HOSPITAL TRANSITIONS

Life can change in an instant — one moment you’re camping in the great outdoors with friends, the next you’re fighting for your life. At Wellworth, we’ve seen firsthand how a single catastrophic event can thrust patients and their families into a maze of medical jargon, bureaucratic hurdles, and emotional turmoil. That’s why expert advocacy isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. In this month’s newsletter, we share Catherine Lawton’s remarkable journey from a campsite to medical school, illustrating how timely coordination, compassionate support, and a holistic approach can transform a nightmare into a springboard for growth.

Situation

Lawton’s life was upended by a freak accident when an oak tree fell on her tent while camping in Kentucky. She suffered multiple serious injuries, including collapsed lungs, a fractured pelvis, a broken back and a paralyzed leg. She was airlifted from the accident location and received emergency surgery at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, a level 1 trauma facility.

With injuries spanning multiple systems, Catherine’s care became extraordinarily complex. Her medical team was extensive, and navigating her recovery required expert advocacy. The next day, her father reached out to Wellworth — and that decision became a turning point. With deep experience in high-acuity cases, Wellworth stepped in to coordinate, communicate and fight for the care Catherine needed.

Following multiple surgeries over the course of 25 days, Catherine was transferred from Kentucky to Cleveland Clinic’s Beachwood Rehabilitation Hospital for continued care and rehabilitation. As Catherine prepared to transition from her initial hospital to another for continued care, the complexity of her medical needs and the logistics of the move presented significant challenges. Wellworth stepped in once again to offer their expert support during this critical phase of her recovery.

Support

• Clinical coordination and advocacy
  Wellworth advised Catherine’s family on how best to advocate for her care, facilitated communication among her various specialists and ensured her treatment plan remained unified and patient-centered. From trauma surgeons to spinal-cord specialists and rehabilitation therapists, we made sure every caregiver had the full picture — no dropped balls, no confusing handoffs.

• Logistics and emotional support
  Beyond medical coordination, Wellworth managed the nonclinical aspects of Catherine’s transition. We arranged transportation between hospitals, navigated the maze of treatment decisions and provided emotional support to Catherine and her family during an incredibly stressful time. Because healing isn’t just physical: it’s deeply emotional. By prioritizing her well-being, we preserved a sense of normalcy even amid uncertainty.

• Post-discharge planning and second opinions
  After Catherine’s discharge, Wellworth arranged a second opinion with a top rehabilitation-medicine specialist, attended the appointment and provided detailed notes to help the family understand potential next steps. Recognizing that creativity can be a powerful tool in healing, we ensured Catherine had space, materials, and encouragement to pursue her love of painting — an outlet that fueled her motivation as she rebuilt strength.

Outcome

Thanks to Wellworth’s comprehensive support, Catherine could focus on what mattered most: her recovery. With her medical transitions expertly managed, hours on hold and paperwork battles were reduced to minutes of meaningful dialogue. She returned to college just four months after the accident — resuming her engineering degree and setting her sights on a medical career.

Today, Dr. Catherine Lawton is in her residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, caring for others who face similar uphill battles. She credits her post-traumatic growth to a blend of personal determination, artistic expression, and the “village” that rallied around her — Wellworth included. Five years after that fateful camping trip, Catherine celebrated her “survival day” by kayaking to a remote Canadian island to paint plein-air — proof that life after trauma can be more vivid than one might imagine.

Wellworth’s comprehensive support not only helped with the practical aspects of the transition but also empowered Catherine to continue pursuing her passion for art during recovery, giving her a sense of normalcy and motivation. She still relies on Lofstrand crutches — soon to be replaced by a cane — as she continues her rehabilitation. Every morning, she wakes up feeling both fortunate and blessed.

Whether it’s coordinating multiple surgeries, smoothing out a complicated transfer, or ensuring emotional well-being through art and advocacy, Wellworth is committed to guiding families through the toughest medical journeys. Catherine’s story reminds us that recovery isn’t just about mending bones — it’s about restoring hope, nurturing passions, and forging a path forward.

If you or a loved one is facing a complex medical transition, don’t navigate it alone. Contact us at Wellworth to learn how our experienced advisors can become your lifeline in moments that matter most.