How Bloodless Medicine Helped Willbends Regain His Quality of Life

Years of care from Englewood Hospital have allowed Willbends Jean-Baptiste to write new chapters of his life story. 

A 52-year-old retired heavy machine operator, Willbends Jean-Baptiste loves to spend his free time writing. He pens poetry and short stories, something he’s done for as long as he can remember. 

“I feel free when I write, like I can travel and learn about different people, cultures, and ways of life,” says Willbends. “I don’t have to be set in one place.” 

Thanks to the care he’s received at Englewood Hospital, the author of the short story collection Soothing Songs has much more writing to do. He turned to the hospital in search of bloodless care after being dissatisfied with his treatment elsewhere. 

“I’ve been going to Englewood Hospital for two years now,” Willbends says. “I’ve always been satisfied with their service because not only do they deliver world-class care, but they also treat me with compassion and deep respect.” 

Turning the Page on Severe Symptoms 

Over the years, Willbends has trusted Englewood Hospital to help him manage several medical conditions, from end-stage renal disease (kidney failure) to laryngospasms (involuntary vocal cord contractions). Those spasms may have developed due to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which upended Willbends’ life. 

“GERD was debilitating,” he says. “There were times when it seemed like I was vomiting, choking, and couldn’t breathe—all at once. I couldn’t eat. I vomited everything, including water. The providers at Englewood Hospital prescribed medications that gave me great relief.” 

Willbends continues to manage both GERD and laryngospasms, but flare-ups aren’t as frequent as they used to be. As a result, his quality of life is much better. 

Volumes of Compassion 

Willbends says it’s impossible for him to point to one meaningful moment from his many experiences at Englewood Hospital. That’s because, for him, it’s the staff’s consistent kindness that stands out, especially the consideration he receives from The Bloodless Institute at Englewood Health. 

“When I go to the hospital, members of the bloodless program meet me in the emergency room and, later, come to my hospital room to support me,” Willbends says. “They encourage me to continue being strong and to not give up, to keep pushing forward for better things. What keeps me coming back to Englewood Hospital is how I’m treated. The staff treat me with kindness and compassion, like they would their own family. I really appreciate that.” 

Published November 2025