When Sofia Georgelos’s eighth grade class at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School participated in a Day of Service to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 last year, they also wrote letters of appreciation to local first responders, including the Oak Lawn Police and Fire Departments and the healthcare professionals at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
“During that project, I learned that several of my students have parents who work at Advocate Christ,” said Sofia. “One student proudly took our letters home so his mother could share them with her department, reminding us just how closely connected our school is to this remarkable hospital.”
Several months later, on May 20, Sofia attended the hospital’s annual Trauma Survivor Day event, marking Advocate Christ’s 40th anniversary as a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Advocate Christ is home to the busiest Level I Trauma Center in Illinois and provides state-of-the-art emergency care to more than 100,000 patients each year. In 2025 alone, Christ treated more than 4,000 trauma patients, approximately one-third of whom experienced violence-related injuries. Behind those numbers is a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team prepared around the clock to respond to life-threatening injuries while supporting patients and families through recovery.
“It was an inspiring morning filled with hope, resilience, and heartfelt appreciation for the countless individuals who work together to save lives every day. The event was especially meaningful to me. My sister, my brother-in-law, and my father have all been patients in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care (STIC) unit. My family has experienced firsthand the extraordinary care, compassion, comfort and kindness shown by every member of the trauma team. Their dedication leaves a lasting impact not only on patients but also on the families who stand beside them.”
The Trauma Survivor Day event is also very meaningful to members of the trauma team.
“It’s a day where we celebrate patients and their survival stories,” said Dr. James Doherty, Trauma Program Medical Director. “We get to see their successes in person and know they’re doing well and getting back to their lives. It’s a tough job; we sometimes see death and poor outcomes. We’re with people on the worst day of their lives. It’s humbling and gratifying to see the other side of that and know our work is making a difference.”
During the event, Sofia noticed puzzle pieces that visitors could decorate with messages and artwork expressing their gratitude. She thought of her students and asked to bring some pieces back to her classroom so her students could share their appreciation.
“As they worked on their puzzle pieces, the project became even more personal. Two students shared that one of their parents had been cared for in the STIC unit, while many others talked about family members, friends or neighbors who had called 911 and were transported to Advocate Christ during a medical emergency. What began as an art project quickly became an opportunity for students to reflect on the many ways the Trauma Center has touched the lives of people they know and love.
“These puzzle pieces represent far more than artwork. They are symbols of gratitude, hope, healing, and the powerful connection between a community and the people who care for it during life's most difficult moments.”
The students’ puzzle pieces reflect how gratitude can inspire meaningful action – a spirit Dr. Doherty carried forward as Advocate Christ marked the Trauma Center’s 40th anniversary.
Investing in the future
Dr. Doherty saw the milestone as an opportunity to honor Dr. Gary Merlotti, who became the Trauma Center’s medical director in 1986 and served as his mentor.
“Dr. Merlotti pioneered the trauma program at Advocate Christ. He left in 2005 but continued serving at multiple institutions in the Chicago area. He passed a few years ago, and it was a tremendous loss to the trauma community,” said Dr. Doherty. “He was not only an exceptional surgeon but also a respected teacher whose influence extends across generations of trauma professionals.”
To honor Dr. Merlotti’s service and legacy Dr. Doherty createda DIY page for two meaningful tributes: naming the Trauma Education and Survivorship fund in Dr. Gary Merlotti’s honor and creating a permanent recognition of Dr. Merlotti within Advocate Christ Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
Ultimately, this fund improves trauma education and survivor care at Advocate Christ through efforts such as an annual nursing scholarship program and support of the patient survivorship program. “This fund will advance clinical training for trauma caregivers while strengthening programs that support survivors and their families,” shared Dr. Doherty. “Trauma care extends well beyond discharge. Survivors face complex recoveries, and our teams must continually advance their skills to meet evolving needs. Sustained investment in both education and survivorship is essential.”
How you can help
The trauma program at Advocate Christ is supported by philanthropy. To support the Gary Merlotti Trauma Education and Survivorship fund at Advocate Christ, please consider making a gift today.