The Writing on the Wall - Paperback

by Regina Holliday (Author)

Regina Holliday takes readers on an odyssey of abuse and empowerment in her memoir The Writing on the Wall. She recounts bright moments from her childhood with an innocent wonder that contrasts painfully with her years of abuse at the hands of an alcoholic father. Her determination to take a stand against injustice was formed at an early age. It served her well as an adult when she became the caregiver of her husband Frederick Allen Holliday II. He was hospitalized for tests in the spring of 2009. They began an eleven-week journey through five facilities in an attempt to get appropriate treatment for his advanced kidney cancer. After watching Fred suffer poor care coordination, a lack of access to data, and a series of medical errors, Regina was determined she would try to improve care for her husband as well as all the other patients who were abused in this way. She painted a series of murals to reform health care standards and became part of the national health care reform debate.

Author Biography

Some people call Regina Holliday the Rosa Parks of health care. Ms. Holliday is an activist, artist, and speaker. Regina is also a mother and a widow; she speaks about the benefits of health information technology and timely data access for patients due to her family loss. In 2009, she painted a series of murals depicting the need for clarity and transparency in medical records. This advocacy mission was inspired by her late husband Frederick Allen Holliday II and his struggle to get appropriate care during 11 weeks of continuous hospitalization at 5 facilities. Her paintings became part of the national debate on health care reform and helped guide public policy. She also began an advocacy movement called "The Walking Gallery." The Gallery consists of medical providers and advocates who wear patient story paintings on the backs of business suits. This "walking wall" is changing minds and opening hearts. Regina Holliday is a resident of Grantsville, Maryland. She travels internationally to speak and paint about patient rights.