Coupeville resident Stephanie Haskins had a long career serving as an educator and principal in the Seattle and Everett school districts. She had a passion for words and taught language arts to her students. But after a shocking event in February 2007, Haskins suddenly found herself struggling to hold a pen, spell simple words and write complete sentences. She found herself unable to remember the name of the person she loved.

Four years ago in February, Haskins was helping her partner, Paula Seaman, with some work in Oak Harbor when she was struck with a horrific headache. Soon she was shaking and losing consciousness. She was rushed to Whidbey General Hospital and soon airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after doctors discovered Haskins had a burst brain aneurysm.

“I guess there was a whole discussion when I got to Harborview on whether I should go into surgery or whether they should just let me die,” Haskins said.

Dr. Laligam N. Sekhar M.D. pushed for treating Haskins. He said when she came to the hospital she was in very bad shape. In fact, he said doctors rate aneurym patients on a scale from one to six. A one represents someone is relatively good shape while a six is near death or dead. Haskins was rated a five.

Despite facing skeptical nurses, Sekhar said he was adamant about helping Haskins and was glad he did so.

“What was very interesting in her particular case was that when a patient comes in very bad shape, they usually start showing improvement within a week,” Sekhar said. “In her case, she remained very poor for about three weeks, she was in a deep coma but her MRI scan looked good, so I was optimistic we should try our best. … Strangely enough around the three-week mark she miraculously started turning around. She began looking better and better and never looked back.”

Sekhar contributes Haskins incredible turnaround to the care she received at Harborview and the amazing support she had from Seaman and their friends.

“Whenever I walked into the room they were always cheerful,” Sekhar said. “It was just a pleasure to deal with them all the time.”

Seaman remained by Haskins’ side during her months in the hospital. She stood by her when she was in a coma and didn’t lose her strength even when Haskins came to and couldn’t come up with her name.

“I just kept thinking, boy, I wish there was something that told me there was hope,” Seaman said, “because it was so hopeless. What kept me going is that she never stopped fighting. Even though she wasn’t aware of her actions and doesn’t remember it, her determination kept me going. It was just who she was.”

Haskins was released from the hospital and worked tirelessly to get herself back into shape. She kept a journal to practice writing and had to relearn how to be her old self. While still on the road to recovery, Haskins was diagnosed with leukemia, a disease she says she officially beat in February 2011.

After their four-year battle, Haskins and Seaman decided to co-write a book called “Humdinger! noun: an extraordinary person or event” that captured an attitude of optimism and called the community to action. Haskins said she wants people to be aware of the seriousness of head traumas and wants a way to encourage people to go to the hospital at the first sign of an unusual headache or pain.

“I want to stay focused on this stuff,” Haskins said. “I don’t want a child’s father to have an aneurysm.”

Besides education, Haskins hopes to raise money from the book to start a foundation that supports organizations that are working towards cures for the world’s tragedies.

“I want people to read the book so they know it can be done,” Haskins said. “I think we have a right to live a long life with our friends and families and a lot of people don’t because we’re not focused. … I want to support the people who are looking for cures.”

Sekhar said Haskins had made an unbelievable recovery and said she is capable of doing almost anything. He said he read the book and is extremely pleased that Haskins is so enthusiastic about educating the community.

“I was a principal,” Haskins said. “I was a leader. I was articulate. What I went through to get back here was major. After writing this book, I feel like a principle again.”

Order a ‘Humdinger’ of a tale

To order the book, visit www.beataneurysmandleukemia.com. The book is hardcover and cost $25. The proceeds of the book will go towards establishing a foundation that supports organizations that are currently working toward cures. The website also includes samples of Haskins’ and Seamans’ journals, doctor interviews and information on leukemia and aneurysms.