March 27, 2025

Unwavering faith: A trauma survivor's story for Doctors' Day

This Doctors' Day, we honor health care professionals through Monisha's remarkable journey of survival and recovery at California Hospital—a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of dedicated medical caregivers. Monisha reflected on her recovery eight years later at the Grand Tower Opening Celebration held this past January.

In 2017, Monisha's life changed forever when she was shot in downtown Los Angeles. In those critical moments as she lay wounded, she experienced what she describes as "an unwavering amount of faith within a wavering amount of faith."

"What we deem impossible can be possible," Monisha reflects. "You find yourself having hope for good."

A good samaritan took immediate action, transporting her to California Hospital's J. Thomas McCarthy Emergency Center and Leavey Trauma Center where staff quickly moved her to intensive care while assembling a team of top surgeons. The gravity of her condition became clear when doctors spoke with her family before major surgery, giving her just a 10% chance of recovery.

"My mother being familiar with math, she knew the probability was less than enough, but her faith was unwavering," Monisha shares.

For six weeks, Monisha remained in a medically induced coma while her body fought to heal. Throughout this period, the trauma team maintained open, honest communication with her family, helping them navigate the uncertainty with realistic yet compassionate guidance.

After ten weeks of hospitalization, Monisha had built enough strength to continue recovery at home. She left with an ileostomy bag, a wound vac machine, medications and a walker—but most importantly, with that same unwavering faith that had sustained her from the beginning.

"No matter the journey ahead, I stayed dedicated to doing my part," she affirms.

What makes Monisha's story particularly meaningful this Doctors' Day is how it transformed from being solely her experience to becoming "our story." Her then 9-year-old son showed remarkable strength throughout the ordeal, "persevering for not only myself, but the ones who I care for."

The trauma team at California Hospital didn't just treat her physical wounds; they formed what Monisha calls "an unbreakable bond" with her and her family. Their transparency created a foundation of trust during the most challenging circumstances.

"I want to thank California Hospital, the trauma team, board of directors, donors, everyone who had a part in making a better place," Monisha expressed at the opening celebration. "If we continue to change our perspectives of our situations, we can progress through adversities with an unwavering amount of faith."

Her message to health care providers everywhere resonates with profound gratitude: "Appreciation doesn't even touch what I feel for California Hospital and everyone at California Hospital."

On this Doctors' Day, we celebrate medical professionals who, like those who cared for Monisha, transform seemingly impossible situations into miracles through their skill, compassion and commitment to healing. Their work extends far beyond medical procedures—they become part of patients' journeys, offering not just treatment but hope when it matters most.

Honor our doctors today by making a gift at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org/DoctorsDay.