We had a patient come into our ER in respiratory distress. He is homeless and lives in his truck. He had to be intubated and transferred to STR. He had a dog named Stella in his truck. One of our nurses, Kandy Cantrell, took this dog in and fostered her until the patient was able to be discharged. She bathed her and bought her food. Once the patient was out of the ICU and in a regular room, he called Kandy. He asked her for clothing and other items. She purchased them for him and even took Stella to visit him in the hospital at STR. The patient continued to improve and was admitted to our rehab unit here at River Park. Once he was ready for discharge and had moved into an extended-stay hotel, Kandy and her husband reunited Stella with her owner. This was such a big investment of time and money, but Kandy didn't mind. She wanted the animal cared for, and his owner reunited with him. We work with a great lady!!

A family member reported to me that Kandy was great. She brought them mints and water. This might seem like such a small gesture but really meant a lot to the family of the patient. They had so much great things to say about her and how caring she was while she cared for their family member.