A Livonia woman who nearly lost her life before last year’s Detroit Thanksgiving Parade is making a remarkable comeback. Henrietta Hilberath, a 70-year-old retired special education consultant, is returning to the parade route this year — this time dressed as an elf — after surviving a sudden aortic dissection that struck just moments before she was set to march in a peapod costume.
Longtime Parade Volunteer Faces Terrifying Medical Scare
For nearly a decade, Hilberath marched proudly in Detroit’s annual Thanksgiving Parade. Last year, she arrived before dawn with her niece, Lisa McCormick, preparing to suit up as a peapod for a float themed around community food banks.
But while getting dressed on the second floor of Wayne State University’s student center, she suddenly felt severe shoulder pain that quickly worsened. She became dizzy, vomited, and briefly lost consciousness. Her niece immediately called 911 — and thanks to the parade’s heavy EMS presence, first responders reached her within minutes.
At Detroit Receiving Hospital, doctors discovered she had an aortic dissection, a rare and dangerous emergency involving a tear in the body’s main artery.
Eight Hours of Emergency Surgery Saves Her Life
Thoracic surgeon Dr. Frank Baciewicz, from Wayne State University School of Medicine, assembled an emergency surgical team and explained the seriousness of the condition. Staff encouraged Hilberath to contact loved ones before surgery — a moment she described as “surreal.”
Her husband and two adult children rushed to the hospital. After sharing their love, she was taken into an operation that lasted most of the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears.
Miraculously, she pulled through. Hospital staff later affectionately referred to her as “the peapod,” a nickname that spread throughout departments as workers checked on her recovery.
Weeks in the Hospital, Months of Rehab — and a Determined Comeback
Hilberath spent three weeks in the hospital, followed by months of cardiac rehab and physical therapy. Doctors described her survival as extraordinary, and her dermatologist explained that hospital staff were likely thrilled to see such a positive outcome.
Recently, Hilberath visited Dr. Baciewicz and asked him to send a message of gratitude to the medical team. She wrote her thanks on a piece of paper towel, telling staff how thankful she was that they saved “the lady in the peapod costume.”
Returning to the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade — This Time as an Elf
Fully healed and determined, Hilberath is returning to the parade this year alongside her niece — both dressed as elves. She hopes to help carry the parade’s banner at the front of the procession.
“I was determined to be in the parade again,” she told Deadline Detroit.
Dr. Baciewicz said her journey is “fantastic” and added that, although he’s not on call on Thanksgiving Day, he plans to come watch her lead the parade.
A Story of Gratitude, Survival, and Detroit Spirit
From nearly collapsing before the parade to leading it a year later, Hilberath’s experience shows the power of fast medical care, modern surgery, and personal resilience. Her return is a fitting celebration for a holiday defined by gratitude — and a special moment for everyone who helped save her life.
