CHERYL COLETTI WITH Health First Integrated Care Program (ICP) Nurse Manager Melissa DeGel. DeGel saw that Coletti “was in a dark place” about this time last year, and she made some quick inquires. On Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, the Health First Foundation hosts a Day of Giving to appeal to the community to give to outlets such as the Compassionate Care Fund, which gave direct financial help to Coletti. To learn more, visit HF.org/dayofgiving.

When Melissa DeGel, a nurse manager with Health First’s Integrated Care Program, spotted warning signs in one of her patients, Cheryl Coletti, she didn’t fail to act and act fast.  

Coletti was struck by a drunk driver in 2017, suffering a traumatic brain injury as well as injuries that resulted in the amputation of her left leg. Part of her care involves sessions with a psychiatrist, but she wasn’t getting them regularly and couldn’t afford more. 

She made the best, bravest decision she could have – she reached out to ICP Nurse Melissa DeGel for help. 

DeGel tapped the Health First Foundation Compassionate Care Fund, which awarded a Guardian Angel Grant to Coletti. With more sessions with her psychiatrist, Coletti emerged from the darkness and began turning her life around.

Now, Coletti is able to set goals and improvements for her health – and give back to her community. On Friday, the Foundation hosts a Day of Giving to appeal to the community to give to outlets such as the Compassionate Care Fund. To learn more, visit HF.org/dayofgiving. 

READ the full feature in Space Coast Daily HERE.