Tulip was welcomed to Norwalk Hospital, part of Northwell Health in spring 2026. Norwalk Hospital is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and was the first hospital in CT to be an American College of Surgeons accredited Trauma Center. Norwalk hospital is a Level 2 Trauma canter that serves southwest CT and the surrounding New York metropolitan area treating over 10,000 injured patients annually.
While Tulip visited us, she had the opportunity to meet many of our amazing team members and attend the 28th annual CT Trauma Conference. Tulip was exceptionally engaging during her Take Over and was happy to be included in many photos and bring attention to the Trauma Survivors Network.
While Tulip was visiting, she was kindly accommodated with Beverly our PI Nurse. Tulip made sure that she was photographed with an inspirational wall hanging in Bev’s office.
In May 2026, Tulip participated in the 28th annual Connecticut Trauma Conference held at Mohegan Sun Casino. Many of the other trauma centers in CT were unaware of the Trauma Llama Takeover, so Tulip flew into action and engaged everyone from around the state. Tulip received her all access badge to the conference and casino which she won’t take off and insists on taking with her to her new assignment. In addition, she was also designated as the First Flight Trauma Llama in CT receiving the coveted Red Life Star patch which she proudly displays on her CT Trauma lanyard. Although she isn’t saying, it’s highly rumored that she acquired an undisclosed amount playing the ponies while at the casino! She plans to use those funds to buy more markers and stickers.
Here is Tulip attending and being very attentive to the CT Trauma Conference topics. She stood proudly with the Norwalk Hospital group, where she could be seen from the podium and the rest of the attendees. Tulip had many conversations with other trauma centers and vendors about the TSN and the Trauma Llama Takeover. At times Tulip turned her attention to the many stickers that were being distributed at the conference. She collected quite a few with her noted favorite being the Trauma Llama Squad sticker!
Tulip joined in with the festivities during EMS week in May. She was the hit of the ambulance bay handing out her favorite Trauma Llama Squad stickers! Tulip let the EMS crews know about the TSN and how EMS can be the first to direct family, friends, and patients to the website for needed resources. She also made everyone aware of the Norwalk specific handbook located on the website. EMS is now carrying and distributing cards with the QR codes that access the website and the handbook thanks to Tulip.
Tulip was a frequent visitor to the ED and she got to know many of the amazing nurses there. Every time she would enter the ED she was met with smiles and excitement. Tulip talked to the staff about the TSN and the many resourses contained on the website. She always left a lasting impression with her passion for handing out Trauma Llama squad stickers and her effervescent personality.
Tulip didn’t want to leave Norwalk without a more lasting legacy. Upon her departure she decided to leave her six appointed delegates to continue her good work. Afterall, it takes that many to do the work she started. Rest assured they were fully briefed on their vital mission and given bags full of stickers to hand out along the way. Norwalk Hospital Trauma Services will surely miss the impact that Tulip had and wish her well on her journey.
Report submitted by Beverly Stevens-Raymond, BSN, MSHA, RN
Trauma Program Performance Improvement
Trauma Service / Department of Surgery / Norwalk Hospital