Jackie and Mike Moore recently visited Mercy Health St. Vincent’s Medical Center to deliver a meaningful donation of Serenity Sacks to the Trauma Recovery Unit, led by Ora Lee Macklenar, LISW. The visit not only marked the arrival of these thoughtfully prepared care packages, but also sparked an important conversation about how best to support trauma survivors—especially those recovering from head injuries.
Bringing Comfort in Moments of Crisis
Trauma patients often arrive at the hospital unexpectedly and without personal belongings, facing both physical injuries and emotional distress. The Serenity Sacks are designed to address this gap with compassion and dignity. Each sack includes carefully selected items meant to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and support a sense of stability during a highly vulnerable time.
For patients, these simple yet intentional items can make a powerful difference. Something as basic as personal care supplies or comfort items can help restore a sense of normalcy, promote relaxation, and remind patients that they are cared for beyond their immediate medical needs. For many trauma survivors—especially those grappling with confusion or sensory overload following a head injury—these small comforts can help ground them in the present moment.
A Focus on Brain Injury Recovery
During their visit, Jackie and Ora Lee engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the unique challenges faced by trauma patients with head injuries. From a survivor’s perspective, the recovery process can be disorienting, frightening, and emotionally taxing. Cognitive changes, memory issues, and heightened sensitivity to light, noise, and touch all contribute to a complex care environment.
Their conversation highlighted the importance of approaching recovery holistically. Beyond medical stabilization, patients benefit from environments and resources that support cognitive ease, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety. Serenity Sacks align with this philosophy by offering items that are calming rather than overstimulating, practical rather than overwhelming.
Strengthening Trauma-Informed Care
Ora Lee Macklenar, as Program Manager of the Trauma Recovery Unit, emphasized the value of community partnerships like this one. Integrating resources such as Serenity Sacks into patient care reflects a trauma-informed approach—one that recognizes the emotional and psychological impact of injury alongside physical healing.
Importantly, the Serenity Sacks initiative is a true community effort. In addition to the collaboration with Mercy Health, generous support from Med1Care and Fifth Third Bank has helped make these care packages possible, demonstrating a shared commitment across organizations to improving the trauma recovery experience.
Looking Ahead
The delivery of Serenity Sacks is more than a one-time act of generosity—it represents an ongoing effort to elevate how trauma care is experienced by patients. As healthcare providers continue to explore ways to enhance recovery outcomes, contributions like these serve as a reminder that healing is not just clinical—it is deeply human.
Through thoughtful collaboration and a focus on patient-centered care, Jackie and Mike Moore, along with Ora Lee Macklenar and her team, are helping to ensure that every trauma survivor is met with compassion, dignity, and support from the moment they arrive.
