Bertha L.

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Bertha moved to the United States in 1982.She had obtained a degree in fine arts in Colombia, but Bertha’s dream was a career in law enforcement.She worked at various jobs as soon as she reached the U.S., as well as returning to college to learn English and obtain her police certification.Finally she became a proud officer with the City of Miami Police Department.

Bertha was at work on December 10, 2001, patrolling in her police cruiser.A car traveling at high speed, ran a red light at an intersection and broad-sided her patrol car.Her car was spun around and crashed into a building.Bertha lost consciousness and was taken by ambulance to the nearest emergency room.

From that day, Bertha suffered from constant pain in her back, neck, and right arm.The pain was so great that she couldn’t return to her regular patrol duties.She was provided with therapies over the next months, but nothing relieved the pain.She was then assigned to desk duty.

By 2006, her pain made it impossible for her to perform even light duty work, and she was placed on long term leave from the department.It was not expected that she would return to police work, but would eventually retire on disability.

Finally, Bertha was referred to the Rosomoff Comprehensive Pain Center at Douglas Gardens, where she began a course of aggressive therapy.   Bertha worked extremely hard in the Program, with her mind fastened on one goal---returning to full-time police work in a patrol car.This was something even her close friends in the department doubted she could do.Bertha, however, has never minded being the exception to the rule.By the end of her treatment program at the RCPC, she had regained her strength and function.Her pain diminished to minimal or zero levels.Her old confidence had returned.

Perhaps the proudest moment was the day of graduation from the Rosomoff Center.At the RCPC, there is a full graduation ceremony at which departing patients are recognized before staff, family, and fellow patients, and congratulated for their hard work and accomplishments.For Bertha, it was her chance to surprise everyone.She disappeared a few minutes before the graduation ceremony and reappeared wearing her full police uniform. . .the uniform she had sadly put away months before, wondering if she would ever wear it again.When Bertha stood to receive her certification of completion and saluted the entire RCPC team, there were no dry eyes in the room.

 After graduation and discharge, Bertha returned to full police duties.She easily qualified for all the examinations of strength, endurance, use of firearm and returned to her patrol car—once again one of “Miami’s Finest.”