Hudson, FL — HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital hosted its annual Trauma Survivor Day Celebration on Friday, May 15, honoring the strength and resilience of trauma survivors and the care teams who support them.
The event brought together survivors, families, first responders, physicians, nurses and caregivers to recognize extraordinary journeys of survival and recovery.
A powerful highlight of the celebration was guest of honor Deputy Dakota Dellechiaie, a former Pinellas County deputy who survived a catastrophic crash on October 1, 2024. He was transported to HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital with a traumatic brain injury and multiple critical injuries that require rapid intervention and an extended stay in the intensive care unit.
During the celebration, Deputy Dellechiaie was presented with a special bracelet spelling “survivor” in Morse code—a symbolic tribute to his strength, perseverance and the journey he continues each day.
“Deputy Dellechiaie’s journey is a testament to resilience and the life-saving impact of coordinated trauma care,” said Sally Seymour, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. “We are honored to celebrate our survivors and their families. Their strength inspires us and their stories reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional care when every second counts.”
During the event, Deputy Dellechiaie’s wife, Angel, delivered an emotional tribute to the care team, reflecting on the profound impact of their work:
“None of this happened alone. To the doctors, the nurses, the therapists and every single person in this hospital who played a role in his care — you didn’t just treat a patient, you gave a husband back to his wife, a father back to his children and a life back to our family. There are no words big enough to fully express what that means, but please know we carry your impact with us every single day.”
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital’s trauma program serves a wide region, including Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and North Pinellas counties, spanning approximately 1,800 square miles. The hospital has been a state designated Level II Trauma Center since 2013 and achieved American College of Surgeons (ACS) verification in 2022.
In 2025, the trauma team treated more than 3,200 patients, with hundreds requiring the highest level of trauma activation. Since launching the program, the hospital has cared for more than 34,000 trauma patients, underscoring its critical role in the region.
The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team available around the clock, including trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists and critical care experts, along with dedicated emergency, operating room and intensive care unit teams. This integrated approach ensures patients receive rapid, comprehensive care from the moment they arrive through recovery and rehabilitation.
“Trauma Survivor Day is a reminder of why we do what we do,” added Seymour. “It’s about restoring lives, supporting families and strengthening our community through expert, compassionate care.”
The event concluded with a tribute honoring all survivors and caregivers, celebrating the hope and healing made possible every day at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.