True Stories
Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital's mission of service and compassion is evident in the numerous stories we hear from our patients. Here are just a few examples:
Dan Pancake’s Story
My worst nightmare was coming true before my eyes and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My lovely wife had collapsed directly in front of me and in response to my call the paramedics were on their way. They burst into the bedroom, began administering emergency assistance; looked at me and asked where they were to take her. I said La Grange Hospital.
I have often commented to friends that the expert level of care available at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital is certainly something of which we can all be proud. What a relief to know that right in my neighborhood such exceptional treatment was available whenever the unthinkable happened.
I am forever grateful to our hospital and want our entire community to know that Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital will be there for you as they were for us.
Sue Tutt-Parson’s Story; A breast cancer survivor
“You have cancer.”
There is nothing scarier than hearing those words. The pain is more emotional than physical. I was overwhelmed, filled with disbelief - first surgery, then chemo and radiation. At times I wanted to mentally give up.
But my doctors and my treatment at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital saved my life. From the moment I met my oncologist she became a part of my treatment and my life. She was so good, so smart and so careful. She was always very straightforward in what would happen to me while at the same time she held my hand and called me at home to make sure I was okay.
The nurses in the cancer treatment pavilion are a special breed. From the first time they meet you they know your name. The treatment I received at the hospital gave me my life back both physically and mentally. I am now cancer-free!
Bill Cox’s story
William Cox felt the difference your gift has made when he underwent knee replacement surgery in Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital’s new Total Joint Orthopedic Center.
Prior to treatment, Bill limped to ease the pain of walking. The cartilage between the bones of his knee was worn away to the degree that the grinding sound when he moved was audible. “This is not the kind of thing that ever improves on its own,” he said. “It was surgery or an eventual wheelchair.”
Bill was the very first patient to undergo surgery and recovery at the new Total Joint Orthopedic Center. Bill received a brand new knee and is very happy with his care and thrilled with the results. “My care was wonderful and I can’t say enough about the nurses who were so nice to me. I am 100 percent happy with my experience.” He came home four days after surgery and reports he’s had no trouble since. “I can go upstairs now, maybe not two at a time, but I’m much more mobile,” said Bill.
Pear Howard’s story:
Pearl Howard, a member of the Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital’s Environmental Services Department also chose the hospital’s new Total Joint Orthopedic Center to have her knee replaced.
The joint was so bad and the pain so great, Pearl stood in her bedroom the day before her surgery was scheduled and prayed for the strength to endure one more day. Four months later she is back to work and praising the excellent care she received for her speedy and full recovery.
Lou Curotto, a long-time La Grange resident and a member of the Operating Board of
Adventist Midwest Health, knows first hand the devastation of losing a loved one. His wife, Pat, lost her battle to cancer in 2000.
In 1999, when Pat became ill, Lou recalled, “At a time when the rug seems to be pulled out from beneath you, the excellent care and compassion your loved one receives eases some of the emotional pain you are going through. The powerlessness you feel is overwhelming.”
Lou knows that exceptional care requires exceptional resources, resources that would not be available without the generosity of community members who give to the Foundation. That's why he has committed his time and financial resources to the hospital.
Jim Waner of Palos Heights knows the value of good health. At the 2006 Golf Classic, while playing the hospital's version of Deal or No Deal, Jim purchased a 64-slice CT heart scan for he and his wife. "We thought we'd do ourselves a favor by getting a heart check on the new CT scanner," he said. "We heard how quick and easy it was. But my CT scan turned up an anomaly that needed further investigation."
Jim's cardiologist at ALMH ordered an angiogram, which showed an irregular shaped artery that was not cause for alarm. His wife also was given a clean bill of health. "I can’t tell you the peace of mind we felt after having the scans," he said. "It was priceless."
Susan and Russ Hartigan, of Western Springs, know the value of feeling safe and cared for. Having raised three children, the Hartigan's were no stranger to the Emergency Room. In 1997, Susan's mother took a bad fall, and much of her last several months were spent at the hospital. During lighter moments, they joked that their mom had stayed on every unit except maternity!
Though it was a stressful time, Susan found relief in feeling that her mom was safe at the hospital. The family felt welcome and comforted. When her youngest child went off to college, she became a volunteer, and then she joined the Auxiliary. The Hartigan's were the 2006 Community Chairs for the Auxiliary Ball.
The value of having a health care leader like Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital in the community is immeasurable. What's your story? We'd love to hear it. Contact the Foundation office at 708-245-2904 to let us know.
