Four years ago, Betty Mandarano spent six weeks in ICU on a ventilator in an induced coma with severe COVID-19. “It was touch and go for a while but thanks to the efforts of the incredible St Vincent’s team I’m able to enjoy life and time with my wonderful family.”
When Betty was finally able to return home, she received a standing ovation from the Melbourne Intensive Care Unit (ICU) team. The team said it was Betty’s fighting spirit and positivity that had been an inspiration to them all.
The family raised funds through their networks to thank the ICU team for saving Betty’s life.
During the height of COVID-19, iPads were an essential communication tool for the Mandarno family because they were unable to visit their mum in the ICU. All their precious connections were made via video calls. That’s why the ICU team opted to purchase four iPads and headphones for patients with the funds raised because of the vital connection this device created for Betty and her family.
It’s been almost four years since Betty and her sons Anthony and Norman have been at Vincent’s - time for a reunion!
PHOTO: Members of St Vincent's ICU team with former patient Betty Mandarano (center).
Betty recently came to St Vincent’s for a meeting with the team that saved her life. Returning was a particularly emotional experience for Betty. “It was really overwhelming but also exciting to be back.”
One person who has had a lasting impact on Betty is Pastoral Care Practitioner Annie. “I broke down when I saw Annie. She was so special to me because she sat with me every day while I was in the ICU. She gave me strength. She was my lifeline during that time.”
PHOTO: Left - Betty Mandarano is reunited with Pastoral Care Practitioner Annie. Right - One of the iPads that was purchased with the funds raised by the Mandarano family.
Betty was so heavily impacted by COVID-19 that she’s still receiving physio three times a week to help with her long-term recovery. “I’m better but not the old Betty. I still struggle with energy and some pain.”
Richard Thayer, St Vincent’s Foundation Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager said, “It was wonderful to be able to welcome Betty and her family back to St Vincent’s. Returning to the hospital was an important part of her healing process and provided her family an opportunity to share their stories and thank the ICU staff for the care she received.
“It was also great to demonstrate how the funds the family raised are going to make a significant difference to countless ICU patients. The iPads will be an important communication tool, enabling patients to stay connected with their loved ones.”
Betty said there’s not a day that goes by when she doesn’t think about her time in the ICU and thank St Vincent’s. “I’m so grateful to the doctors, nurses, the orderlies and even the cleaners. Everybody helped and they were all in it together. I want to say a special thank you to Dr Barry Dickson and all the doctors and nurses who looked after me.”
If you've received great care at St Vincent's and want to show your appreciation, you can set up your own fundraising page, just like the Mandarano family did.
