Patient Is Grateful to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for Saving His Life
July 23, 2025
In the often fast-paced and emotionally intense world of critical care, it’s not every day that the hospital hallways are filled with hugs, happy tears, and heartfelt reunions. But recently, our Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) intensive care unit (ICU) team experienced a moment that reinforces why they do what they do. Nearly three months after being discharged as a patient, Mark Latcheran and his fiancée, Denise Allen returned to LWRMC, this time as visitors.
Time spent in the ICU for acute pancreatitis
In March of 2025, Mark Latcheran spent 19 days in the ICU battling a life-threatening illness. His fiancée, Denise Allen, was by his side through it all. Allen brought him to the LWRMC emergency room for symptoms of pancreatitis. When he was moved to the hospital's ICU, the odds were uncertain, and each day presented a new challenge.
“Those 19 days in the ICU were the most challenging of my life. For much of the time, I was on a ventilator and unable to move,” says Latcheran, reflecting on his time as a patient.
The LWRMC team rallied around him, monitoring vitals around the clock, adjusting treatment plans, and offering constant encouragement and care.
“When I finally woke up, even the smallest movements, like lifting my arms and sitting up, became monumental milestones. The road to recovery seemed endless, but through it all, the unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion of the LWRMC staff kept me going,” Latcheran says.
A reunion to thank the ICU healthcare team for their commitment to his recovery
It was important to Latcheran and Allen to return to LWRMC to say thank you to the team who they credit for saving his life, including doctors, nurses and the support staff.
“In the ICU, I witnessed real leadership in action. Your staff didn’t just treat my illness, they listened to my concerns, communicated openly with my loved ones and supported each other through every challenge. You proved that when a team cares deeply, when they have heart, anything is possible. Skills can be taught, but heart and compassion are what drive a culture of excellence,” Latcheran adds.
Latcheran has returned to his job and says he’s about 80 percent back to normal, acknowledging that he still has work ahead to regain full strength and energy.
“Every small victory, a deeper breath, a longer walk, a laugh shared with loved ones feels monumental. I am filled with gratitude for the incredible care I received, the love that surrounded me, and the community that rallied around me,” says Latcheran.
Now, months later, the ICU team once again rallied around Latcheran and Allen, sharing smiles, laughs and hugs. It’s reunions like this that remind the members of our clinical team that behind every beeping monitor and complex diagnosis is a person, a family and a future worth fighting for.
Latcheran’s care team at LWRMC is honored to have played a part in his healing journey and are also grateful that he came back to share how much it meant to him.
“Your care, expertise, and humanity carried me through my darkest days and gave me the strength to keep fighting. As I continue on this path of healing, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed application for life. Every day is a blessing, and every act of kindness ripples further than we can ever know,” says Latcheran.