A Nun’s Intervention Saves Young Stroke Victim After Hospital Misjudgment

In 1985, shortly after graduating high school, Solitaire Miles suffered a stroke and was rushed to a Catholic-affiliated hospital. Hospital staff initially accused her of drug use, and the attending neurologist blamed birth-control pills for the clot despite a clean toxicology screen. While the staff debated, Miles slipped into a coma for nearly three days before doctors finally acknowledged the stroke.

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Born in the 1960s to hippie parents, Miles was named after a James Bond character but identified herself as a “science geek” who focused on good grades. Her mother’s attempts to convince the nurses that her daughter was not intoxicated were ignored, leading to the prolonged mischaracterization of Miles as a suspect rather than a patient.

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Sister Maura Smith, principal of Miles’ Catholic high school, entered the ICU unannounced. Described as a “big woman” with a “deep, commanding voice,” she confronted the neurologist, physically backing him against a wall and gripping his white-coat collar. After a brief, tense exchange, the doctor left the room, and Sister Maura remained at Miles’ bedside, praying with a rosary.

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Following Sister Maura’s intervention, hospital staff treated Miles with respect, allowing her to become a patient rather than a suspect. The nun stayed with Miles for hours as she drifted in and out of consciousness, an act Miles credits with saving her life.

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• “I went to Catholic schools, and I was sort of a science geek,” — Solitaire Miles

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• “And while they argued, I collapsed and went into a coma.” — Solitaire Miles

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• “He slumped back against the wall, and then he left the room very quickly.” — Solitaire Miles

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• “Sister Maura walked in the path of compassion and righteousness — not through words, but through action.” — Solitaire Miles

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The story, presented as a personal narrative on NPR’s Hidden Brain platform, highlights how a single act of advocacy can alter medical outcomes when patients are too weak to defend themselves.

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