Perseverance is a prize, that comes at the high cost of adversity. It’s a price that Virgie Winston paid and came out on the other side–a true conqueror.
It’s difficult to ask Virgie to revisit her past, and equally as difficult for her to talk about it. But woven throughout her testimony are threads of courage and conviction. Even in the lowest moments of her journey, the light that shines from this woman, was never extinguished entirely.
“I was married for 14 years,” she begins, easing into a list of bittersweet bullet points on a timeline of trials and tribulations. “I wouldn’t say either one of us was doing that great before, but when my husband got sick, I kept working and taking care of him. I started drinking, just to numb myself to everything I was feeling and get through the day. I was with him right up until he passed. That was seven years ago, on May 19. He was only 54.”
After losing her partner, Virgie struggled with the weight of her grief. “Mentally, I couldn’t handle it. I gave up everything … my house, my job. I wanted to give up living. There were many times I just wanted to die.” But, as a mother, Virgie knew she had more to fight for. “One day, I looked at my daughters and I told them I needed help. I couldn’t be where everything reminded me of my husband and what we’d been through. It hurt too much.”
For the next five years, Virgie spent time at treatment facilities for alcoholism and drug addiction in southern Indiana and Tennessee. “My girls came and saw me when they could, which was nice,” she said. “And I kept myself busy.” She became a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and worked for a hospital in Tennessee.
When Virgie learned that one of her daughters was expecting, she knew it was time to come home. “I was still a little depressed, and I refused to move in with my children. They were starting their own families. So, I went to the shelter so I could get back on my feet on my own without being a burden to them.”
Virgie moved into Charis House, and began the LSSI Works program. “Individuals in this program spend the first few weeks learning how to grow from where they are now,” Eric Risedorph, director, Patient Access, Parkview Health, said. “The program isn't designed to fix or make sense of their past, but to build them up and give them the tools, knowledge and resources to take charge of their life and move forward. After completing the first portion, they then learn how to prepare resumes, cover letters, how to interview, etc. LSSI also helps them develop the characteristics employers look for, like critical thinking, communication and teamwork.”
Virgie recalled the initial steps of the program, pointing out one critical caveat. “They get you in tune with who you are,” she said. “They have counseling and take you out of your comfort zone so that you are more confident. If you want it. You have to want it.”
When it came time to start submitting applications, the stars began aligning. “They gave us all of these jobs to look at, but when I saw Parkview, I knew that was where I wanted to go,” Virgie said. “That was the first application I put in.”
While not the only iron she had in the fire, all parties agreed, it was the best fit. “When Virgie first applied and interviewed for a Patient Access position, we would have never known what she had been through or where she was even in that very moment,” Eric said. “Virgie has a light within her that naturally brought, not only her to Parkview, but Parkview to her. Without a doubt, we offered her a job.” Virgie started with Parkview on January 30, 2022.
“Virgie serves as a Patient Access Services representative in Registration,” Darin Edwards, Virgie’s manager, said. “In this role, she verifies patient demographics, insurance information and necessary documents when registering a patient for any testing, emergency room visit or surgery. It’s a great fit for her because she interacts with many people throughout the day and brings joy to anyone she talks to.”
It's a happiness that radiates from a place of contentment. “My job gives me a sense of self,” Virgie said. “It feels good making a difference. I love meeting new people, and I like that I can ease the experience for patients when they come in. No one wants to be at the hospital, but when they hug me or smile, the interaction and knowing they feel a little better on their way out than they did when they came in, is amazing.”
But the road to redemption isn’t without its share of rocks and rough patches. “I remember that, early on, when she was at PRMC, Virgie shared with us that she was happy to have a job, but also going some through difficult times,” Darin said.
“Unfortunately, life wasn't getting entirely easier for Virgie, but we were there for her,” Eric recalled. “She needed a place to stay.” Parkview offers co-workers unique assistance during their toughest situations through the CARE Program. “Parkview and the CARE team truly provided,” Eric shared. “Due to ongoing struggles, Virgie needed to move to the Huntington area. We worked together to get her a new position at Parkview Huntington, as well as a place to stay. Our community hospitals are just that–community. Virgie was yet again in a new area and a new environment, but the relationships she formed with that team affirmed that we were there for her.”
For someone who worked so hard to get back on her feet, a helping hand when she needed it most, meant the world to Virgie. “They made it possible for me to keep getting a paycheck, even when I had nowhere to go,” she said.
“Things took another turn, but this time, for the better, and Virgie was able to get back into the Fort Wayne area,” Eric said. “We moved her back to Allen County, into a position at Parkview Randallia. She was able to acquire a home, which she named Bluebell. She is flourishing in her career with Parkview. I know she loves her job in Patient Access, but, as I recently told Darin, I don't think she's done yet. I see her doing even more someday. And I'm confident that if and when that day comes, Parkview will support her.”
A major milestone
In March, Virgie returned to LSSI for a celebration recognizing her completion of the LSSI Works program and successfully sustaining one year of employment at Parkview. As we celebrate Patient Access Week, it only seems fitting to highlight both the qualities conveyed through Virgie, as well as the acts of generosity from her co-workers.
“Virgie is a great asset to the team,” Darin said. “She’s incredibly hardworking, full of energy and brings so much positivity. Her story truly motivates and inspires me. She has overcome so many challenges, and come out stronger and brighter. We can’t thank her enough for what she brings to our team. You are amazing, GiGi!”
For Eric, the milestone is particularly touching, given his involvement from the start. “As leaders, we don't always know just how significant of an impact we make on our teams’ lives. When I went to LSSI to join in Virgie's celebration, she quickly embraced me with a hug, and said, ‘You saved me.’ After some reflection, I have to disagree. Virgie saved us. She has brought so much joy and life to our team and to every person she meets. We didn't rescue her. She had it in herself to do it, and we were just fortunate enough to be there at the right time to witness it.”
The admiration is mutual. “I love the people I work with so much,” Virgie said, a stifled cry breaking up the sentiment. “They are so funny and supportive. Seeing myself come from where I did and going through all that heartache, gives me tears of joy now. Sometimes I think my husband died, so that I could live. I didn’t want to be that person. God kept telling me not to give up. And I didn’t–even when I thought I had. I was at the bottom and all I had to do was keeping looking up. I didn’t stop. And it was so hard.”
With a solid year behind her, Virgie – who now has five grandchildren – treated herself to her first vacation, ever, as an adult, at the start of April.
“Being at this point, when I think about it, is so amazing and I can’t tell you what Parkview means to me. I just have to pay them back by showing up, and I’m happy to do so. Always with a smile.”
