Elba Silva, Pompano Beach, FL

Broward Health

Elba’s first symptoms were pounding, almost unbearable headaches. A family physician told her she was suffering from depression. He prescribed her an anti-depressant. But when the headaches intensified, Elba went to North Broward Medical Center’s emergency room.

At the Comprehensive Cancer Center at North Broward Medical Center Elba was diagnosed with two types of cancer simultaneously: cancer of the brain, specifically a medullblastoma brain tumor, and also a form of thyroid cancer. Because of these unusual tumor types Elba required highly specialized cancer care. Elba’s doctors were able to use the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System, the only device of its kind in Broward County. With the CyberKnife Elba’s doctors had real-time image guidance and highly specialized treatment for cranial tumors. It also allowed for precision delivery of radiation.

Two years after her surgery and after a rigorous regime of chemotherapy, Elba was at a follow-up appointment when she told oncology social worker that she was pregnant. The North Broward Medical Center worked as a team to create an entire new level of care. Because of her chemotherapy, Elba was considered a high-risk pregnancy. Different doctors in the hospital system were able to monitor her pregnancy to help make it a successful outcome.

“I love this hospital; I love the people here. They are my family,” said Elba with her baby boy in her arms.

Broward Health is one of the five largest public health care systems in the country. It encompasses more than 30 health care facilities including Broward General Medical Center, North Broward Medical Center, Imperial Point Medical Center, Coral Springs Medical Center, Broward Health Weston and the Chris Evert Children's Hospital at Broward General. In 2007 Broward Health treated nearly 3,500 trauma patients, performed nearly 30,000 surgeries and provided nearly 66,000 home health visits.

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  • Tell Us Your Story!

    NAPH welcomes submissions from its members. Tell us about your awards, new developments, and innovative programs showing demonstrated results. Selected stories are featured on naph.org and used in NAPH advocacy efforts. Your stories help us communicate the "good news" of safety net hospitals. Member stories are featured monthly on naph.org. View the editorial calendar below for topics and deadlines.

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