Dignity Health | Be well | Spring 2018

North State today who have returned home and are independently living their lives,” Dr. Helseth says. “If their strokes had occurred two years ago, there’s a chance they wouldn’t be at home.” And it’s not just making a difference in Redding. Dr. Helseth has used the technology to treat stroke patients from Modoc County to the coast. While stroke is the main focus, a lot of other treatments can be done with the biplane equipment, he adds. For instance, the biplane suite makes it possible to treat an aneurysm—a dangerous bulge in a blood vessel—much faster and without open surgery. Built with your support “Our community played a big role DONATE TO THE NORTH STATE supportmercynorth.org in helping to fund the nearly $10 million project,” says Mercy Foundation North President Maggie Redmon. Donors contributed more than $1 million for the Stroke and Vascular Advancement and Services Project, which includes stroke care and future heart- related treatments. Some donors gave large gifts of $100,000 and $250,000. “It shows that people really care about health care in our community,” Redmon says. “And they understood the difference this technology would make.” Back to brushstrokes Melanie doesn’t recall much about her treatment—just that a lot of people were working quickly to help her. At one point in the biplane suite, Dr. Helseth asked if she could move, and she gave the thumbs up. “My most vivid memory is how happy everybody in that room was,” she says. Before her stroke, Melanie had no idea that such technology even existed. She also wasn’t aware of a heart condition that likely caused her stroke. She says MMCR restored what the stroke had begun to take away. “You might call it a stroke of luck,” she says. Thanks to her quick treatment, she’s been able to continue her love of landscape painting. But these days Melanie is working on a self-portrait, a painting she says she feels compelled to do. “I want to say something about my stroke,” Melanie says. That she’s still able to paint it says enough for us. Face—has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms—can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech—is their speech slurred? Time to call 911—if you spot any single one of these signs. When a stroke strikes, act F.A.S.T. MORE THAN WORDS: The landscape Melanie Hirdler is painting holds a special meaning for this stroke survivor. 17 Dignity Health North State