G is a man who has stage 4 cancer for almost 5 years now. He developed foot drop a few years back. He has battled through the past two years to walk independently. He worked with physical therapists regularly, he did water aerobics, and he wore bilateral leg braces. G pushed himself through his therapies and was able to finally progress to not using a walker, a cane, to finally no leg braces! He was extremely proud of his accomplishments and wanted to help inspire others. G was invited to walk the "Back to the Road" and he was ecstatic! He was so proud of his achievements. He could not wait to inspire others. The walk is a mile walk, part of Bellin Run activities, and is by invitation only.
A few days before the walk G was admitted with a small bowel obstruction. He was miserable. His goal was to feel better so he could be discharged and walk in his event. Kari knew this was probably not going to happen in 3 short days. She spoke with G's physician and he got the OK to leave the floor on a pass so he could attend the walk. G and his wife were elated that Kari listened to their needs and found a way to make it happen.
Kari is dealing with her own health issues and probably should not have been out in 90 degree heat pushing a wheel chair. She put her physical needs a side to make sure G could make his dream come true.
Kari came in on her day off to drive G to the event. He was not in tip top shape to walk to Astor Park and then do his 1 mile walk. The MD caring for G wanted a wheel chair to go with him just in case he could not do the whole walk. I gave Kari my blessing to load up a wheel chair so she could make G's dream come true. Kari, G, and his wife headed out to Astor Park. When they got to the park a family member was there waiting with balloons and a sign. G was living a dream. G was able to walk most of his walk only needing to be in the wheel chair for a small portion.
This is not the first time Kari has gone above and beyond for her patients. This is the type of nurse Kari is with all of her patients.