From Patient to Caregiver
On her 31st birthday, September 16, Liz Lee experienced a life-changing moment that would ultimately shape her future in ways she never expected. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into an emergency when she woke up from a nap feeling disoriented. A strange fog clouded her mind, and an overwhelming fatigue made her want to lie back down. Then, she realized she couldn’t lift her arm, and a tingling sensation spread through her hand.
Liz was having a stroke.
Her mother wasted no time and rushed her to HCA Florida Lake City Hospital for emergency care. As she arrived at the ER, her condition worsened — her face began to droop, and the reality of the situation set in. But before fear could take hold, the hospital’s expert stroke team leaped into action.
Liz was immediately taken to the stroke launchpad for assessment, followed by a CT scan for imaging services. Everything moved rapidly, and Liz recalls how much of it felt like a blur. The medical team worked swiftly, administering TNK (tenecteplase) — a clot-busting medication used in stroke treatment—before admitting her to the ICU for further monitoring and care.
Thanks to the rapid response and expert care she received at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, Liz’s condition improved. But what happened next was something even she didn’t anticipate.
As she recovered in the ICU, Liz, a registered nurse (RN) who had been working remotely, found herself deeply moved by the dedication of the hospital staff. She saw firsthand the compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care that set this hospital apart. The nurses, doctors, and staff didn’t just treat her symptoms—they treated her as a person, like family.
That experience inspired her.
Even before she was discharged, Liz made a life-changing decision: she wanted to join the very team that had saved her life. She applied for a position at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, determined to become a part of the culture of care that had meant so much to her as a patient.
For Liz, this hospital wasn’t just a place of healing — it was a place of purpose.
Today, Liz Lee is not just a survivor; she is an advocate, a caregiver, and a proud member of the HCA Florida Lake City Hospital family. Her journey from stroke patient to healthcare provider is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate care and the life-changing difference a dedicated medical team can make.
At HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, Liz found more than medical treatment — she found a calling. And now, she’s paying it forward, one patient at a time.