Coming Back Stronger Than Ever After Brain Surgery: Laird’s Story
When Laird Vernon began volunteering at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West almost ten years ago, he never imagined that it would lead to a newfound passion for the history, heritage, and culture of the North American West. His insatiable thirst for knowledge, interesting insights, and unique story-telling ability made him a beloved docent to all museum guests.
In 2019, however, Laird noticed it was becoming harder to convey his knowledge with his usual detail and expertise. He also began to experience some troubling physical symptoms, including difficulties with balance that left him feeling like he could fall at any moment. This began to affect his ability to do what he loved most: giving thoughtful and informative docent tours.
Searching for answers, Laird came to Barrow Neurological Institute. After a slew of tests, it was confirmed that he had a rare condition in which the brain does not receive enough oxygen for optimal functioning. The doctors at Barrow were able to restore normal oxygen flow to Laird’s brain, and a few days later, he moved to a rehabilitation center to work on regaining his balance.
A little over a year later, Laird collapsed in his home without any warning. When he tried to stand up, Laird realized he couldn’t move from the waist down. Panicked, he shouted for his wife, Margaret, who immediately called for an ambulance.
Laird once again came to Barrow and was introduced to renowned neurosurgeon Zaman Mirzadeh, MD, PhD. Dr. Mirzadeh found that Laird had a large tear in the membrane surrounding his brain that was leaking cerebrospinal fluid and needed to be repaired immediately.
Dr. Mirzadeh completed the complicated surgery seamlessly, and Laird experienced no side effects.
“My recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. In fact, I feel better now than ever,” he says.
Laird notes with pride how his renewed health strengthened his abilities as a docent, citing two patron reviews that he will forever hold dear:
“Laird knew things about topics discussed during the tour that I’d never found in any brochure, and I am quite the sponge for lesser-known facts.”
“Laird’s depth of knowledge about the background of each piece of art was so helpful in understanding the artist’s motivations.”
To celebrate Laird’s miraculous return to health and his many years as a beloved volunteer docent, the museum renamed its visitor center the “Margaret and Laird Vernon Visitor Information Center.”
Laird says whenever he passes the visitor information center, he silently thanks The Lord for sending him to Dr. Mirzadeh and the team at Barrow.
“Dr. Mirzadeh saved my life and helped me get back to doing all the things I love. I will always be grateful for that.”
Margaret and Laird Vernon Visitor Information Center