Dear Dr. Grande, Dr. Tummala, and the rest of the amazing team,

Nobody wants to suddenly find themselves in the hospital needing emergency brain surgery, but there I was. I could not have asked for a better team to take care of me, not just during the surgery but before and after.

Dr. Grande, I can’t remember exactly what you said to me before the surgery, but I do know that you helped me feel less fearful. I had no doubt that I would be OK. I also want to thank the nurse who asked me what music I would like to listen to. At the time, I thought it was kind of silly, since I would soon be asleep, but when she played Sarah McLachlan, it really helped to calm me.

I cannot thank you all enough times to show how much I appreciate what you did for me. If it weren’t for you, I would not be alive today. Because of you, I am still physically able to paddleboard, kayak, bike, hike, and jet ski. I can still take nature photographs and care for my pets. I went back to a job I love just one month after my surgery.

Greg also thanks you. He was not ready to say goodbye to his wife.

Dr. Grande, for the last six years, you’ve made it very clear that you are always there for me. You really do care about your patients, and it shows. Greg and I consider you and your family dear friends. I will spend the rest of my life saying, “Thank you for saving my life.”

—Barb Ralls, whose burst brain aneurysm on April 1, 2013, was successfully repaired by M Health Fairview neurosurgeon Andrew Grande, M.D., vascular neurosurgeon Ramachandra Tummala, M.D., and colleagues