Susie is a tremendous co-worker who is limitless in the care she gives our patients. She is thorough in her clinical care and her heart continues to give, even during off hours. Outside of being a nurse, Susie has a talent as a seamstress. Her creativity is beyond measure. She has extended this talent and love for sewing to our patients at the Wound Center. For years, Susie has taken leftover wound care product (Profore Contact Layer) that would otherwise go to waste and has made giveaway cinch bags. Susie uses different colored ribbons designed for both men and women to hold the bags closed. She brings them to the clinic and distributes them as a means for patients to carry their leftover wound care products home. We so lovingly call these bags “Susie Bags.”

Most recently Susie, again, went above and beyond for our patients in the Ostomy Clinic. We had a young patient come in, a mother of toddler twins. Within a year after delivery, she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer resulting in an Ileostomy. Ostomies are life-changing. We as Wound and Ostomy Nurses try our best to provide dignity for our patients. In discussions with our patient, she expressed different life events coming up, including a Christening for her children. She was concerned the care for her ostomy would disrupt this special day. We informed the patient of ostomy bag covers that are currently on the market. These are covers that come in different patterns. They cover the ostomy bag and give a more stylish look. This would be an added expense for our patient, and it was difficult to find a cover that fit the bag she was using. In attempts to help this patient, we found a homemade pattern online to have one custom made. We ran the idea by Susie to see if it would be difficult for someone to make. Susie showed interest immediately and jumped right in. She offered to make the bags from her home to custom fit the patient’s ostomy bag. Of course, expecting nothing in return. Susie not only made the covers for our mother of two; she made additional covers for our ostomy population. Several of our patients have benefited from this service from Susie. Their faces light up to know that someone has done this for them. I have seen our patients wear them when they come into the clinic. They always remember the care they received and feel loved.

By doing this service Susie has helped our patients feel empowered to take on this life-changing challenge and know that there is a place to go when they are in need. Thank you, Susie, for giving to our patients the way you do. It will always remain in the hearts of your patients and coworkers.