Gregory Gandrud's 44-Day Battle Against COVID in Medical Isolation #9
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Scott Schara – A Father’s Fight to End Forced Medical Isolation #11
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Steve Reiter speaks with Scott Schara, whose daughter, Grace, born with Down syndrome, tragically passed away in October 2021 following forced medical isolation during a hospital stay. Scott shares Grace’s joyful spirit, how their family navigated hospital protocols, and how his advocacy seeks to protect others from experiencing the same injustice. Together, they discuss the limits of patient rights, the shortcomings of the ADA, and the importance of love and humanity in healthcare. Outline: 00:00 April Fool's Day Memories 03:26 "Unexpected Joy in Grace's Birth" 07:18 Welcoming Parenthood...
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Chelsey Hellwege & Calley Riste - A Family's Struggle with Isolation #10
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Chelsey Hellwege and Calley Riste are interviewed by Steve Reiter. Welcome to "Every Patient's Right" by the Never Alone Project. In this episode, sisters Chelsey Hellwege and Calley Ristee share the heartbreaking experience of losing their father, Driggs Jessup, to COVID-19 in September 2021. They recount the isolation he faced in the hospital, despite being a fit and active community figure known for his work as a pastor and school resource officer. Chelsey and Calley discuss the difficulties of advocating for their father's care and dealing with the healthcare system while feeling...
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Gregory Gandrud's 44-Day Battle Against COVID in Medical Isolation #9
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Host Steve Reiter engages in a poignant conversation with Gregory Gandrud, a man whose firsthand experience with the complexities of healthcare isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a critical lens on the intricacies of patient care. Gregory, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 at the age of 60 and faced a prolonged period of isolation, recounts the harrowing journey through intensive care and his subsequent recovery. His story highlights the trauma of being ventilated without the presence of loved ones, the psychological impact of hallucinations, and the challenges of navigating a...
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Steve Dettle - A Widow's Journey to Healing and Advocacy #8
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In this episode of Every Patient's Right, host Steve Reiter speaks with guest Steve Dettel about his experiences during forced medical isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Dettel shares the challenges he and his late wife faced while being isolated in the same hospital, even though they both had the same illness. Their story emphasizes the effects of such isolation, highlighting the obstacles to human connection and care during a difficult time. As they discuss Steve's journey, listeners will learn about the strength and hope he found after his loss, including his support from a...
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Family Advocacy in Healthcare: The Seiler's Struggle for Patient Rights #7
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In this episode of "Every Patient's Right" Ending Isolation and Healthcare Podcast, host Steve Reiter speaks with Gail Seiler, her husband, Brad Seiler, and their daughter, Angela Haynes, about Gail’s hospitalization experience in late 2021. Gail shares her story of being admitted to a Texas hospital for COVID-19 and facing significant isolation due to restrictive visitation policies. Brad, a former RN, and Angela discuss their efforts to advocate for Gail’s care from outside the hospital. They discuss their challenges, including difficulties in ensuring proper medical treatment and...
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Dr. Stephen Guffanti Advocates for Patient Rights #6
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In today's episode, we have Dr. Stephen Guffanti, a former emergency room physician turned holistic medicine practitioner and literacy advocate. Dr. Guffanti shares his harrowing hospital experience, where both he and his roommate faced severe mistreatment. He exposes systemic flaws in corporate healthcare, criticizes the COVID protocols, and emphasizes the crucial role of patient advocates. Dr. Guffanti also discusses the potential for health savings accounts to empower patients and calls for essential reforms in the relationship between doctors and hospitals. Join us to hear Dr. Guffanti's...
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Overcoming Forced Isolation and Debbie Shivers' Fight for Her Husband's Rights #5
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Steve Reiter interviews Debbie Shivers. Welcome to this episode of "Every Patient's Right: Ending Isolation and Health Care" by the Never Alone Project. Welcome to "Every Patient's Right," a podcast examining the effects of forced medical isolation and advocating for essential healthcare policy reforms. This episode focuses on the case of Rodney Shivers, who faced severe medical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode compares his hospitalization experiences in 2013 and 2020, highlighting the stark differences caused by isolation policies. It covers the attempts to bypass these...
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Patti Gilliano - Hospital Shutdowns and Nurse Layoffs During COVID-19 #4
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
Host Steve Reiter converses with Patti Giliano, a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner, about the intense challenges faced during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in as Patti recounts the widespread hospital shutdowns influenced by corporate and CDC directives, which led to significant nurse layoffs and halted crucial medical operations. She shares her personal COVID-19 battle, struggles for necessary care, and recovery using alternative treatments. Patti also explores the impacts of patient isolation, the supply chain crisis, and the community's incredible response. Her...
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Rep. Julie Mayberry - Advocating for Patient Visitation Rights #3
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
In today's episode, Steve sits down with State Representative Julie Mayberry from Arkansas, who has been a formidable advocate for improving hospital patient visitation rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Mayberry shares her personal experiences and the journey of crafting and passing the "No Patient Left Alone" bill, addressing the legislative hurdles and the importance of family presence in patient care. She highlights the balance between infection control and emotional well-being, emphasizing that patient support is crucial. Tune in as we explore her inspiring work, the...
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Tracy Bird and The Impact of Medical Isolation on Her Family #2
Every Patient’s Right: Ending Isolation In Healthcare, a podcast of The NEVER Alone Project
host Steve Reiter sits down with Tracy Bird, who shares the heartbreaking story of her husband, Jeff, and his isolation during his battle with COVID-19 in December 2021. Tracy recounts the fear and confusion leading up to Jeff's hospitalization, the lack of communication with medical professionals, and the trauma of being unable to say goodbye. This episode delves into the ethical implications of medical isolation, the need for humane treatment, and Tracy's plea for legislation to ensure families are never separated from their loved ones during medical crises again. Join us as we explore the...
info_outlineHost Steve Reiter engages in a poignant conversation with Gregory Gandrud, a man whose firsthand experience with the complexities of healthcare isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a critical lens on the intricacies of patient care. Gregory, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 at the age of 60 and faced a prolonged period of isolation, recounts the harrowing journey through intensive care and his subsequent recovery. His story highlights the trauma of being ventilated without the presence of loved ones, the psychological impact of hallucinations, and the challenges of navigating a healthcare system influenced by both medical protocols and financial incentives. As Gregory shares his road to recovery and the lasting effects of his experience, this episode underscores the vital importance of patient advocacy, informed consent, and the need for compassionate healthcare practices that prioritize the human element of healing. Join us as we delve into Gregory's journey and explore how his story can contribute to a broader understanding of ensuring no patient is ever left alone in their time of need.
Outline:
(00:03) Ending Isolation in Healthcare
(05:56) Post-Quarantine Convention Leads to Illness
(15:16) Oxygen Dependency and Medical Uncertainty
(18:52) "Conforming Under Medical Pressure"
(22:24 Drug-Induced Medical Paralysis Experience
(27:00) ICU Delirium and Isolation Effects
(36:31) Return to Work After Hospital
(37:50) Driving Independence Post-Hospitalization
(45:35) "Remdesivir Controversy and Financial Motives"
(51:39) Supportive Spouse in ICU Needed
(54:30) Governor's Veto and Patient Rights
(01:02:45) ER Staff Income Concerns During COVID
About the Guest: Gregory Gandrud maintained an active and health-conscious lifestyle, prioritizing nutritious foods and regular exercise, even into his later years. At the age of 60, Gregory was recognized by his doctors for his exceptional health, often being told he appeared ten years younger than his chronological age. In addition to his daily walks to work and consistent workout routine, Gregory was diligent about his vaccinations, ensuring he was protected whenever necessary, such as before traveling to the jungles of South America. This commitment to health and wellness has been a defining aspect of Gregory's life, even as he approaches his 64th birthday.
About The Host: Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery. Through his podcast, Steve shares powerful stories, such as that of Tracy Bird, whose late husband Jeff experienced isolation in December 2021, deeply affecting his health and ultimately leading to his untimely death. Steve's dedication to this cause highlights his commitment to advocating humane treatment in healthcare settings.
Share your story, learn more, listen, and subscribe at: neveraloneproject.org