Nassau mother surprises anesthesiologist who saved her life
An emotional reunion at Northwell Health as Nassau mother surprises anesthesiologist who helped to save her life after she gave birth to her daughter.
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Melody Hakimi, of Great Neck, says she almost died nine months ago after giving birth to her daughter, Summer.
She spent 26 days at Northwell's North Shore University Hospital.
"Through it all, I just spoke with God, I said like 'please, I'll do anything, just make, make me, like better so I could be there for my kids and my husband.'" Hakimi said.
Doctors at Northwell say Hakimi was in surgery for 11 hours, her heart stopped, she had to go on a bypass machine and needed massive amounts of blood.
"She received 180 units of blood products, we have 10 units of blood products in our body." said Dr. Joseph Marino.
Hakimi's anesthesiologist, Dr. Michael Funaro, was honored Monday at Northwell's third annual Anesthesiology Lifesaver Award for his role in helping to save Hakimi's life.
"He fought for me, for 11 hours and didn't leave my side." said Hakimi.
"This was particularly challenging, so it was very nice to be nominated." said Dr. Michael Funaro.
Hakimi, who hadn't seen Fanaro since she left the hospital, surprised him at the ceremony.
"I kind of still see this as just my job so it's tough, tough to accept that, but I do appreciate it," Fanaro said.
