Bryan O’Brien

When Bryan O’Brien’s struggle with alcoholism landed him in the Baptist Health Richmond ICU, he says the courtesy and professionalism shown by physicians, nurses and staff was incredible: “Truly, they saved my life!”
Despite never winning any “patient of the day” award for his demeanor, he jokes, the Baptist Health staff exhibited the utmost care, concern and empathy — and for that he is grateful.
Most of all, he’s grateful for loved ones who have stuck by him on his journey from sickness to sobriety. In particular, he’s thankful for his two sisters, who watched over him in the ICU, checked in with his doctors daily, arranged for an intervention, and helped devise a plan for his future.
“They were going above and beyond the day-to-day actions and working for me to have a better life,” says Bryan, who believes “it truly takes a village… and I owe my village a debt of gratitude that can never be paid!”

When Bryan shared his story with Project Gratitude, he was nearing 2,000 days of sobriety. “Each day, I am so grateful for my family and Baptist Health Behavioral Health. They give me the strength and the power to carry on. That is my expression of gratitude!”

I am so grateful for my family and Baptist Health Behavioral Health. They give me the strength and the power to carry on!