Columbus, Ga. (August 7, 2025) – Ellen White, from St. Simon’s Island unexpectedly became a patient at Piedmont Columbus. Her journey to Piedmont—and the healthcare team that saved her life—inspired her to give back. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your story.
For several months in early Spring 2025, Ellen White from St. Simons Island felt ill. Ellen, who lives alone, was experiencing extreme fatigue and pain in her arms, legs, and back. She attributed her symptoms to her existing anemia, so she decided she didn’t need to see a doctor just yet, and instead drove herself to Columbus, GA to help her granddaughter bake a cake for a school project. Ellen felt something wasn’t right and had to lie down after they finished the project. Both Ellen and her family decided it was time to go to the Piedmont Columbus Northside Emergency Department, where the team quickly discovered that Ellen had suffered a massive heart attack. Needing immediate surgery, Ellen was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Midtown where surgeons inserted two stents into her heart.
Post-surgery, Ellen stayed with her family in Columbus to recover but began feeling worse and needed additional medical care. Upon returning to the Piedmont Columbus Northside Emergency Department, Ellen was diagnosed with kidney failure related to her recent heart attack and was admitted to the ICU for several days. Thanks to the swift action and quality care of the Piedmont team, Ellen is now adjusting back to life on her own and regaining her strength and stamina. She was even able to travel to Rhode Island for a family trip in July!
Grateful for Piedmont's extraordinary, lifesaving care, Ellen wanted to give back. She decided to contribute to Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation’s Thank a Caregiver program, which allows patients and family members to give a donation in honor of a Piedmont staff member or team. Ellen's gift honors several Piedmont team members, including Billy Brewer, RN at Piedmont Columbus Midtown who stayed by her side and comforted her when she experienced incredible anxiety and Dr. Fnu Sonia and the ICU team at Piedmont Columbus Northside whose kindness and care went above and beyond throughout her care journey.
Piedmont is grateful for Ellen’s gift honoring these caregivers, who embody our promise to make a positive difference in every life we touch. If you would like to make a gift honoring a Piedmont team member or team who made a positive difference in your healthcare journey, please visit piedmont.org/gratitude.