Honoring Strength, Resilience and the People Behind Every Recovery

At Mary Washington Healthcare, healing extends far beyond the hospital walls.

Each year, the Trauma Survivors Reception brings together survivors, loved ones, first responders and care teams to honor the strength it takes to heal after a traumatic injury. The event is a powerful reminder that behind every trauma case is a story of resilience, connection, and hope.

“No one wakes up and expects to experience trauma,” said Corey Wright, M.D., Trauma Medical Director, Mary Washington Healthcare.

“When it happens, patients are placing complete trust in the people around them. That responsibility is something we carry with us every single day.”

A team effort from the first response to recovery

Trauma arrives without warning, changing lives in an instant. In those critical moments, care often begins long before a patient reaches the hospital.

It may start with a bystander calling for help. Then Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers step in, delivering lifesaving care in the field and transporting patients to Mary Washington Hospital. Once the patient arrives, an entire trauma team mobilizes within moments. Emergency physicians, nurses and specialists work side by side to stabilize and treat patients, followed by rehabilitation teams who guide recovery long after discharge.

“Trauma care is truly a team effort,” said Courtney Caton, Director of Trauma Services at Mary Washington Healthcare. “From the field to the hospital to rehabilitation, every person plays a role in helping patients heal and return to their lives.”

Celebrating the survivors

For survivors, the journey is deeply personal and often marked by uncertainty, perseverance, and strength.

At this year’s reception, Mary Washington Healthcare recognized survivors Tiffany, Tara and Tammy, who came to the health system following a serious car accident. Despite facing significant challenges during their time in care, they never gave up.

Their stories, along with others shared throughout the event offered powerful reminders of why this work matters.

“It’s very rare in this job that we get to see patients after we drop them off,” one EMS provider shared. “To come back months later and see them doing well — it reminds you why you chose this profession.”

For survivors, the event creates space to reflect, reconnect, and thank the people who helped them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“I’m here because of them,” one patient said. “I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Another shared, “I feel blessed. God put the right people in my path at the right time to help me get to this point.”

Why trauma care matters

The importance of trauma care extends beyond individual stories. As the region’s only trauma center, Mary Washington Healthcare plays a critical role in ensuring timely access to lifesaving care. Without it, patients would face significantly longer transport times — time that can make all the difference.

The Trauma Survivors Reception brings the entire journey together, from crisis to recovery, and honors the people who make it possible.

It is a reminder that healing is never done alone.

At Mary Washington Healthcare, we are proud to stand beside our survivors every step of the way.

Want to learn more? Explore our trauma center services and support programs to see how Mary Washington Healthcare cares for patients and families throughout every stage of recovery.