top stories : : : :

"I want everybody to know that I'm not sick, just broken and currently under repair," said Helen Fernandez this week from her bed in Sonoma Valley Hospital's skilled nursing unit.

The well-known, much-loved and celebrated community leader and former honorary alcaldessa of Sonoma suffered arm and hip injuries two weeks ago in a fall in her home.  She was alone at the time and said she had to "scoot" along the floor to the phone and call for help. At 83, it was her first ride in the ambulance in what has become a series of "firsts" she's experienced since then. "I must say how grateful I am to all those who have taken care of me, from the paramedics in the ambulance to the doctors and staff in the emergency room and X-ray department, to my doctors Dennis Verducci, and Robert Harf, to the nurses and staff in the acute care, lab and surgery departments, and to Dr. Clinton Lane and the staff here in the skilled nursing unit and the wonderful people who run the occupational and physical therapy department," she added.

Fernandez has been a community leader and advocate for more than 50 years, having moved here with her late husband, Barney, in 1957. She is a former executive director of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, and has continued actively supporting local nonprofits and other community organizations right up to the present time. The injury, while putting her flat on her back, has not dampened her indomitable spirit and her appreciation of her family, friends and now the hospital staff.  "I celebrate every day that I have all these wonderful people in my life. I'm blessed," she said.

"I've walked the streets to drum up support for the hospital bonds, but this is the first time that I have really experienced why our community needs to support its hospital. It is more than just a building. It's the people. They're angels. Here I am, slightly broken, nearly helpless and bedridden, and all of these wonderful, caring, talented health professionals are here for me 24 hours, every day. They are so dedicated.  This is what, and who, we must fight to save. This is the message that people who have not experienced what I have, need to understand."

She added that she wants to thank all of the many people who have called, sent cards, flowers, candy and good wishes and she promised to be back out walking the streets of the town she loves very soon.

Please log in to comment:

*Member ID:
*Password:
	Forgot Your Password?

Not registered yet? Sign up here! (registration is free)

Note: All fields are required

Personal Information

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

ZIP code:

Phone:

Email: (this will serve as your username)

Desired password:

Re-type password: