In all my years working at Freeman Health System, I've seen compassionate care in action, but experiencing it for my own mother showed me just how deeply it runs here.  I wanted to share my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible care my mother received during her final days.  

As both an employee and a daughter, I got to see Freeman through a very personal lens, and what I witnessed was nothing short of compassion in action. From the moment she was transferred to the CVICU, we were surrounded by people who treated her and our family with such kindness and respect. It's important that you know who was involved in her care and how they made a difference.    

Nurse Cheyenne was there when my mom was transferred from the floor to the CVICU, and her calm presence instantly put us at ease.  Nurse Alexis spent the entire day with us as my mom declined. She noticed my mom trying to communicate and thoughtfully checked with respiratory to see if the BiPap could be removed, allowing us to have more meaningful moments together. That gesture gave us the gift of connection in her final hours, which is definitely something I will never forget.  She did so much for us during her shift.  She is the true definition of Freeman's Best. Freeman is lucky to have her as a member of the Freeman family. 

Overnight, Nurse Dee Dee cared for my mom with such tenderness and dignity, making sure she was comfortable and peaceful.  After my mom passed, she stood with my brother and me as we processed what had just happened.  She knew the pain that we were feeling as tears filled her own eyes.  After her shift was over, she came into the room to tell us goodbye and let us know it was a pleasure taking care of my mom. Dr. Christopher Black guided us through the hardest decisions about palliative care with compassion and honesty, helping us make choices that honored my mom and gave us peace. What Dr. Black does on a daily basis takes a very special person, and I am grateful that he was involved in my mother's care.  And lastly, Vanessa was the Chaplain who offered such gentle support, letting me talk about my mom and share who she was beyond her illness. Her kindness was a true comfort.  

Through it all, I saw what it really means to live out Freeman's mission statement, not just in words, but in action.  My mom wasn't just a patient; she was cared for as a person, and our family was cared for, too.  

I've always been proud to work for Freeman, but after walking through this experience, that pride feels much deeper. It reminded me why I'm proud to say I am a Freeman employee - it's a place where compassion, respect, and humanity are the heart of everything we do.  I just wanted you to know how much the care my mother received meant to me personally.  It was a powerful reminder of the heart behind the Freeman name.  

With heartfelt thanks.