My uncle and Godfather, B, was admitted to the WMC Critical Care Unit due to a fall in his home. He had multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung. His wife of 57 years, my aunt and Godmother, P, was in her final days of battling lung cancer at the time. The day after B's admission, Hospice gave her 24-48 hours. Uncle B was her primary caregiver up until his fall. Naturally, he was heartbroken that he could not be with her in her final hours.
The Critical Care team jumped into action to fast track his discharge so he could be with her and had a plan in place for him to see her if she passed before he could be discharged. Unfortunately, she passed prior to his discharge. Liza Herring coordinated with Valley Medical Transport to take him to his home to see her one last time. His nurse, Dana Ashlock, took the hour-long trip to Luray with us. The professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity shown by both Liza and Dana was greatly appreciated by my uncle, my family, and me. Their actions were more than above and beyond a nurse's daily duties. They supported Uncle B in one of his weakest moments in a way that only a loved one could. They held his hand, cried with him, hugged him, and made him laugh in addition to providing excellent medical care. I couldn't imagine going through this situation with any other team of nurses. I wish there was a way to express how thankful I am for everything they did.
When my Aunt P passed it broke Uncle B's heart. He couldn't imagine a world without her. Just two weeks later, Uncle B left this earth to go be with her again. I know Liza and Dana had a special place in Uncle B's heart, and mine also.