Doctors, patients and EMS partners at Broward Health North’s Trauma Survivors Day Luncheon
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Broward Health North hosted its annual Trauma Survivors Day Luncheon, bringing together around 10 trauma survivors, their families, emergency responders and medical teams to celebrate resilience, recovery and the lifesaving collaboration behind trauma care.
Held in recognition of National Trauma Survivors Month, the event honored former trauma patients whose lives were forever changed by their injuries, while recognizing the physicians, nurses, EMS personnel and rehabilitation teams who supported them immediately upon entering the hospital doors and throughout their recovery journeys.
“Today, we honor the courage, strength and resilience you showed in the face of the unimaginable, and the long, hard road you walked to reclaim your lives,” said Matthew Garner, chief executive officer of Broward Health North, as he addressed the crowd of survivors. “Hearing your stories means the world to our entire team, especially our trauma staff, who pour themselves into their patients but don’t always get to see how the story ends.”
One of the most emotional moments of the luncheon came as survivors shared their personal journeys of recovery. Among the speakers was Ashley Fyfe, a 34-year-old mother of two who survived a devastating car crash in 2022 that resulted in the loss of her dominant right arm. Joined by her son, Fyfe reflected on her recovery journey, the care she received at Broward Health North and the strength that inspired her “unstoppable” tattoo.
Her emotional speech ended with a powerful message. “Trauma does not predict your future,” Fyfe said. “What predicts your future is the mindset you choose to have.”
Other survivors who shared their stories included Christopher Powers, a Pompano Beach resident and car crash survivor who thanked his care team and gave a special shout out to his father for supporting him throughout his recovery.
Another survivor, Mirtha Sanchez-Teran, shared thanks to Coral Springs EMS personnel for their help in her lifesaving care.
Daniel Joseph, a pastor and motor vehicle crash survivor, returned to the event for a second consecutive year. After sharing his story, he presented the Broward Health North trauma team with a custom-made plaque in recognition of their compassion and service.
Walter Capillo, a Fort Lauderdale resident who lost a leg following a motorcycle collision in 2019, attended the luncheon in support of fellow survivors and caregivers.
Also in attendance were Fire Rescue teams from across Broward County, including Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Lauderhill and Margate, to surprise patients.
Additional remarks were delivered by trauma leadership, including Mario Gomez, D.O., trauma medical director at Broward Health North, and Timothy Dickhudt, M.D., director of trauma intensive care unit, who highlighted the importance of coordinated trauma care and long-term rehabilitation in helping patients reclaim their lives after catastrophic injuries.
“Thank you for being here and reminding us that hope and recovery are always possible,” Dr. Gomez said to the crowd of survivors. “Your courage lights the way for others who are just beginning their path to healing.”
The annual luncheon serves as an opportunity for survivors to reconnect with the care teams and first responders who played a role in their recovery while inspiring others facing similar challenges.
Broward Health treats more than 7,000 trauma patients every year; their stories are living proof of what’s possible when expert care meets unshakable determination.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.
Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $523 million in charity and uncompensated care.
For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
