As a retired registered nurse and paramedic, Jonathan Olson remembers the emotions he felt when working as a healthcare professional, doing all he could to provide the best possible care for patients and their families but, in so many cases, not knowing whether he made a difference. It was an ambiguity he refused to replicate in his own experiences as a patient.
Following an unexpected stay at Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC) last summer, Jonathan was so impressed by the care he received, he wanted his caregivers to know exactly how he felt.
Jonathan sent several handwritten cards to teams and individuals at Parkview who cared for him, including those at PPG – Cardiology, PPG – Urology and PRMC’s 6 Medical team. Each note expressed his gratitude for the excellent care he received and shared an image demonstrating a very significant milestone.
“While recovering, I decided to make a goal of climbing Mount Washington in New Hampshire as a tribute to the result of God’s blessings and your care. I started eating better, lost 60 pounds and started walking, hiking and climbing stairs to get ready,” he wrote. “On July 5, 2019, I completed the 5.5-mile climb up Jewell Trail to the 6,288-foot summit. This was only achievable due to your professionalism, caring and compassion.”
Jonathan ended with a moving, much-appreciated reminder of the life-changing care our caregivers give to patients each and every day. “Thank you for your help in my time of need. Always remember that the patient care you provide does not go unnoticed or unremembered.”
While he’s already working on his next goal – tackling a 106-mile section of the Appalachian Trail – Jonathan emphasizes that his is not a message about his own accomplishments, impressive as they may be. He views his achievements as a testament to God’s healing and the Parkview staff’s excellent care.
