Harry Zachariadis said on Dec. 24 that his mother, Maria Zachariadis, was found unresponsive at their Staten Island home and was taken to Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) for emergency care. Doctors determined she had suffered a brain bleed, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, likely caused by a fall.
A brain bleed is a serious medical condition that can lead to paralysis, coma, or death if not treated quickly. SIUH is the only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center on Staten Island and has specialized staff and technology for treating severe stroke cases. Maria Zachariadis required emergency surgery and spent months in intensive rehabilitation before regaining her ability to walk and talk.
“I went to sleep the day before Christmas Eve,” Zachariadis now says. “And it was like I was dead for a long time. Nobody believed I was going to live. And then God saved me, like a miracle.”
After initial uncertainty about her recovery, Zachariadis began showing signs of improvement within days of surgery. She gradually regained speech and movement during her stay in rehabilitation facilities. Four weeks after waking up at the rehab center, she returned home.
Dr. Rubino said, “She’s just done incredibly well. Within three months, her speech was back to normal. Now it’s like it never happened.” Her son Harry added, “After all that, mom’s back to almost exactly how she was… We were lucky that mom was in the right place for care for her injury.” Her daughter Ann Papataros said, “It’s amazing to see my mom functioning the way she is at this point. She has endured a lot, but she is a fighter.”
Zachariadis has resumed her regular activities including church attendance and volunteering in her community. She credits Dr. Rubino with saving her life: “Dr. Rubino is a hero,” she says. “I can’t even explain how happy I am… Even if I live for 100 years, Dr. Rubino will never leave my head.” Dr. Rubino responded by saying his role is only part of the recovery process: “My role is a small part of the patient’s recovery… My part is to do everything possible to make sure patients get a world-class surgery to give them the best chance at recovery.” He added that he is glad Zachariadis can continue doing what she loves.
