When 82-year-old David Adams arrived at Hoag’s Emergency Department over Labor Day weekend, he believed he was being treated for simple shortness of breath. Within hours, his family learned he was fighting for his life.
A CT scan revealed a large kidney stone blocking his ureter and trapping a severe infection. Hoag urologist Hanson Zhao, MD, placed a stent to relieve the obstruction, the standard, lifesaving first step in this situation. Even with prompt and appropriate treatment, the underlying infection had surged into David’s bloodstream. Within hours, his kidneys were failing, and fluid had flooded his lungs. His condition rapidly deteriorated.
In those critical moments, Hoag’s care teams became the lifeline the family desperately needed.
ICU charge nurse Sarah Comstock, RN, quickly coordinated with nephrologist Sajeet Sawhney, MD, who arrived at David’s bedside and initiated continuous renal replacement therapy, a 24-hour system that slowly removed toxins and stabilized his failing organs. Under the leadership of ICU physician Mouhamed Farhat, MD, an entire team of nurses, respiratory therapists, and patient care assistants monitored his vital signs, adjusted medications, and stayed present with the family through days of fear and uncertainty.
Their vigilance paid off. David began to wake. His breathing tube was removed. Though weak, he whispered the words his family will never forget: “I’m not ready to die.”
Leaving the ICU after nine days, Hoag nurses and patient care assistants helped David relearn the basic tasks that illness had taken from him. Their encouragement made each small victory feel monumental.
From there, David transferred to the Fudge Family Acute Rehabilitation Center, where a deeply collaborative team stepped in—led by Brian Boone, PT, DPT, head nurse Lisa Fahey, and Keyvan Esmaeili, MD. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists, along with nurses and patient care assistants, guided him through the hard work of rebuilding strength, balance, and confidence. Their compassion transformed daunting challenges into achievable steps.
Twenty-four days after his arrival by ambulance, David walked out of Hoag and returned home. With continued therapy through Hoag at Home, he regained his full independence. One month later, he was back to life on Lido Island—driving his vintage hot rods, cruising his Duffy boat, and celebrating his 83rd birthday alongside family, friends, and several of the caregivers who stood by him.
For David’s son, the experience changed everything. “They didn’t just save my dad,” he shared. “They gave him back to us.”
David has been a longtime philanthropic partner to Hoag, supporting many vital areas. In gratitude, the family made a gift to Hoag’s nursing scholarship program—honoring the nurses and care teams whose expertise and compassion carried David through his most vulnerable days.
Their story reflects the best of Hoag: clinical excellence, teamwork at every level, and care that treats patients like family.
Stories like David’s show what compassionate, expert care can achieve. Your support helps ensure more families experience the same exceptional care.
David Adams with members of his Hoag care team
