Doctors go above and beyond what they’re called to do, dedicating themselves to serving our communities while ensuring our health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no shortage of this and many had the opportunity to witness this exceptional care.
Kathryn’s story
People often encounter doctors when they’re at their weakest point when their bodies suddenly fail either due to age, an accident, the environment, or nowadays – a pandemic. It was after Kathryn Trautvetter of Marion, Indiana experienced her weakest moment when she became acquainted with Angela LaSalle, MD, PPG – Integrative Medicine.
Kathryn’s story began with a lupus diagnosis in 1979. Lupus can be triggered by certain types of medication, and a simple antibiotic prescribed for Kathryn did just that. It was Christmas 2015 when the antibiotic wiped out all good and bad gut bacteria, leaving her with chronic diarrhea for seven months. Prolonged bouts can not only lead to severe dehydration but also result in kidney failure.
Entering 2016, Kathryn’s situation turned from bad to worse. She was unable to get into her family doctor and had lost a substantial amount of weight along with proper nutrients. Kathryn and her husband, Ron, knew of Dr. LaSalle. After some time praying, Kathryn decided to call and was placed on Dr. LaSalle’s waiting list. However, when Kathryn initially received word that she was accepted as a patient, she also learned that it could be months before she would be able to meet with Dr. LaSalle.
Kathryn and Ron remained steadfast in their faith and continued to pray. Kathryn stated she was not sure how it happened but believes through a miracle, the following week, the phone rang and she was offered an appointment.
Even while waiting to meet Dr. LaSalle, Kathryn remembered it as a ‘different experience’ with the sound of a peaceful waterfall filling the waiting room. It was, at this appointment, that Kathryn received Genova Diagnostics testing. It was through these tests that Kathryn learned the antibiotic she had taken had killed all the ‘good' bacteria and was not allowing her body to properly heal, making her lupus worse. Dr. LaSalle gave Kathryn EnteraGam® powder that, after several months, would finally help recover the good microbes and repopulate Kathryn’s gut with good bacteria.
It was because of the wonderful care that Kathryn received and continues to receive today, that made her feel compelled to nominate Dr. LaSalle for a Parkview Foundations’ Guardian Angel recognition.
“She (Dr. LaSalle) and her team saved my life in 2016 and still provide excellent ideas ‘outside of the box’ for my healing and well-being. I appreciate her care so much,” Kathryn expressed in her recent nomination. “As a doctor, she spends the time with you when you come up there. She answers my tough questions and is always honest.”
The Guardian Angel program
In March, Parkview Foundations presented the opportunity for community members to honor a physician for Doctors’ Day through the Guardian Angel program. Almost 200 physicians were nominated and more than $28,750 was raised by way of National Doctors’ Day.
While National Doctors’ Day has passed, the Parkview Foundations still invites you to honor a doctor through the Guardian Angel program. You can still express your gratitude towards a physician for their skills, professionalism, compassion and conversations that have left a lasting impression. Along with your gift, your doctor will be recognized with a certificate, custom-crafted lapel pin and a personal note from you.
Your gift to the Foundation of your choice is critical in providing the best healthcare for you, your family, friends and community. If you would like to honor a physician, please visit our Guardian Angel program page today. Thank you and remember, your generosity heals!