Trauma impacts everyone. A tragedy like the San Bernardino mass shooting on Dec. 2, 2015 — four years ago today — sends ripples through communities, while bringing those who live and work there together.
Events like dedications of memorial gardens and community vigils honor those who lost their lives that day, and for those who were first to the scene, every day becomes a day to advocate for change.
“Trauma is the same. Emotionally you will have the similar increase of heart rate and sober sadness when you see people in agony. In that particular time, I felt the community in agony,” said Michael M. Neeki, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center trauma surgeon.
Neeki, 55, has remained in contact with families of the victims and has attended dedications of several memorial gardens.