EZ Caregiver
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Presentations
  • Survivor Stories
  • Support Links
  • EZ Caregiver
  • Blog

Life's Journey After ICU

Picture
PATIENCE - DETERMINATION- PURPOSE
Picture
KHA & Miss Kentucky Video
​He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 
2nd Corinthians Chapter 1 Verse 4​
​Surviving is more than being alive. Surviving is not based on returning to “normal.” Surviving is not about living up to the expectations of others.  For me, surviving is moving forward . Creating new memories. Leaving the dread behind.  It can be a tough road with setbacks all the time, but in the end it requires us to put one foot in front of the other and move forward. Determination is key.  If you truly want to survive you have to embrace your future. The past is behind you.

Sepsis/ARDS Presentations and Advocate 

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)

 
​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.

​Christine DeForge, MSN, RN, CCRN
Clinical Nurse III, Medical ICU
Academic-Practice Research Fellow
(508) 847-8404
chd9084@nyp.org


​


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:)


Michelle Evans, MSN, RN, APRN-CNP
Sepsis Program Coordinator
 
​Summa Health
525 E. Market Street | Akron, OH 44304
p 330-375-3372  
evansmi@summahealth.org

​
I spoke to a college class of medical students and the following is the conversation between the professor and one of her students:

Professor
​I am wrapping up my class with the students and one of the last projects for them to complete is a presentation of take aways to start a career in healthcare. Today one of the students closed her presentation with this. 

Student
"I am going to make a commitment to treat every patient I come in contact with as if they are my Darrell. I also want to make a commitment, no matter how busy I will take time."

Professor
YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!  Thank You so much!!

Upcoming Events


Bio
Picture
 First, I am happily married father of 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. After high school I worked at a tool and die company where I went on to become a journeyman tool and die maker.  After working for 19 years as a tool and die maker I took a position as a engineer with an automotive supplier where I worked for another 16 years until summer of 2015. It was May 26, 2015 I went in for a partial knee replacement and from there my sepsis journey began. Since 2015 I have traveled the country receiving awards which include International ICU Hero of the Year (Society of Critical Care Medicine) and The Erin K Flatley Spirit Award (Sepsis Alliance). I have spoken at The American Delirium Society in Boston and CHEST Convention in New Orleans and all across Kentucky. I currently serve on a patient advisory counsel at UK hospital and before Covid I volunteered in UK ICU as a mentor to critically ill patients.  I am a sepsis awareness advocate and currently working with The Kentucky Hospital Association and sepsis protocols. READ MORE About Me

On a Mission

Picture

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


Darrell Raikes

140 Eagles Next Drive Lebanon, Ky 40033
​270-402-1981


raikesbranch@gmail.com
Submit

Home

About Me

​Presentations

Survivor Stories​

Support Links

EZ Caregiver

Blog
Thank you for visiting my website. If I can ever help you or a loved one that has suffered from Sepsis or ARDS or just been in the ICU for an extended period please feel free to contact me. It always helps to talk to someone about your experiences.
Copyright © 2015
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Presentations
  • Survivor Stories
  • Support Links
  • EZ Caregiver
  • Blog