This Link Will Take You Directly To SEPSIS ALLIANCE
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PATIENCE-DETERMINATION-PURPOSE
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KHA & Miss Kentucky Video
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Surviving is more than just being alive. It’s not about returning to “normal” or meeting the expectations of others. For me, survival means moving forward—creating new memories and leaving the dread behind. The journey can be challenging, with frequent setbacks, but ultimately, it requires putting one foot in front of the other. Determination is key. To truly survive, you must embrace your future and leave the past behind.
UPCOMING
Where:
UPMC Hamot
201 State St.
Erie, PA 16550
582-852-5379
Date: March 11, 2025
Time: 11am - 12:15pm - 2pm
Sepsis/ARDS Survivor and Advocate
Bio
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Before my sepsis journey, I worked in the manufacturing industry as a tool and die maker and engineer. On May 26, 2015, I underwent a partial knee replacement, which marked the beginning of my battle with sepsis.
Since then, I have traveled across the country to receive several awards, including the International ICU Hero of the Year from the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Erin K. Flatley Spirit Award from Sepsis Alliance. I have had the privilege of speaking at events such as the American Delirium Society in Boston, the CHEST Convention in New Orleans, and various venues throughout Kentucky. I served on a patient advisory council at UK Hospital and, prior to COVID, volunteered as a mentor for critically ill patients in the ICU. As a dedicated advocate for sepsis awareness and a champion for sepsis protocols in Kentucky, I invite you to contact me to learn more about my experiences in the ICU and the challenges I have faced afterward. READ MORE About Me |
On a Mission
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Testimonials
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I just wanted to tell you how much both you and your wife touched my heart with the presentation you gave at the ARDS 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
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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.
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Mr. Raikes,
I just watched your story on the Sepsis Alliance site. Your strength and determination touched my heart deeply. I am the Sepsis Coordinator at a moderate sized hospital in Akron, Ohio (Summa Health). As a former Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner and RN in the ICU before that, I cared for many patients like you, but never saw the devastation after discharge that being so ill caused. Thank you for sharing your story. The pandemic has shut down a lot of my projects due to understaffing and staff burnout/exhaustion, but you've inspired me to start ASAP on the patient education program I've been wanting to develop. When you said information on post sepsis syndrome would've helped, that was all I needed to hear. Keep inspiring and filling that purpose that God kept you here with us for. You embody the verse on your site from 2Cor 1:4! Thank you for hearing and answering God's call. May you and your wife be blessed for many years to come on earth, and after:)
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Your presentation was amazing! I wouldn't change a thing. The thing I think we most related to was that it was your unique experience in your own words. There was so much insight in what you shared in the mental health needs and issues with sedation delirium/ICU delirium for our critical care patients. I had conversations with people that attended that were seasoned care providers, that had never understood the patient experience in the way that you were able to share with us. I appreciate how transparent you were with all of the challenges you experienced. Your presentation is genuine and presented from a place of vulnerability, that really helps people to relate.
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Interested in hearing a sepsis survivor's journey? Learn firsthand about the trauma of enduring a prolonged ICU stay, the complexities of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the challenges of Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS), PTSD, and navigating life afterward. I am passionate about sharing my story and would be honored to speak at your event. Please
reach out to me for more information. Darrell Raikes 140 Eagles Next Drive Lebanon, Ky 40033 270-402-1981 [email protected] |
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