Our Patient Stories

Every day, patients pass through Parkland’s doors with inspiring stories of struggle, hope and strength. Here are just a few of the lives that have been healed by Parkland.

Hospital-level care, right at home

When David Ratliff returned home following the partial amputation of a toe, he did not leave Parkland Health behind. In many ways, the hospital came home with him. Ratliff had developed an infection in the bone of the middle toe on his right foot and needed continued intravenous antibiotics following surgery. Instead of remaining hospitalized to receive that treatment, he qualified for Parklan...

When an Employee Becomes a Patient, and that Patient Becomes a Survivor

“I help people stop using drugs and alcohol, advocate for them and provide any additional help in their journey to recovery,” said Wayne Sparks, who works at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Opioid Abatement as a Peer Recovery Navigator. Sparks has been encouraging patients to fight, persevere and overcome their substance abuse issues for years. But the line between patient and caregiver (navigat...

Parkland mammogram leads to early breast cancer diagnosis

Ann Harrington almost didn’t show up for the mammogram that would save her life. On August 13, 2022, she was busy preparing for an upcoming trip to Jamaica with her sisters, and her appointment for a free screening with Parkland Health’s Mobile Mammography Unit at Voice of Hope Ministries in West Dallas had slipped to the bottom of her to-do list. But Parkland Community Development Specialist ...

‘I Wasn’t Afraid of Death. I Was Afraid of Living’

This story discusses suicide, childhood abuse and substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out to a mental health professional or call or text 988 for help. “I’ve been shot. I’ve been left for dead so many times,” said Ervin Jones III, a Parkland Memorial Hospital patient who has stared death in the face on many occasions. “But my friends call me nin...

The strongest 8-year-old you’ve never met

“Scald burns can be extremely dangerous, especially for young children. Their skin is thinner than that of an adult. Hot liquids can cause a deep, severe burn in just seconds,” said Chiaka Akarichi, MD, Burn and Trauma Surgeon at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Those precious few seconds were all it took to change 8-year-old Aniya Rhodes’ life. An accident with hot water interrupted what otherwise...

“It’s Okay if the Only Thing You Did Today Was Breathe”

This story contains references to suicide and related experiences, which may be distressing for some readers. Please take care while reading. If you are in crisis or struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional or call your local crisis hotline. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit their website here . Vulnerability is a strength ...

Stories That Inspire, Care That Makes a Difference

See how Parkland’s care makes a lasting impact in the lives of the people we serve.