Donna Bryan

“Be strong and courageous…for the Lord is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Donna Bryan is from Russellville, KY, where she has lived her whole life. Donna and her husband own a business, PRO Service of Kentucky, where she does the bookkeeping. At 58 years old, she enjoys retired life by spending time with family and friends. She has two children and seven grand-babies. She dedicates time to her faith at her church, First Christian Church.

In August, Donna tested positive for COVID-19, as did her spouse, son, and mother. Donna ended up at Greenview Hospital a week later with worsening symptoms. They began treating her for COVID-19 and pneumonia. Her shortness of breath was severe, with her stats dropping near 80%. Due to her condition, Donna required the support of a ventilator.

A week later, Donna began dialysis. As time went on, she began to improve. Her physicians removed her sedation and fentanyl. They grew concerned when she didn’t respond or wake up. Shortly after that, she underwent surgery for a new dialysis port and feeding tube. After recovering from surgery, her eyes opened for the first time in a while. The next day they inserted a trach, and her lungs collapsed, which required a chest tube.

Donna experienced a rollercoaster of challenges during her recovery. After 35 days Donna was removed from the ventilator, awake, and no longer in need of dialysis treatment. She moved out of the ICU, ready to start the next phase of her recovery.

Five days later, Donna began eating and drinking again. She was finally strong enough to move to Signature Bowling Green after 70 days in the hospital. About a month later, she arrived at Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital. Donna’s daughter, Kristen, was very adamant about transferring her to SKY Rehab for more intensive therapy.

After a month of hard work at SKY Rehab, Donna returned home with continued care from home health services. Upon discharge, she explained, “I’m truly a miracle. Doctors thought I was brain dead.” She is forever grateful for the support she received from her family, friends, and care team throughout her recovery.

When asked what got her through this journey, she said, “The power of prayer. I had thousands of people praying for me. I think God allows us to grow in these difficult situations. I am a miracle, but I also had the right people in my path – doctors, nurses, and my therapy team.”