August 2023
Lauren
Isbell
,
BSN, RN
Emergency Department
Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
Memphis
,
TN
United States
Lauren looked for ways to make this better, and contacted an Elvis historian in Memphis with connections to Elvis memorabilia around the world.
There was a St. Jude patient with cancer who was a huge fan of Elvis Presley; the patient wasn't from Memphis, and the family was planning a trip to Graceland so that the patient could see Elvis' home. Unfortunately, the patient suffered from a seizure right before the trip, and they were forced to cancel it. The patient was extremely upset that their condition prevented what was supposed to be a wonderful trip. Lauren looked for ways to make this better, and contacted an Elvis historian in Memphis with connections to Elvis memorabilia around the world. The historian heard this patient's story and sent a wide variety of merchandise to the patient in hopes that he could make the missed trip a little less disappointing. Thanks to Lauren's help, the patient received several Elvis pictures that are not known to the public, Elvis-themed candles, a ceramic guitar, and records of Elvis' music. The patient's room at the hospital was suddenly a little more homely; they got to play the records in the hospital. The patient passed away from their battle in April, and while memorabilia isn't nearly as exciting as a trip to Graceland, Lauren went above and beyond, doing her own research and making calls off the clock to give this patient and their family the very best care possible.