Words cannot describe how amazing Pamela has been to my son and I. For the last 4 years, she has been my saving grace when it comes to navigating the Medical System at Madigan Army Medical Center. From routine lab draws, to referrals, facilitating with medical equipment issues and consults for surgeries, she has been the driving force behind it all. I can honestly say that she has gone above and beyond in everything she has done the whole time she's cared for my son. I know she doesn't have to, but she assists in all aspects of his care. There have been multiple times that I have called her about questions completely unrelated to his complex heart condition, and she has always assisted without hesitation. I could write a novel on all the times she has helped me but instead, I want to focus on a few key instances that truly stand out and I hold close to my heart.
My son had been waiting for his Make A Wish for approximately a year. When it was time for him to go on trip, he unfortunately got super sick the day before we left. Pamela helped us get in to see my son's PCM that day, which is outside of her duties and responsibilities, and also had his cardiologist attend the appointment before we left. She personally reached out to us daily to check on my son and when he continued to decline, we ended up in the hospital during his wish trip. She helped coordinate our return to Washington and ultimately him being hospitalized at Madigan for several more days. She did not have to do any of this, but I am truly thankful that she went above and beyond and was a means of support during an extremely stressful time. When my son mentions his Make a Wish to family and friends, he always brings up how Ms. Pamela checked on him every day because of just how much she cares about him.
Another instance that Pamela has gone above and beyond is when my son was being bullied at school due to his NG Tube. I contacted her in regards trying set up an appointment with his cardiac team to finally discuss him getting cleared to receive a GTube. She spoke to the doctors about my concerns and we were seen at the clinic within 24 hours. This might not seem that amazing, however, to be brought in to a specialty clinic about a different specialty issue, is simply amazing. Within one week he was scheduled for surgery and again, she checked on us daily during our stay. After he was released, she helped us with daily follow ups with his Cardiac Team due to bleeding concerns post op. Every day we were at the clinic, and she was the first person to greet us with a smile on her face and always gave my son a huge but gentle hug.
I typically speak with Pamela weekly in regard to my son getting hurt at school, his blood levels, illness or just to ask concerned mom questions. We speak so much that she has my phone number memorized. She always answers the phone with such joy and a personalized greeting so that I know she cares. I live by the quote, "actions speak louder than words" and her actions definitely speak volumes on her level of caring.
I speak about Pamela often, bragging that I truly have the greatest support at Madigan and it's all thanks to her and the pediatric cardiology team. My son has multiple specialists at Madigan, and no other nurse can compare to her level of compassion, love and support.
Pamela truly embodies the philosophy of "Care with Compassion" and I am eternally grateful to have her as part of my son's care team.