Universe Juice Stories
Featured Stories
Our Reunion Stories are where the bonds forged in adversity shine bright! These heartfelt narratives from our reunion events between survivors and their first responders convey profound connections, shared journeys, and moments of hope and gratitude.
Reunited: A Christmas Miracle Comes Full Circle
On Christmas morning in 2011, Dan Couture survived a 100% blocked "widow-maker" heart attack. Rushed to Landmark Medical Center by his wife June at 6:30 am, a dedicated medical team saved his life. Fourteen years later, Dan finally reunited with his heroes on February 17, 2026, to say a long-overdue thank you.
Dan’s long-awaited homecoming, organized by Universe Juice, was hosted by Landmark Medical Center CEO Mr. Mike Souza, alongside current members of the emergency department and catheterization labs. He was enveloped in warm greetings from two key members of his original care team: Dr. Walid S. Saber, Landmark’s Chief of Cardiology, and Kimberly Plante, a circulating registered nurse who now specializes in rehabilitation and infusion nursing in Southern Rhode Island. Dan expressed profound gratitude to everyone gathered, including two crucial team members who could only be there in spirit—James Lawler, now living in New Hampshire, and Mike Poirier, who is retired and now resides in Florida. His thanks extended to all healthcare professionals who continue to dedicate their lives to this lifesaving work.
The care and compassion provided to my wife will never be forgotten. Add to this the ICU nurses and staff who took great care of me during my stay. By surviving this heart attack, I was able to walk our daughter down the aisle on Labor Day weekend 2012, celebrate 13 more wedding anniversaries since my event including our 50th anniversary in 2022, and continue to celebrate cherished events with my kids and family.
To the doctors and nurses who answered the call and continue to answer the call each and every day, thank you. Thank you for saving my life and the life of others. In a moment of absolute terror and vulnerability, your rapid response, calm professionalism, and expert skills gave me a fighting chance when I needed it the most. You all acted as my lifeline, and I am forever grateful to you and your team for giving me the gift of more time with my family. Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and for doing the difficult work that brings people back from the brink. Thank you very much. You are all my heroes.
Dan Couture
I’m very happy to see him doing this. I think this is very important because we do this every day, every night. We never, especially for a team who work on these patients, never get to see these patients ever again. It’s helpful to circle back and let the team members know that the patients are doing well and are grateful and appreciative of their efforts. We come driving in the middle of the night, nobody else on the roads but us and we do this work for someone we’ve never met before. I think this is very helpful for us for what we do every day. ~ Dr. Walid S. Saber, Chief of Cardiology.
I’m forever grateful that Landmark Medical Center was there at the time of Dan’s problem. If Landmark had been closed, Dan would not have made it to Providence. God bless Landmark Medical Center and the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff who serve. It’s been a vital part of the community, and may it always be. From Dan and I, thank you. ~ June Couture, Dan’s wife
Pictured is Mike Souza, CEO of Landmark Medical Center
Thanks to Lisa, who worked tirelessly on my behalf for over a year to make this day a reality. I always wanted to thank the individuals who saved my life and offered me the care on Christmas morning 2011. Lisa and her organization provided me that opportunity. It’s been 14 years, but giving thanks has no statute of limitations.
Sisters Thank First Responders Who Tried to Save Their Mother
South Kingstown, RI - March 13, 2025
On September 21, 2020, Moira “Scotty” Perna tragically lost her life in a car accident involving downed electrical wires, sparking a fire in Moira’s car. Four and a half years later, Moira’s daughter, Lisa, on behalf of her family, requested to be reunited with the first responders and witnesses who tried to save her mother. Lisa noted, “I want to personally say thank you to all the men and women who tried to save the life of our mother and who save the lives of others every day.” On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Universe Juice fulfilled Lisa’s reunion wish. Read full story.
A Thank You Breakfast for Her First Responders
Charlestown, RI - August 10, 2024
Two and a half years after her accident, our founder, Lisa Brunetti, had a chance to thank many of the first responders from Charlestown and South Kingstown, RI, who answered the call on January 11, 2022. With over 75 people in attendance, the event was also the official launch of Universe Juice. Lisa could think of no better way to launch the non-profit than with those who inspired its creation.
Founder’s Story
On January 11, 2022, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver who was traveling in the wrong direction on a local highway. The impact was severe, resulting in significant injuries that necessitated urgent transportation via med flight to a trauma one hospital for treatment. Thanks to the prompt and skilled assistance of local first responders, along with the nurse and paramedic on the med flight, my life was saved.
The night of the accident was filled with uncertainty, and my family feared for my survival. However, the exceptional team of trauma doctors at Rhode Island Hospital managed to piece “humpty dumpty” back together again despite my extensive injuries.
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In total, I endured fractures in 18 bones, including those in all four limbs and four ribs, along with a ruptured diaphragm and other internal injuries. Following treatment at the hospital and two rehabilitation facilities, it took four months before I could finally return home in a wheelchair, learning how to walk again.
Five months after the accident, I had the privilege of meeting Mike, the paramedic from my med flight, at a local fundraiser organized on my behalf. Mike’s attendance at the fundraiser happened by chance, and he noted when he arrived, he wasn’t sure if I had survived or not. Shortly thereafter, my family arranged a meeting with Nicki, my med flight nurse, and Mike to extend our thanks to them both.
The reunion was a powerful and healing experience for all involved, allowing us to convey our gratitude not only for Mike and Nicki’s service to our family but also to our community at large. The accident had a profound impact on my entire family, causing considerable trauma that lingered long after the physical wounds had healed. Meeting the two individuals who played such a crucial role in my survival proved to be immensely therapeutic and contributed significantly to our healing process. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with others through Universe Juice.