Claudette Dunnaway

Claudette Dunnaway, a patient at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, harbored resentment towards healthcare and hospitals for most of her life. Her mistrust came from a traumatic experience where medical staff made her feel ashamed, and not important enough for someone to hear her cry for help. This led to prolonged suffering in never wanting to see a doctor or hospital ever again. 

In November of 2023, Claudette found herself in a health predicament she could not ignore. She started to notice certain things in her body were not right and felt much slower. "The thought of seeing a doctor brought me such anxiety," said Claudette. "I was scared to see another doctor who might laugh at me. I was dealing with a constant cough and trying all the home remedies I could to avoid the hospital, but it was hopeless." Her husband soon convinced her to go to the ER, where her mind flooded with memories of past traumas.

Claudette was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and restricts airflow. She was placed in Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s MICU and shortly after, in the Rehab unit of the hospital. To her surprise, she felt an overwhelming calm sensation with the staff taking care of her. 

“In all my years of coming to a hospital, I have never come across so many nice people and staff,” said Claudette. “I thought, my goodness, I have been coming to all the wrong places for my health. You all made me feel like I’m a queen. I am so appreciative because I’ve never seen care like this.”

Claudette felt a strong connection with the nursing team as it reminded her of her own family. “Many of the nurses are young and remind me of my granddaughter. They always knew exactly what I needed and what I was trying to communicate. Even when I was coughing a lot and not able to speak, they showed me that you do not have to talk to show or receive love.” 

Along with the great care she received, she credits the staff’s generosity for the reason she’s here today. 

“This year has been my absolute worst and my absolute best. It’s the best because of this incredible staff and how they helped save my life and my fears,” said Claudette. “If I didn’t experience myself, I would have never believed it.”