Our family first met Kathleen Hemphill when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Kathleen was there from the start of mom's treatments, through many reoccurrences and remissions, until her final passing in 2019.
We surely can't complain about any of the care my mom received at South County. Everyone provided an exceptional level of care and showed a remarkable level of kindness, compassion, and respect toward not only my mom but to the entire family.
However, during my mom's long battle with cancer, one nurse stood out. There are not enough positive things I can say about Kathleen. It's impossible to express in words how much she meant to my mom and how much of a positive impact she had on her life. Kathleen spent so much time getting to know both of my parents on a personal level. She was an endless supplier of warm blankets, kind encouraging words, and positive energy. In my mom's eyes, she could do no wrong. Through every tough IV day or long grueling treatment, Kathleen was there. My mom would try to change her chemo schedule to match Kathleen's. She would complain to no end if Kathleen had the day off, or if she was starting a new chemo and was assigned a new nurse. No one was as good as Kathleen. She provided such a level of comfort in a time of fear and uncertainty.
My dad and I will forever be grateful to Kathleen for everything she did for my mom. Even in the end, when the goal changed from cure to comfort, she was there at mom's bedside.
Kathleen is an incredible nurse who made a huge impact on my mother's life.