Susan Coffland

Sitka, AK

Susan Coffland, a 15-year veteran of the Sitka EMS and devoted single mother of Megan, was an amazing woman who “ran on a special kind of fuel.” She managed the EMS crew by day, worked as a registered nurse at Sitka Community Hospital by night, and conducted EMT trainings throughout the year. Nothing seemed to slow her down, until a fast-growing cancer appeared on her rib cage, spread throughout her body and eventually caused paralysis. Despite constant pain, Susan continued to work when she could, and she fought against the odds to see Megan graduate from high school in May 2003. Susan died in July, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and especially in Megan, 18, who recently completed her EMT III training and serves as a volunteer with the department her mother loved. “My mom was one of the most amazing women to ever grace this planet,” reflects Megan. “For her, everything revolved around me and her squad.” Director of Alaska Clinical Services Shelly Deering agrees. “Susan was one of those remarkable women you remember the rest of your life. You only wish you could be half the person she was.”

Sitka Community Hospital (Sitka, AK) to Virginia Mason Medical Center

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