Rachel was a freshman in high school. She was outgoing, involved in student government, loved sports, and enjoyed spending time with friends. What began as flu-like symptoms quickly got worse as each day passed. Rachel had extreme fatigue, constant fevers, blurred vision, brain fog, and was prone to passing out.

Her mother Tami took her from doctor to doctor, but no one seemed to know what was wrong with her. Rachel spent the next three years being home schooled. Tami began to put Rachel’s medical history, test results, scans, and notes from all of the doctors she had seen in a big blue binder. She carried the big blue binder from one doctor appointment to the next. “Most of the doctors wouldn’t even open the notebook. They told me they’re the medical experts and they would run their own tests.”

Rachel was finally diagnosed with a condition called dysautonomia. But, her symptoms got worse and she wasn’t getting any better. One doctor even said, “There is nothing more we can do for her. This is how it is going to be for her.” Disparaging words no parent should ever hear. Tami and her husband Kevin weren’t going to give up hope.

Five years, six hospitals and twenty-one doctors later, Kevin found Dr. David S. Cannom, Director of Cardiology at Good Sam.

Rachel and her family went to see Dr. Cannom on a Friday afternoon. Dr. Cannom asked if he could keep and review the big blue binder. With some hesitation, Tami gave it to him. “It felt like giving away the family bible.”That Sunday, Dr. Cannom called the Kirby’s at home. “I think I figured out what else is going on with Rachel.” In addition to the dysautonomia, Dr. Cannom diagnosed Rachel with a condition called mastocytosis.

“It was clear from the very first moment Dr. Cannom really cared about me and not just my disease,” recalls Rachel. Tami is forever grateful for the care Rachel received. “Dr. Cannom is an amazing doctor and person. He genuinely listened. Andy and the rest of Dr. Cannom’s team are incredible people.”

Rachel is doing fantastic and leads a normal life. She attends college in Idaho and enjoys spending time vacationing with her family.

As a non-profit hospital, Good Sam is able to use your gift immediately for programs and services, upgrade medical equipment, and to remain at the forefront of healthcare while providing healing and hope to all our patients.

Your gift to Good Samaritan has the power to save lives just like Rachel’s. We hope you will make a difference in the lives of so many grateful patients by making a gift today.

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