It’s been a year since my friend Michelle killed herself on Christmas.
An emergency doc traveling the world helping anyone in need, Michelle died from lack of medical care—here in the US.
Asked why she became a doctor, she said “When I figured out what I was capable of and what the world needs, there was no other choice.”
She trained in NYC where her patients spoke > 130 languages. Nothing fazed her.
An adrenaline junkie, Michelle thrived working in crime-ridden inner cities to Iraqi war zones and Amazonian jungles—thousands are alive today because of her.
After surviving childhood sexual abuse, she devoted herself to the traumatized—finding “her people” in New Orleans dive bars, Oklahoma Native reservations, Iraqi gas stations, where she’d be hanging out speaking in Arabic.
In her free time Michelle was Caribbean night snorkeling, racing her sports car through narrow New Orleans streets.
Her friends called her “Hurricane Fernandez.” She lived life in the eye of the storm, yet shared love effortlessly—through handmade cards & jewelry—like this necklace she made me.
Michelle had well-managed depression and ADHD—until her doctor retired. Despite our help, she couldn’t find a new doctor to fill her meds. Hopelessly depressed, she shot herself in a park.
Months later, no obituary. So we wrote one & threw a party at her favorite bar.
Michelle gave with high integrity, yet she was repeatedly betrayed.
Michelle wanted care. No doctor wanted her.
Michelle wanted a burial. She was cremated.
Michelle wanted her estate donated to cat rescue. Her wish remains unfulfilled. Though her life insurance agent turned “beneficiary” is now flaunting lavish vacations pics with a young woman online So we just confronted him.
If you hate this ending as much as we do, leave a comment: “Michelle deserved better.”
Michelle deserved better. 💔
Michelle deserved better.
Michelle deserved better
Michelle deserved better. My friend Karen shared Michelle’s story with me, after she died.
So tragic. Indeed, #Michelle_deserved_better . 💔
We can’t be hiding these physicians in the closet. Too many skeletons.
Yes, she deserved better and her wishes should have been fulfilled. The world is getting too greedy and fast paced. She gave so much. Prayers her soul rests in peace now.
Michelle deserved better.
Michelle deserved better.
Michelle deserved better.
Michelle may be gone, but you and her friends are making sure she is not forgotten. Thank you for keeping her memory alive. 😢
Michelle deserves better!
Michelle definitely deserves so much better.
Michelle Fernandez’s life and death will forever impact me and those in our organization who worked with her. Michelle worked for a Locums Company what I own. She volunteered to go to the remote areas of the country for the adventure and to fill a need. “Who wants to go to Nome, AK? I will go!”
Michelle worked in St. Thomas, USVI with our group, where she volunteered for the shifts that the other doctors did not want. Her generosity was not appreciated – she deserved better. Michelle commented that she had to rely on herself, as others in her life had not fulfilled their expected roles. She trusted a few people, mostly those on this thread. Michelle deserved better – I hope she knew that she was loved and respected. Her life made a difference to me.
Michelle deserved so much better.