Cassidy Cancer Center Infusion Center

In 2022, serendipitous circumstances brought a wonderful patient to the Winter Haven Hospital Infusion Center.  Due to the patient’s illness, the patient required a blood transfusion 2-3 times per week. During these infusions, which lasted 30 mins to 8-hrs, a bond formed between the patient, the patient’s family, and the Infusion Center Team. 

During the Christmas season, team member Emily Flowers, volunteered her time to spread Christmas cheer. She would go several times a week to the Infusion Center waiting room and the Infusion Center patient area, playing Christmas songs on her violin. This patient especially enjoyed these moments and frequently requested Emily play on every holiday. The patient even joked with her [Emily] saying, “Hey Emily, Mardi Gras is coming! What songs are you playing for that?”

As the months passed, the patient was increasingly admitted to the hospital. During the patient’s multiple hospitalizations, the Infusion Center team ensured that at least one of their team members visited the patient daily, often numerous times. The patient and the patient’s family knew each of them by name. In mid-2023, it became clear that the patient would not overcome the illness. As the patient and the patient’s family prepped for discharge, the Infusion Center Team ensured that the patient knew how special the patient was to them. Knowing the patient’s love for music, the Infusion Center Team requested that Emily play her violin for the patient again. Emily had transferred to another department by this time, but that did not hinder her. She arranged to bring her violin to play once more for the patient. As she started the first few notes of Amazing Grace, every eye filled with tears. The patient then requested one more song, An Unclouded Day. Emily quickly obliged, using her gift to bring hope and light in a dark moment. 

Before the patient left that day, the entire Infusion Center Team shared hugs with the patient and the patient’s family. Sadly, the patient passed away. In the patient’s obituary, the family mentioned the Winter Haven Hospital Infusion Center Team by saying, “A special thanks to the Angel Staff of the infusion Center of Winter Haven BayCare Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness.” The Infusion Center Team continued to follow up with the patient’s family after the passing, sending an encouraging note to the patient’s children. The Winter Haven Hospital Infusion Center Team’s enormous compassion and excellent care have forever linked them heart-to-heart with the patient’s family.