November 18, 2023

By Kimberly Stern

Centerpoint Medical Center, a Certified Level II Trauma Center reunited medical and rehab care teams and first responders with Brandi Fields, a 27-year-old woman who suffered a gunshot wound that left her with severe injuries and the possibility she would never walk again.

“Our Great Save event recognizes the heroes who work every day to save a life, before patients like Brandi even arrive at our hospital,” said Centerpoint Medical Center CEO Bret Kolman. “Tomorrow’s powerful celebration of life will provide all in attendance a sense of healing and a large measure of gratitude.”

“Our trauma team and emergency room staff have the honor of working with some of the region’s best first responders who represent the most skilled professionals and compassionate hearts in healthcare,” said Centerpoint Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Darryl Nelson. “Their work in helping save patient lives like Brandi’s, when minutes and seconds can mean the difference between life and death, is nothing short of a miracle.”

Centerpoint Medical Center is a Certified Level II Trauma Center and part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider.

Lee’s Summit EMS transported Fields to Centerpoint Medical Center’s Certified Level II Trauma Center on June 3, 2023, following a gunshot wound to her left side. On arrival, Fields was immediately taken to the OR due to the severity of her wounds, which included a left arm fracture, rib fractures, left pneumothorax, a spinal cord injury and significant blood loss. On June 19, Fields was admitted to Centerpoint Medical Center’s inpatient rehab unit where she required dependent assistance for all care. She worked closely with the therapy team, nursing team, case management, and physicians to achieve a discharge goal of returning home to her mother at a supervision to independent level.

Fields shared with her rehab team that she had tickets to attend the July 22, 2023, Beyonce concert in Chicago and the collective goal became to ensure she was at Soldier Field to see one of her favorite performers. Medical letters of necessity were sent and reserved seats on the plane and at the concert were secured. Fields was discharged from inpatient rehab to her home on July 19 and within a few days she boarded a plane for Chicago. Several weeks after the concert, Fields paid a visit to the rehab unit to share details of the experience, proud of how well she was able to navigate the trip.

Now a patient at AbilityKC, Centerpoint Medical Center’s partnering rehab day program, Fields’ perseverance and motivation, combined with the expertise and support of her medical and rehab teams, has helped her achieve a goal she never thought possible: walking.