One of our patients expressed that she was worried about her dog who had been left at home alone. Carleen Harmon volunteered to visit and feed the patient's dog, on her own time, so that the patient could feel at ease staying in the hospital for the tests and care she needed.
In the patient's own words: "Please recognize Carleen for her exceptional generosity and mercy. My heart was at ease and my stress was decreased. Worrying about my dog affected my health status. Her consideration and kindness touched my spirit and reminded me to treat others with kindness. Please acknowledge her special gifts."
Carleen visited and fed the patient's dog twice during her hospital stay. In this instance, Carleen demonstrated Saint Mary's core values of quality, community and most of all, boundless compassion. Carleen's selfless act embodies the true meaning of what it is to care for a patient.