how a ucla health patient became a laker for a day
Not all wounds are visible. For Yolanda Poullard, a retired U.S. Army Major, the injury was to her spirit and mental well-being. Yolanda spent more than 18 years in the US military, serving as a company commander and leading more than 200 soldiers in Afghanistan.
While she was on her way to headquarters, her team was attacked and three of her comrades were killed. Yolanda was devastated by the event and felt guilty that she had not been with her team when the attack occurred. By the time she returned to home, she was incapacitated by post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Her PTSD left her unable to do everyday tasks or enjoy activities with her young daughter.
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“Once you experience war, you’re a different person,” says Yolanda.
“My sister was a walking shell,” said Yolanda’s sister, Betty.
Fortunately, Yolanda heard about UCLA Health and their mission to aid military members in physical and mental health. As a service member, UCLA Health offered Yolanda free medical and psychological care through Operation Mend - a program of UCLA Health specifically created to aid active members of the military, veterans and their families.
The Operation Mend program from UCLA Health provided Yolanda intensive treatment for her service-related mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD. This program brought out an improvement in Yolanda that her family quickly noticed.
“It teaches you how to look at life differently,” Yolanda says. “This program is helping to save lives.”
Yolanda was made “Laker for a Day” on account of her years of service, and her recovery through UCLA Health. On game day, Yolanda and her family dined at the Lexus Club at STAPLES Center, watched warm-ups courtside and met the staff of the L.A. Lakers. When Yolanda came onto the floor for recognition, she received a customized camouflage Laker jersey as a special thank you for her service in the US military.
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