

Read More
I went in for a routine knee replacement on May 26 , 2015 that went bad. I was put on a ventilator and rushed from Good Sam Hospital to the University of Kentucky Hospital. They said there was an allergic reaction that caused my lungs to bleed and from there I went septic. I then went into septic shock where it started shutting down my organs including kidneys and lungs. My right lung collapsed were I needed a chest tube and introduced me to ARDS. They had to quit giving my blood thinner and add a filter to block the blood clots they suspected would come and they did. They added a trach to help me breath and rest. When I started waking up some 20 days later I had lost all muscle mass and could not move or talk.After the trach was installed i seemed to get better where I stayed in ICU until June 30. I was then transferred to 2 other rehabilitation hospitals for trach removal and overall strength. Some 4 years later I still have lingering problems from this traumatic experience such as PTSD, Anxiety, Muscle Weakness, Neuropathy,  and mental issues. I also have a scarred lung from the ARDS along with other issues in breathing. I couldn't have made this journey without my family and especially my wife along with the doctors (especially Dr. Ashley Montgomery) and staff at the University of Kentucky.

My Last Day at Work

Click HERE  for full story from University of Kentucky

In the video you will see from what I call my angel as she saved my life, Dr. Ashley Montgomery.

PORTFOLIO

Since my release from the hospital I have become an ARDS awareness advocate along with the THRIVE INITIATIVE and Sepsis Campaign.

          This Lady Dr. Ashley Montgomery is My Angel

Click On Picture below to read more

TESTIMONIAL

All of the organizations to the left mean so much to me as they have each affected my life. A portion of your donation will go to support these organizations.

LET'S TALK

We All Want To Be Heard
​Even if We Cant Speak

Darrell Raikes
140 Eagles Next Drive Lebanon, Ky 40033

raikesbranch@gmail.com