03/26/2026
"My career didn’t just come full circle - it was born in the very moment my life was nearly taken," says Kellie Kunkel, who was studying for her nursing finals when a rollover car accident left her paralyzed from the neck down. She was just 21 years old.
“I was told I was in spinal shock and, for all intents and purposes, internally decapitated,” Kellie says. “There was no certainty about how much mobility - if any - I would regain.”
While awaiting surgery, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and student took time to explain how critical it was to protect her cervical spine and safely manage her airway. Their calm presence in a moment of uncertainty left a lasting impression. “I had already considered CRNA school someday, but watching their role in that moment cemented something deep inside me,” Kellie says.
After a long and challenging recovery, Kellie graduated from nursing school and began working at Henry Ford Hospital. Over time, she realized becoming a CRNA wasn't just a goal - it was a path forward that aligned with her physical recovery and long-term future. Bedside nursing wasn't sustainable given the injuries she carried from the accident.
Years later, while sharing her story at work, Kellie’s colleague Rachel Estrada said it sounded incredibly familiar. Rachel was the CRNA student – she was there during Kellie’s surgery and even prayed over her. The neurosurgeon repeatedly described Kellie as incredibly lucky, Rachel recalled.
Kellie and Rachel are now close friends. “Someone who had once cared for me at my most vulnerable moment now stood beside me,” Kellie says.
Today, Kellie is a CRNA supervisor at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, bringing both clinical expertise and personal perspective to every patient she cares for. "I'm proud to be part of Henry Ford Health,” she says, “and honored to serve patients knowing firsthand what it means to be on the other side of the drape."
If you're interested in joining our inspiring team, visit henryford.com/careers.
