When an individual is admitted into the hospital, their life gets put on hold, often at the worst of times. Such was the case for a recent ICU patient, Mindy, who was devastated at the idea of missing her son’s special day due to illness. Thankfully, a trio of dedicated Parkview caregivers stepped in to make the occasion memorable for the bride, the groom and his mother.
Carissa Kinch, PCT, was the first to learn of Logan’s – Mindy’s second of four boys – upcoming nuptials. “Her family members told me that her son was getting married that coming weekend, and how she and her loved ones were upset she wasn't going to be able to be there,” Carissa recalled.
“Me, Carissa, and Danielle [Parmenter, PCT] coordinated the day,” Sigrid Manansala, RN, said. “The original plan was to give her a nice bed bath and maybe put the gown on top of her since, at that time, she was not strong or alert enough to get up. But I understood how important this was to her and her family, and it didn't sit right with me that she would greet them in a hospital bed. So, we decided to sling her to the chair and actually put the dress on her.”
But they didn’t stop at the wardrobe. “The day of the wedding, Katie Hoagland, our nurse lead, asked me if I knew how to do hair,” Carissa said. “I said I sure did, and Sigrid, Danielle and I got our game plan together to get her into her dress and her hair done for pictures with the bride and groom. We gave her an updo with some curls.” Mindy’s friend did her make up, and the group tidied up the room for her special guests.
“Mindy was a trooper and so sweet,” Carissa recalled. “Her and her family were deeply appreciative of everything we were doing. Mindy really perked up once she realized she was going to be able to get pictures with her family!”
The final look did not disappoint. “As soon as her son and his bride, in her wedding dress, walked in, Mindy held their hands and teared up. Next thing I noticed we were also teary eyed,” Sigrid shared.
“The day was very emotional,” Danielle said. “She felt like she was still part of the big day, even if she couldn't be there physically.”
It didn’t just mean a lot to Mindy and her loved ones. It had a lasting impact on her care team (and glam squad) as well. “That was my fourth day with Mindy, so I’d gotten close with her and her family,” Sigrid said. “She'd been through a rough time, and I just wanted to make her happy. This was a once in a lifetime event and I wanted her to feel like she was actually a part of it, even under the circumstances she was in.”
“It really meant a lot to me,” Carissa added. “We kept calling it ‘hospital glam’ while we were getting her ready. It was so rewarding to see her attitude change and how happy she was. When the bride and groom came in and instantly started crying when they saw how good she looked, it made all the work so worth it!”
Danielle agreed. “It was everything to me. It reminded me why I work here and why I do what I love, which is helping those who need it most. We turned the situation into such a positive and heartfelt moment.”
Heidi Johannsen, a Parkview co-worker, is Mindy’s younger sister. When asked what the gesture meant to her and her family, she shared, “I am beyond speechless at the thoughtfulness and care that Mindy (and the family in general) has been shown by the ICU team and Parkview. I knew I loved being a part of the Parkview family, and now the rest of my family has had a chance to experience just how amazing Parkview is.”
As for how the gesture impacted the bride and groom, Heidi believes that the memories are the most important gift. “They had tears of joy and gratitude that they were able to get some pictures with Mindy on their special day,” Heidi said. “Job well done and thank you so very much!”
Congratulations to the bride and groom, and all of our best to Mindy as she continues healing. We wish you health and happiness.
