March 2026 Honoree
RM Compassion Team
ER • Dylan Taylor • Elliot Corder • 6th • Kirsten Brown CNA • Shun Grogan RN • Arrianna Smith RN • Donna Jackson RN • Kelly Portillo RN • 3rd • Desi Scribner • Jeremiah Kirkpatrick • Kayla Whitthoeft • Jessica Hanvey • Kris Imbody • Glenda Hamilton • Nickolas Smith Palliative Care • Dr.Javier Otero • Lisa Purcell NP
To My OMH Family,
I want to sincerely thank each of you for caring for my daddy before he passed away. He came into the hospital that Monday thinking he just had a virus. We later found out it was a small bowel obstruction. When he was admitted to the 6th floor— the last available room — I felt relieved knowing he was on my floor, surrounded by people I trust and work with every day.
Before he even made it upstairs, I want to thank the Oconee Memorial Emergency Department for taking such good care of my dad. Thank you for your patience and kindness while inserting his NG tube and making sure he was stabilized. Those first moments matter so much, and I will never forget the compassion shown to him there.
I also want to personally thank Dr. Otero and Lisa Purcell. The way they cared for my daddy and my family meant everything. They were patient, kind, and completely upfront with us. There were no gray areas — everything was explained clearly and honestly. Dr. Otero made sure I understood everything that was going on. He answered every question and even shared his heartfelt condolences with us. That meant more than he probably knows. It wasn't just professional — it was genuine.
From the very beginning on the 6th floor, he was cared for with patience and kindness. Donna Jackson took great care of him that first night. Shun Grogan cared for him the next two days while doctors debated surgery, and she was so patient — especially when he kept trying to get up and go home.
After surgery Wednesday night, Kelly Portillo was incredibly kind and gentle with him while he was drowsy and restless from anesthesia.
When he was transferred to CCU after aspirating and developing aspiration pneumonia, Desi and Jeremiah were amazing. Desi took the time to explain everything clearly to my sister and me. Jeremiah stayed by my dad's side and even came off his break to be there. Glenda Hamilton came in and helped warm his hands. Every act of care mattered.
Friday morning, Jessica Hanvey was so patient and kind, speaking to my dad as if he could hear her while he was on the ventilator. Nick from Palliative Care explained everything to us with honesty and compassion. I trusted him — not just as a professional, but as someone I've known since my housekeeping days.
When it came time to make decisions, I thought like my dad. He wouldn't have wanted to suffer. We tried one more thing, and when it was clear, we made the decision in love.
When my dad passed at 12:27 p.m., I was there with Jessica and Kayla. They handled him with dignity and care. After the tube was removed, he looked peaceful — like he was simply asleep. When I later viewed him and saw a smile on his face, that gave me a peace I cannot describe. It let me know everything was okay.
Being on the other side — as a daughter instead of an employee — put so much into perspective. I saw firsthand the patience, compassion, and dedication that our staff shows every day. My family saw it too. Even though I work here, they treated us with such tenderness and respect. It was amazing to know that my OMH family took great care of my dad.
I am at peace knowing my daddy was loved, that he told us he loved us, and that he was surrounded by people who truly cared.
Thank you for caring for him. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for being my OMH family.
I want to sincerely thank each of you for caring for my daddy before he passed away. He came into the hospital that Monday thinking he just had a virus. We later found out it was a small bowel obstruction. When he was admitted to the 6th floor— the last available room — I felt relieved knowing he was on my floor, surrounded by people I trust and work with every day.
Before he even made it upstairs, I want to thank the Oconee Memorial Emergency Department for taking such good care of my dad. Thank you for your patience and kindness while inserting his NG tube and making sure he was stabilized. Those first moments matter so much, and I will never forget the compassion shown to him there.
I also want to personally thank Dr. Otero and Lisa Purcell. The way they cared for my daddy and my family meant everything. They were patient, kind, and completely upfront with us. There were no gray areas — everything was explained clearly and honestly. Dr. Otero made sure I understood everything that was going on. He answered every question and even shared his heartfelt condolences with us. That meant more than he probably knows. It wasn't just professional — it was genuine.
From the very beginning on the 6th floor, he was cared for with patience and kindness. Donna Jackson took great care of him that first night. Shun Grogan cared for him the next two days while doctors debated surgery, and she was so patient — especially when he kept trying to get up and go home.
After surgery Wednesday night, Kelly Portillo was incredibly kind and gentle with him while he was drowsy and restless from anesthesia.
When he was transferred to CCU after aspirating and developing aspiration pneumonia, Desi and Jeremiah were amazing. Desi took the time to explain everything clearly to my sister and me. Jeremiah stayed by my dad's side and even came off his break to be there. Glenda Hamilton came in and helped warm his hands. Every act of care mattered.
Friday morning, Jessica Hanvey was so patient and kind, speaking to my dad as if he could hear her while he was on the ventilator. Nick from Palliative Care explained everything to us with honesty and compassion. I trusted him — not just as a professional, but as someone I've known since my housekeeping days.
When it came time to make decisions, I thought like my dad. He wouldn't have wanted to suffer. We tried one more thing, and when it was clear, we made the decision in love.
When my dad passed at 12:27 p.m., I was there with Jessica and Kayla. They handled him with dignity and care. After the tube was removed, he looked peaceful — like he was simply asleep. When I later viewed him and saw a smile on his face, that gave me a peace I cannot describe. It let me know everything was okay.
Being on the other side — as a daughter instead of an employee — put so much into perspective. I saw firsthand the patience, compassion, and dedication that our staff shows every day. My family saw it too. Even though I work here, they treated us with such tenderness and respect. It was amazing to know that my OMH family took great care of my dad.
I am at peace knowing my daddy was loved, that he told us he loved us, and that he was surrounded by people who truly cared.
Thank you for caring for him. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for being my OMH family.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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