Recently, my world was turned upside down when I had to call 911 to have my mom transported to the closest hospital by ambulance. She was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. She was placed in the ICU there for several days. My dad and I did not leave her side while she was there.

On our second night staying with her, my dad deteriorated, and I had to quickly pivot from the ICU unit with mom to the Emergency Room with dad. As an only child with no siblings, spouse, or kids, it’s just me. I am responsible for caregiving for both my mom and dad, as they are older and have complex health needs. Dad was admitted to the hospital and to have both parents hospitalized at one time was brutal for me emotionally, physically, and mentally.

I can handle a lot, but pivoting back and forth from mom’s room to dad’s room, worrying about losing them both, and having to make major decisions with no sleep for days just felt like a nightmare that I could not wake up from. This couldn’t be happening. I knew that I had to get dad transferred to Catawba Valley Medical Center, where we would feel safe, secure, and in good hands with his complex needs. This meant leaving my mom, though.

We arrived at Catawba Valley Medical Center by ambulance transporting dad there, and me following behind. We got him checked in. The minute I walked in the door at Catawba Valley Medical Center, I knew we had made the right decision to transfer him. I’ve stated earlier that, with my dad being an 80-year-old molasses farmer who has never spent a night away from his wife, he was broken and lost. Dad was traumatized from seeing my mom carted off by paramedics, so he was in a fragile state. Dad had a very much-needed pacemaker surgery, and it went fantastic.

I would like to fast forward to the moment I met Paige Sigmon, patient care manager. She was absolutely a light at the end of the tunnel, not only for my dad, but for me, who was shattered, broken down, lost, and very afraid of the unknowns we faced. Paige listened to my story, the whole story, so she could understand the full picture and what all we were going through. I finally felt heard and understood, which was the start of me rebuilding strength to get through this situation. She cared about not just my dad, the patient, but also listened and expressed empathy in caring about how my mom was doing in a different hospital. She did what she said she was going to do and built trust with us.

Paige gave me hope and strength. Even though I was alone in this situation, Paige made it seem like I had someone there with me, really like a friend or family member. She is the epitome of amazing!

Paige, thank you for being a shining light in the darkest of times. You have helped more than you will ever know. You truly care about the patient and their family. 

Thank you, Paige! I will always be grateful for you.