Rosemarie Willette

My Proud Story...

My healthcare career began after my son was killed from complications after a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs. He was DOA, revived four times, in a coma and on life support. He fought for his life and came out of it with not only serious physical injuries, but he had traumatic brain injury as well. The care of the staff was extraordinary; even in his fragile state, he responded to those who truly showed passion for their careers by going above and beyond to make him smile. He was 18 at the time of the accident, but had the mind of a child. After four years on dialysis, his heart unexpectedly gave out; he died at the age of 22. I was broken and fell into a deep depression - all I did was sleep or cry. One day, my remaining child Jessica sat on my bed and said "Momma, I didn't just lose Josh, I lost you, too.” It was at that moment I knew I had to find a way to live again, for my daughter and for the memory of my son. I decided to channel all the energy I was spending on grieving and crying into something positive. I moved to Pennsylvania, enrolled in school, and began working at St. Luke's. It changed my life, gave me a sense of purpose and knowing what it feels like to be on the patient's side of healthcare enables me the empathy and patience to be better at my job. It also fulfills me, knowing that I have chosen to use my energy to help others and live a life that would make both my son and daughter proud. I feel in my case, my healthcare career gave me my life back. I have had many patients tell me that I am special, and I hope that will always be true.

Rosemarie Willette
MA, PCA, SLPG, Pulmonary & Critical Care
Hired in 2014