It was the little things that meant the most to Barbara during her battle with bullous pemphigoid, a rare autoimmune disorder that caused painful skin blisters. From the moment she sought help at Summit Health’s Rockville Center Hub, Barbara experienced nothing short of exceptional care and kindness. The Dermatology team provided not only medical expertise but also genuine compassion that helped ease her fears during a time of uncertainty.

“I had no idea what was happening to me,” Barbara recalls. “It was terrifying, and I felt so lost. But the team at Summit Health made me feel seen and cared for from the very beginning.”

Barbara’s journey began in 2023 when she developed an allergic skin reaction that progressed into a painful rash. The rash quickly spread, affecting her quality of life and leaving her emotionally and physically drained. Desperate for answers, Barbara turned to Summit Health.

The moment she walked through the doors of Summit Health’s Rockville Center Hub, Barbara felt a sense of relief. She was greeted with empathy and understanding. Without hesitation, the team arranged for her to see a dermatologist, who immediately assessed her condition.

“I remember my doctor walking me through what was happening,” Barbara says. “He didn’t just diagnose me. He took the time to explain it in a way I could understand and that really gave me peace of mind.”

Barbara was diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid, an autoimmune disorder that causes painful blisters. With this diagnosis, Barbara finally had an answer and a plan to move forward. Barbara’s care was coordinated with additional specialists including allergists at Summit Health and within no time, she was undergoing her first treatment, a series of infusions. 

“The moment I started receiving treatment, I felt like I could finally breathe again,” Barbara reflects. “It was such a relief to know I wasn’t alone in this. The care was immediate, thorough and I knew I was in good hands. ”Barbara continued to follow up with both the allergy and dermatology teams at Summit Health to ensure that her treatment was on track. “Every visit, every phone call—it was all coordinated for me,” she says. “I didn’t have to worry about anything except focusing on getting better.”

Despite the physical challenges, Barbara's journey was not without its moments of hope. She drew strength from the dedicated team around her, who always took the time to address her concerns and provide reassurance. “The team at Summit Health was just incredible,” Barbara says. “I felt like they were genuinely invested in my recovery, not just as a patient, but as a person.”

Looking back, Barbara is profoundly grateful for the care and support she received. “It’s not just about the treatment—it’s about the way they cared for me, the way they saw me as an individual. I can’t thank them enough for their kindness and expertise.”

Barbara now shares her story with others, encouraging anyone who faces similar health challenges to trust in Summit Health. “They identified my condition quickly and that made all the difference,” she says. “Thanks to them, I’m back on my feet and feeling like myself again.”

Today, Barbara’s life is slowly returning to normal. She feels stronger every day and continues to be thankful for the journey of healing she’s been on. “I’ll always look back at this experience with gratitude,” she reflects. “It’s the little things—the compassion, the quick action and the amazing care—that got me through.”