Giving Mobility Back

Tracy's Story

They were personable, friendly, and calm—just like everyone I’ve encountered at Mammoth Hospital.

-Tracy Vining

At 79 years old, Tracy Vining considers himself experienced with emergency rooms, having lived a life full of riding horses, skiing, and mountain adventures. Yet, no hospital has earned his trust quite like Mammoth Hospital.

In May 2025, while hiking near Silver Lake Resort, Tracy had a fall that left him needing medical attention. After a long hike back to his car, he went straight to Mammoth Hospital’s ER. He was quickly placed in a private room and warmly greeted by nurses Debbie Riffel, Kari Gray, and Dr. Jennie Walker. “They were personable, friendly, and calm—just like everyone I’ve encountered at Mammoth Hospital,” he said. The team took the time needed to treat him properly, ensuring he was comfortable and cared for before sending him home.

This was his fourth visit to Mammoth Hospital over many summers spent at his cabin on the June Lake Loop. On a previous occasion, after a skiing accident, the hospital provided seamless care—from prompt X-rays to surgery—all completed locally. Tracy contrasts this with other experiences, like waiting seven hours in urgent care elsewhere for stitches.

Though he jokes about having “an Emergency Room quota of once a year,” having Mammoth Hospital close by brings him peace of mind and confidence during his time in the Eastern Sierra.