Memoir
Date Published: February 14, 2026
Tattered Flesh, Resilient Spirit is a powerful and deeply personal medical
memoir that chronicles the extraordinary survival of physician Craig H.
Collison, M.D., who, at the height of his medical training, was suddenly
struck by a devastating case of necrotizing fasciitis-commonly known as
“flesh-eating bacteria.”
Told through the rare dual lens of doctor and patient, this gripping narrative
offers a day-by-day account of emergency surgeries, intensive care, organ
failure, and prolonged rehabilitation.
Interwoven throughout the story are intimate bedside journal entries written
by Collison’s wife, family, and friends-capturing raw fear, unwavering love,
and the strength of a community united by hope.
Beyond the medical drama, Tattered Flesh, Resilient Spirit is a testimony to
faith, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Biblical reflections
accompany the journey, offering spiritual insight and comfort during moments
of despair and uncertainty. The book also includes a patient- and
family-focused appendix, making it both a compelling memoir and a meaningful
resource for those navigating critical illness.
EXCERPT
To deal with the problem of my large skin defects, Drs. Fratianne and Yowler made the decision to use pig skin to cover these areas, with two goals in mind. First, it would act as a barrier for infection, even if only temporarily, and secondly, it would give the doctors an idea if my body was to the point to be able to accept skin grafts from my own healthy skin. The pig skin was put in place with staples in the operating room.
Unfortunately, this first application was only about fifty percent successful. The pig skin graft failed to take at all on my back, while it did take on several areas of my front. The pig skin that didn’t take was removed or fell off. With the emotional roller coaster that everyone was riding, this setback was very disheartening for my family. As each hurdle during my illness approached, the anticipation heightened with the stakes. My failure to overcome any of these hurdles could result in complications and ultimately my death, so setbacks of any type were hard to take. The failure of the first pig skin application was a clear sign that I wasn’t ready for my actual skin-grafting. My family knew that I had a small window of time to get grafted, so while this failure wasn’t fatal, the clock was ticking and everyone knew it. The defects needed to be closed before infections of my wounds became overwhelming.
Journal Entry – 5/8/00
Yesterday looked very promising – no fever, all other vitals real good and the nurse said what she could see of the pig skin looked real good. But today my heart is heavy for you again. I haven’t cried in a few days (much at least), but today it all feels like draining out. I still have to keep the faith and hope that this is just a delay and you and the Lord will prevail! Some days are easier than others (you’re well = I’m well and vice-versa). Today Dr. Yowler looked at your pig skin grafts and we had half and half news.
Your back didn’t take at all, but 85% of the front did. Of course, I always hope for things to work out perfectly, and then I get reminded that it is not an easy road we are traveling here there are many bumps on the way. They did say that there is also a fungus on your back, so will be treating you with Nystatin cream beginning tomorrow. They also hope to get you weaned off the vent by Wednesday or Thursday of this week. I would feel better with that endotracheal tube out of you to decrease the chance of infection.
As a bonus, you would be happier and then you could talk to us as well. Oh, one day at a time.
I hope you don’t find this silly or boring to read later, it just is an easier way to remember each day (for you later) and it is the only way I can “tell” you my feelings now. I do tell you verbally – I talk with you, pray with you, play CDs for you and touch your arms, hands, face and hair daily, hoping subconsciously you can feel me here with you. Oh, how I do miss you baby and just pray so hard each day – many, many times that this will all continue to go in a positive direction and we will enjoy one another again and the many dreams in life ahead of us. God is good, I know that, and I know that he is in control of all of this and holds you each day (wish I could!) in his loving arms.
Well, I am going to go back in now and sit with you some more since that is what I am here to do. Love you babe, with all I am and have! M-
Craig H. Collison, MD grew up in central Pennsylvania, graduating from State
College High School. He earned an engineering degree from Penn State
University and went on to medical school at Wake Forest University. He then
did his Pediatrics training at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital,
part of Case Western Reserve University. In the last months of his residency
training, he had a surgery to remove a lipoma that got super-infected, causing
necrotizing fasciitis and myositis (flesh-eating bacteria). The book “Tattered
Flesh, Resilient Spirit” chronicles this illness and how faith in God and an
incredible health team helped Craig and his family through the most difficult
challenge of his life.
After many months in the hospital, he and his family then returned home to
central Pennsylvania to work as a general Pediatrician with Centre Medical and
Surgical Associates and Mount Nittany Medical Center, now combined as the
Mount Nittany Health System. He lives with his wife, Michelle, his children,
Taylor, Chase, Caroline and Lydia, and their dogs, Penny and Josie, in
“The Simon Pickel House.” This 1833 stone house resides in the
small village of Madisonburg, part of the Penns Valley area. He recently moved
his practice to Mount Nittany Physician Group – Penns Valley to be closer to
home and really take care of children in the Penns Valley area. His interests
outside work include football, volleyball, golf, playing guitar and, most
importantly, being an involved husband and dad.
