Resources
We're collecting resources that are helpful to families and patients trying to navigate and understand ECMO, ICU recovery and what comes next. Please check back frequently, we will continue to add resources.
Resources for Families and ICU Patients
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Resources Developed by Maria's Miracle
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More About ECMO
Johns Hopkins Medicine ECMO Patient and Family Resources
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Dr. Bush from Johns Hopkins Medicine explains ECMO
The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Resources for Patients and Families
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What is ECMO? Explained by American Thoracic Society
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Nebraska Medicine Adult Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Family Guide
Coping strategies Maria's community used to cope with her illness
 BraceletsMaria's friends and family ordered My Intent bracelets with "OUR MARIA" engraved |  Daily Prayer CallsFamily from all over the globe gathered daily to pray together. |  PoetryMaria's cousin Belen wrote a poem. |
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 Meditation for MariaMaria's yoga family, friends and co-workers mediated as a group. |  ArtMaria's cousin Carolina painted her favorite flower. |  Hiking in EcuadorMaria's cousins hiked in the Andes. |
Recovery Reading
Looking to learn more about the recovery journey? Consider picking up one of the books below.
Recovery from Critical Illness
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In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope
Author: Dr. Rana Awdish
A firsthand account from a young critical care physician, who in the passage of a moment is transformed into a dying patient.
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Author: Dr. Wes Ely
A world-renowned critical care doctor offers hope for ICU patients and their families in this timely, urgent, and compassionate narrative.
Recovery from Trauma
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What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Authors: Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Our earliest experiences shape our lives, and this book provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand.
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8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery: Take-Charge Strategies to Empower Your Healing
Author: Babette Rothschild
There are several key principles that can help make trauma recovery safe and effective. This book shares skills to understand and implement eight keys to successful trauma healing.
Recovery from COVID-19
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COVID-19: A Guide to Home Healthcare
Authors: Dr. Matt Croughan, Jess Croughan, et al.
This book uses everyday terms and personal experience to help readers prepare for, manage, and recover from COVID-19.
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The COVID-19 Survival Guide: How to Prepare for, Manage, and Overcome a Coronavirus Infection
Author: Dr. Abigail S. Hardin
Navigate the full COVID-19 experience—from diagnosis to recovery—with hope, confidence, and expert guidance in this handbook from a frontline healthcare professional.
Virtual Support Groups
- The ECMO Adult Survivors and Family Members Facebook group offers two weekly support groups for ARDS/ECMO survivors and their families and caregivers. While these groups are not COVID-19 specific, they offer a great opportunity to learn from other survivors and caregivers.
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Tuesday at 8:00 pm ET is geared towards survivors although caregivers are welcome.
Thursday at 8:00 pm ET is a specific group focused on caregivers only.
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To be sent the zoom link to these groups please email Paula at blonskipaula@gmail.com.
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GriefShare.org: Thousands of GriefShare support groups meet weekly around the world. Visit or join a group at anytime. And attend as many meetings as you like.