Time is brain. Your support counts.

When Kathryn Lindquist found herself in the care of MedStar Health after a frightening health event, the thoughtful, world-class treatment she received would inspire her to ensure others could access the same compassionate, life-changing support.

One evening in 2021, Kathryn was watching the news and eating dinner—a typical way to wind down the day since her husband had passed three years earlier. Suddenly, everything went dark. Kathryn regained awareness 30 minutes later and promptly went to the emergency department at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.

She had experienced transient global amnesia (TGA)—a condition affecting short-term memory and brain function. The next 48 hours would be a blur of tests and examinations.

When Kathryn learned that she did not pass all her memory-centered testing, she was devastated. But she says she felt nothing but support from her caregivers. “I remember the great amount of kindness from my clinicians—I felt that they understood how stressful it is when you can’t remember,” she says.

One such clinician was Matthew Edwardson, MD, a neurologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. “He was my only lifeline to sanity and understanding my situation while trying to heal myself,” she says. He worked with Kathryn consistently for three months and later referred her to Yasar A. Torres-Yaghi, MD, director of the Parkinsonism and Dementia Clinic at MedStar Georgetown to assist in treating Kathryn’s TGA.

“Working with Dr. Torres-Yaghi—that felt like a lightbulb going off. I knew I was in front of brilliance and scientific expertise,” she says. “He was empathetic and dedicated. I just wanted to have some of the pain and stress inside me calm down. He had an ability with his voice to calm and heal his patients.”

It was, in part, because of the exceptional care she received at MedStar Health that Kathryn decided to make a donation toward bolstering services and staff across numerous service lines, including neurology, at both MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.

“I thought about how many other people I could help and how many people have the need for care and can’t get in to see a neurologist,” Kathryn says. “I am a strong believer in pushing forward and figuring out a way to accomplish something. I want to make sure that all MedStar Health’s communities can receive the treatment they need.”

Kathryn, a former educator, international trade specialist, and international marketing expert who is passionate about supporting early-career professionals, also helped to launch MedStar Health’s Clinical Research Scholar Track. Through Kathryn's gift, Carlo Tornatore, MD, regional chief of neurology for MedStar Health, is training future leaders of neurological care in clinical investigation and cutting-edge research techniques.

By paying it forward, Kathryn is not only expressing gratitude for the care that helped her heal—she is shaping the future of neurological treatment, ensuring more patients receive the support, expertise, and hope they need on their own care journeys.

As a neurohospitalist, Summer Morea has dedicated her career to helping others through some of their most vulnerable health moments. But in 2023, her world shifted when she began experiencing unrelenting headaches. Trusting her instincts—and her colleagues—she turned to the neuroendovascular team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

They recommended a Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the brain, which revealed a small aneurysm. It was a concerning but manageable finding. Still, Summer remained vigilant. She knew from experience that in matters of the brain, everything can change in an instant.

And then it did.

She was suddenly overcome by a crushing headache, vomiting, and dizziness. Realizing something was seriously wrong, she called 911. The emergency team offered to take her to a nearby hospital, but Summer refused.

“When it comes to my own health, I would never settle for anything less than the best care available,” she said. “Especially when it comes to my brain.”

Instead, she insisted on being taken to MedStar Franklin Square, where she knew the team, trusted their expertise, and believed in the care they deliver every day.

Even though her repeat CTA hadn’t changed, Samir Sur, MD, director of cerebrovascular and skull base surgery, wasn’t convinced it was safe to wait. His instincts were right. One of Summer’s vessel walls had grown dangerously thin and was on the verge of rupture. She needed emergent surgery.

Now facing the kind of life-threatening condition she often helps others navigate, Summer found herself on the receiving end of care.

“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support I received from my colleagues for my brain aneurysm and subsequent surgery,” she said. “Their professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication made a difference, not only in my medical treatment, but also providing me with emotional strength during a challenging time.”

Summer’s recovery was successful, but her story left a lasting impression—not only on her life, but on how she views her role as a provider.

“As a healthcare provider, I firmly believe in the importance of receiving the highest standard of care, just as I strive to offer it to my patients,” she said. “It is essential to trust in those who not only have the expertise but also provide compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized care.”

Now fully recovered and back to doing what she loves, Summer continues to serve patients with a renewed perspective—and an even deeper connection to the place she proudly calls her healthcare home.

“As providers, we understand the value of quality healthcare and how that directly impacts health outcomes,” she said. “I knew I was getting exceptional care here.”