BMC patient Valerie Campbell has learned so many things about herself throughout her medical journey. As someone who loves to laugh and has a spiritual approach to living, she still gets emotional about the time BMC saved her life. The story starts in 2021 during the height of COVID-19, when Valerie felt very stressed as a medical assistant and was mourning her nephew, who passed away in 2019.
She began experiencing migraines and knew something was wrong when she felt so sick that she could not move. Valerie went to BMC for care, where her physician discovered a benign meningioma tumor behind her right eye.
At BMC, I am home. Those are my people, my area, my surroundings.
Valerie was worried about getting surgery with Dr. Urvashi Upadhyay on the same day as her nephew’s memorial service, but timing worked out in her favor and Dr. Upadhyay was able to operate later in the week. Valerie pointed to the sky in gratitude. “I was like, yes, thank you. Thank you, nephew, because you knew I wanted to celebrate you on this day.”
On the day of the surgery, Valerie’s says her “spirit was right” because she knew she was in good hands. When she woke up post-op, she was surprised to see her face looked the same. “I’m like, oh my God, I’m cute!”
Dr. Upadhyay says that "it has been a privilege to care for Valerie. The amount of trust that a patient places in their neurosurgeon is astounding and humbling. To see Valerie doing well through her surgery and recovery is that much more rewarding. At BMC, I would like to think we take care of the whole patient, not just the diagnosis. In Valerie's case, access to our Preventative Food Pantry provided her access to fresh, healthy food critical to her healing and recovery.”
Valerie thanks BMC’s neurosurgery team for doing an amazing job — and it was only the beginning of her care at BMC.
During the recovery process, Valerie couldn’t go grocery shopping for herself, which is why she received a referral to BMC’s Preventative Food Pantry. Individuals with special nutritional needs are referred to the food pantry by BMC providers for supplemental foods that best promote physical health, prevent future illness, and facilitate recovery.
Valerie wanted to eat healthier and felt that BMC was there for her. She says that the food pantry really helped her to get fresh, better food and that they’re just all-around kind people. She was especially excited when she saw fresh bok choy – grown on BMC’s Rooftop Farms – going into her biweekly grocery bag.
Valerie’s recovery has been tough physically and emotionally, but her strong spirit (which she attributes to her mother) lets her enjoy life and take everything day-by-day.
“At BMC, I am home. Those are my people, my area, my surroundings. When it comes to my health and how BMC put me back together, it gave me a new perspective on life”