Saúde no Sudeste 
For Tyrone Todman and his family, the 2025 holiday season could have looked very different.
Tyrone experienced a sudden medical emergency that led to severe respiratory distress. He was rushed by ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital, where his condition quickly worsened. After exploratory surgery, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he spent nine days on a ventilator fighting for his recovery.
For his wife, Kelly, and their children, Jaylon and Araya, the experience was filled with uncertainty and fear.
“In those first overwhelming moments, many suggested transferring him to a Boston hospital,” Kelly recalled. “Ultimately, given the urgency of his condition, we placed our trust in St. Luke’s Hospital, and from that moment forward, we never once doubted that decision.”
What followed was a journey defined not only by exceptional clinical care, but also by compassion, communication and human connection.
“The care provided by St. Luke’s went far beyond clinical excellence,” Kelly said. “It was deeply human.”
Among the many caregivers who made an impression, ICU Nurse Cassandra “Cassie” Saniuk stood out. Throughout Tyrone’s stay, she brought positivity and reassurance during some of the family’s most difficult moments.
“We were fortunate to have Nurse Cassie during several of her shifts. These quickly became Tyrone’s favorite days,” Kelly said. “Her warmth, positivity and sense of humor brought much-needed light into an otherwise frightening experience.”
Kelly said Cassie had a unique ability to explain complex medical information in a way that helped the family feel informed, comfortable, and included in Tyrone’s care.
“We often joked that his ICU stay felt like a ‘seven-day vacation at St. Luke’s by the Sea,'” Kelly said. “The ocean view and the incredible staff made even the hardest days more manageable.”
Thanks to the care he received, Tyrone was discharged in time to celebrate his 46th birthday at home with family. Just weeks later, the family was able to take a previously planned cruise and welcome the new year together, something they no longer take for granted.
Wanting to express their gratitude in a lasting way, the Todman family honored Cassie through the Southcoast Star program. They also acknowledged Michael Grossman, MD; Tony Xia, MD; Jean Claude Petit, DO; Megan Perry, MD; Linda Stewart, DO; Regina Monteiro, NP; Matthew Amaral, PA; and Conor Bliss, PA for the wonderful care provided.
