Sarah Lou Dasent

I have helped care for my aging grandparents as they fought cancer. At twelve years old, my mother went through the windshield of her car after it went airborne. Instinctively, my father and I banded together to hold the pieces of our shattered family together. Laden with hospital debt, my father worked tirelessly to pay the astronomical medical bills that saved my mother’s life. I stayed home from school and cared for my mother’s heart, body, mind, and soul. I brought her hope and laughter on the days tormented by pain and the constraints of a body cast. With no access to rehabilitative care, I became my mothers confidant, and sole caregiver. WIth patience, grace and unconditional love, she learned to walk and take care of herself and her family again.
I intuitively see a need and not only troubleshoot to find solutions but to actively become part of the solution. I willingly step into the messiest situations, to advocate for those without a voice.
At 19 years old, while pursuing my education, I gave birth to my first son. In a foreign country, with no money, insurance, or support, I found a federally funded medical institution to receive prenatal care. The women at this facility became my community. They held me up and gave me the tools I needed to bring two beautiful sons into the world.
It has been my honor to serve as my mother’s protector and advocate. When she lost hope, I helped to shield her. I am concerned about the well being of those mothers, sons, or loved ones who need me to be the best me I can be. I bring advocacy, determination and dedication to the table. Most of the time this is not on a stage or something that is noticed but in darkest, hidden places where it is needed.
As an ICU Respiratory Therapist in Dayton, Ohio, I regularly cared for patients affected by gang violence, homelessness, addiction, and untreated chronic illness. Many lacked insurance and access to preventative care. I used my clinical skills to stabilize their bodies, but I also led with empathy and cultural humility. I built trust with patients who had every reason not to trust the system. Whether explaining procedures, advocating for post-discharge care, or simply listening, I worked to ensure they felt human again.
As a mother, daughter, granddaughter, spouse, and healthcare professional, I continue to live out this God-given passion to stand in the gap for others. Equipped with tenacity, compassion and dedication, I diligently move forward on this journey to increase my scope of community as a physician.