Expressions of Gratitude: Lawrence’s Story

When Lawrence from Warren, PA received a cancer diagnosis, it was a lot to take in. Alongside that difficult news, his cardiologist recommended he schedule a sleep study due to serious breathing issues he was experiencing at night. "I'd wake up struggling to catch my breath. It felt like I could never get enough air," Lawrence shared.

He began calling around, looking for a facility that could help. "I must have called a dozen places," he said. "No one had an opening for at least six months." Then in October 2024, he came across The Sleep Disorders Center at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC).

"I was so relieved when I found them and they had an opening. I got in much faster than anywhere else I tried," he said.

From the moment Lawrence walked into The Sleep Disorders Center, he felt like he was in the right hands. "Everyone there was just so kind and amazing. They explained everything in a way I could understand, and they made sure I had the chance to ask questions," he added.

Although he wasn't sure how well he would sleep with all the wires and sensors, the staff worked hard to help him feel at ease. "They checked in on me throughout the night and made sure I was comfortable," he recalled. "I didn't expect that high level of care."

The next morning upon completion of his overnight study, the sensors were removed and Lawrence went home to await his results. At his follow-up appointment, his doctor told him the sleep study revealed significant breathing disruptions during the deepest part of his sleep.

"Knowing the results helped explain so much. I finally understood why I was always waking up feeling like I couldn't breathe," Lawrence said.

He was quickly scheduled for an overnight titration test back at The Sleep Disorders Center at BRMC, where he would try out a machine designed to help with his sleep apnea. "When I saw the machine, I thought, 'There's no way I'm going to sleep with that on my face,'" he said with a laugh. "But once they adjusted the settings and got me settled in, I gave it a try."

Despite some initial discomfort, Lawrence was able to get through the night. In the morning, he left with his own machine to use at home.

"Since I've started using it, the worst of my breathing problems have gone away. Most nights I sleep better, and I wake up feeling like I've actually rested," he said.

Lawrence is deeply grateful for the team at The Sleep Disorders Center at BRMC. "They bent over backwards to get me in as quickly as possible. They made sure to always take the time to answer my questions," he said. "They're just spectacular. Honestly, they all deserve a raise," he added with a chuckle.