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Meet Catholic Writer and patient advocate Val Barschaw

Meet Catholic Writer and patient advocate Val Barschaw

Last updated on: September 8, 2026 at 12:00 am by Mark Wilson

Meet Catholic Writer and patient advocate Val Barschaw 2026-09-02T05:26:44-05:00 Mark Wilson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Meet the Writers have seen Catholic writers who have written science fiction, vampire novels, and taken you to fantasy worlds. We’ve seen writers who have written about Mother Mary and the Saints. We have non-fiction books talking about artificial intelligence, philosophy and personal grief. Our nest writer invites you to read your book if you need some help navigating a hospital visit. A practical tool for many people. If you’re about to have a prolonged stay in a hospital you might want to look at her book or consult her services. You’ll learn more as you…

1. Tell something interesting about yourself.

I am pretty good with a chain saw.

2. What makes a good Catholic writer?

Fulfilling the purpose God placed on your heart.

3. What do you like about being a Catholic/Christian Writer?

Appreciate the love and connection afforded by other writers who are kind and caring.

4. What is the Main focus of your particular Writing or what do you like to write about?

My focus is on creating hospital heroes – patients who are prepared for the best possible outcome. Hospital heroes aren’t fearless, they’re prepared.

5. How does your Catholic Faith influence your writing?

Faith is an integral part of a hospital experience. With my Catholic faith I am joyful in knowing that God is always present.

6. What’s your favorite article/Post/book/story you have written?

My book is “Surviving the Hospital – Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know”. I write a monthly newsletter and one of my favorites is about packing a humor toolkit.

“Meet the “Feel Good” Folder

The idea is simple: before your next appointment, pull together a small collection of mood-lifting materials. Physical or digital — whatever works for you.

Here’s what goes in it:

Funny cards or letters from loved ones

A favorite comic strip or two

Screenshots of texts or posts that made you laugh out loud

Photos that bring up happy memories

A playlist of comedy podcasts for longer waits (don’t forget earbuds!)

The key is making it personal. What makes you laugh is what makes this work. There’s no universal humor toolkit — there’s only yours.”

7.. What is your favorite topic/subject to write about?

Preparing for a hospitalization successfully.

“We are going to have to operate,” announces the doctor with a sterile, unemotional tone. You shake your head as if to clear the cotton from your ears. You were not expecting to hear that! Your mind struggles for any sensible questions to ask. You are caught off guard. You are feeling alone. You’re feeling vulnerable. You ask yourself, Should I or shouldn’t I? You want to feel better, but you didn’t want to hear that an operation was the road to get you there. You are confused, frightened, and in a fog. You have not had any time to bring yourself into focus.

As quickly as the doctor utters those words, your mind races to the events of the past few weeks. You were just going about your daily routine, going to work, attending school functions, and engaging in activities with family and friends. You didn’t feel like you needed an operation. You were just feeling a little “off.”

Breath finally fills your lungs as the room quits spinning.

– Surviving the Hospital

8. Favorite scripture verse.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7

9. What Are you currently working on?

Getting the book into the hands of the people who need it most – which is to say most everyone.

10. Name a favorite saint or Catholic or some other figure who inspires you in your life.

Melchizedek

Detail from Abraham and Melchizedek by Juan Antonio de Frías y Escalante, 1668

11. Who is your favorite Living Writer?

I am a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association (NCWA) and have come to personally know many talented and gifted writers in multiple genres – both from the association, and beyond. It is too hard to pick just one! Liz Holtzman is superb with Devotionals, Kim Vandel for Young Adult, Theresa Abell Haynes for gripping historical, Wendy Jo Cerna for ancient saga, Nova McBee for suspense and Ryan C. Neal, MD for Christian mindfulness.

12. If you could have lunch with any deceased writer who would it be, what would you eat and what would you talk about?

Patrick F. McManus eating fresh caught seafood and talking about bringing joy to others through writing.

13. Name a favorite movie/tv show or music you find worth sharing with others.

City Slickers

14. Can you see one of your books being made into a movie or tv series? Who would you want to star or direct?

Yes, absolutely. I think Jim Caviezel should portray my husband or else direct.

Caviezel at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con Thibault from Paris, France – Person Of Interest – Panel Uploaded by stemoc

15. Favorite Historical event.

The Declaration of Independence, the action of the Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776.

This interview was published on September 8, 2026

The day these other Historical Trivia events happened.

1565 – St. Augustine, Florida is founded by Spanish admiral and Florida’s first governor, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.

The oldest masonry fort in the Lower 48, built in the late 17th century, now a museum. Schwerdf – Own workSchwerdf – Own work

1726 – J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35, a solo cantata for alto voice.

1971 – In Washington, D.C., the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is inaugurated, with the opening feature being the premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass.

Rose Kennedy and Ted Kennedy in the presidential box during the center’s opening gala on September 8, 1971

1974 – Watergate scandal: US President Gerald Ford signs the pardon of Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.

16. What else do you want people to know about anything.

What I share is not about me – it is how God has placed a passion in my heart so strong that I must share it with others. This allows me to compose the following bio in hopes that others will be inspired to learn more:

Val Barschaw is a patient advocate with 35+ years of experience navigating America’s healthcare system. Her expertise was hard-earned through her husband Bill’s decade-long wait for a heart transplant, followed by 25+ years of post-transplant care, during which she witnessed both medical miracles and preventable errors that could have been life-threatening.

After experiencing firsthand how unprepared patients can face serious risks—including medication errors and healthcare-acquired infections—Val became passionate about empowering others to become indispensable members of their own healthcare teams. She believes that informed, engaged patients consistently achieve better outcomes and can help healthcare professionals provide better care.

Val’s mission is to transform patient uncertainty and fear into proactive, informed action. Through “Surviving the Hospital,” she shares six essential secrets that could literally save lives by teaching patients how to research effectively, communicate clearly, and advocate confidently for themselves and their loved ones.

When not writing or advocating for patient safety, Val enjoys life on her small farm in rural Cle Elum, Washington, with her husband Bill, their pets, and abundant wildlife. She continues to be inspired by the resilience of patients and families facing health challenges, and remains committed to helping others navigate their hospital journeys successfully.

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