1:10pm
Last Friday night, Taylor finally met Pat Guity.
Weeks after it was apparent that Taylor was well on his way to recovery, and the likelihood that something bad may happen had passed, his Neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Campanelli, told us a story about him being stopped on the way to the hospital.
On March 6th (Black Tuesday) when Taylor's intercranial pressure rose to potentially fatal levels, Dr. Campanelli was called at home and he hurried to the hospital to do emergency surgery. We were with Taylor and knew something very scary was happening, and suspected what we later learned - that his survival was in jeopardy.
Enroute to the hospital, Dr. Campanelli became stuck in traffic that was backed up due to a traffic crash. The particular road he was on has no cross streets nearby and he was unable to cross the elevated median. He notified the hospital to sterilize Taylor's room, thinking he may have to do the surgery there to save his life.
He then saw an ambulance coming from behind him, traveling on the right of way, and saw his opportunity. He pulled to the shoulder behind the ambulance and followed to the intersection, then scooted through hoping no one would notice.
He thought wrong. Officer Pat Guity went after him and pulled him over. Dr. Campanelli told Officer Guity that he had a patient in trouble and needed to get to the hospital fast. Officer Guity told him to go without verifying anything. He didn't go through the "registration and insurance" routine, didn't call the hospital to verify his story, he just told Dr. Campanelli to go.
That decision may have made a huge impact on Taylor's survival and recovery.
Last Friday night, we showed up at shift change. No one but Officer Guity's Lieutenant knew we were coming and why we were there. Suzie told the story of the traffic stop and how Officer Guity's decision to trust that he was being told the truth by Dr. Campanelli may have contributed to helping save Taylor's life. As I looked at the 20 or so Officers at briefing, there were several that were obviously moved by the story as she told it. We know the reality is that not every police officer would have been so trusting. In fact, if it happened in the small town where we live, Dr. Campanelli may STILL be sitting on the side of the road getting the 3rd degree.
Taylor then gave Officer Guity a necklace bearing a St. Christopher medal he purchased for him in hopes it helps keep him safe at work and in his travels.
Last Friday night, Taylor finally met Pat Guity.
Weeks after it was apparent that Taylor was well on his way to recovery, and the likelihood that something bad may happen had passed, his Neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Campanelli, told us a story about him being stopped on the way to the hospital.
On March 6th (Black Tuesday) when Taylor's intercranial pressure rose to potentially fatal levels, Dr. Campanelli was called at home and he hurried to the hospital to do emergency surgery. We were with Taylor and knew something very scary was happening, and suspected what we later learned - that his survival was in jeopardy.
Enroute to the hospital, Dr. Campanelli became stuck in traffic that was backed up due to a traffic crash. The particular road he was on has no cross streets nearby and he was unable to cross the elevated median. He notified the hospital to sterilize Taylor's room, thinking he may have to do the surgery there to save his life.
He then saw an ambulance coming from behind him, traveling on the right of way, and saw his opportunity. He pulled to the shoulder behind the ambulance and followed to the intersection, then scooted through hoping no one would notice.
He thought wrong. Officer Pat Guity went after him and pulled him over. Dr. Campanelli told Officer Guity that he had a patient in trouble and needed to get to the hospital fast. Officer Guity told him to go without verifying anything. He didn't go through the "registration and insurance" routine, didn't call the hospital to verify his story, he just told Dr. Campanelli to go.
That decision may have made a huge impact on Taylor's survival and recovery.
Last Friday night, we showed up at shift change. No one but Officer Guity's Lieutenant knew we were coming and why we were there. Suzie told the story of the traffic stop and how Officer Guity's decision to trust that he was being told the truth by Dr. Campanelli may have contributed to helping save Taylor's life. As I looked at the 20 or so Officers at briefing, there were several that were obviously moved by the story as she told it. We know the reality is that not every police officer would have been so trusting. In fact, if it happened in the small town where we live, Dr. Campanelli may STILL be sitting on the side of the road getting the 3rd degree.
Taylor then gave Officer Guity a necklace bearing a St. Christopher medal he purchased for him in hopes it helps keep him safe at work and in his travels.
5 comments:
Oh my God. What an awesome thing for Taylor to give him. My eyes are not dry just looking at that picture of the two of them.
Love, Mel
Yeah all this time later you're still making Aunt Mary cry in Tampa. I miss you guys. Long time no talk, somebody call me! I drive home at about 545 every day ...xo
Keep up the steady recovery Taylor. It's great to hear you are doing so well.
Good luck with the rest of your recovery Taylor. Your a strong guy and an incredible fighter. Good work Officer Guity!
-Dominic Arcuri, Tampa
Taylor, Your mom told me about this blog. Your story is an incredible one. Full of hope. Good luck in all your endeavors! Mark Carpanini
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