Patient Story of: Cathy Landau-Painter

Eight months ago, I was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident in rural Maine. My car left the road, struck a tree, and rolled twice. I was airlifted to a regional hospital for stabilization and then transferred by helicopter to HSS. I was a severe trauma patient, and there was no ambiguity about the seriousness of my condition.

Yet I am also a patient who still has her leg.

In the area of Maine where I live, access to highly specialized orthopedic trauma care is limited. Had I remained there, amputation would likely have been the outcome. Instead, I was extraordinarily fortunate to come under the care of Dr. Ricci at HSS.

When I later thanked him for saving my life, he gently corrected me. He said that he had not saved my life—he had saved my leg. That distinction, offered with characteristic humility, speaks volumes about the kind of physician he is.

Over the course of seven surgeries, eight days of sedation in the ICU, two weeks in intensive care, and 100 days in sub-acute rehabilitation, Dr. Ricci remained a constant source of expertise, reassurance, and support. He coordinated my care seamlessly with my neurosurgeon and reconstructive surgeon and approached every interaction with kindness, patience, and grace during one of the most frightening and uncertain periods of my life.

Today, I am back home in Maine. I am walking, navigating stairs independently, and looking forward to returning to my daily five-mile walks. As a new grandmother, I am especially excited to be able to play with my grandson without limitation.

Dr. Ricci and the entire team at HSS represent the very best of what medicine can and should be. Their technical excellence is world-class, but equally remarkable is the compassion and humanity with which that care is delivered.

I will always be deeply grateful for the skill, dedication, and extraordinary care that made my recovery - and my future - possible.