Inspiring Stories

The Meaning of Care in Motion During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Vol. 2

Published: May 1, 2020

A group of high school juniors – who are part of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Council Bluffs program – were behind this inspiring graffiti at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.

Since the group’s activities were cancelled for the month of April, the students were challenged to get creative in making a difference. They spread out while creating their masterpieces and got to work on inspiring our frontline workers.

An anonymous trio at the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Family Birthing Center got sneaky and creative to show fellow staffers that they’re appreciated. The goal was simple: to put a smile on the faces of those continuing to provide excellent care despite such challenging circumstances.

“We could not do what we do without each and every employee in this building. It has been absolutely amazing to see everyone come together and work so diligently to make sure we are protecting each other as well as continuing to provide excellent care to our patients," one of the anonymous chalk artists said.

Mary Maher, 85, suffered a stroke on March 28th. She continues to make slow but steady progress. Kathy Baer, Mary's daughter, helped organize this window visit with eight other family members after even FaceTime became too difficult to communicate, given Mary's impaired speech.

So impressed with the efforts of those in Methodist Hospital's Rehab Unit, Kathy's family foundation (The Baer Foundation) donated $12,000 to Methodist Hospital to help in the fight against COVID-19.

"As hard as this has all been, we understand why it's happening," Kathy said. "We just thank the entire rehab team for making it easier on us. They've been our angels through this incredibly difficult time."

Our frontline caregivers were thanked with beer and beauty!

Volto Urbano and Evolution of Smooth donated shampoo, conditioner, lotion and facial moisturizer to 150 Methodist Hospital nurses, techs and staff members working on 6 North and in the ICU.

ABE Beverage Equipment donated over $1,000 in Kros Strain Brewing gift cards to staff members on 6 North and 7 North.

Employee Health received a most thoughtful lunch from environmental service employees at Methodist Women's Hospital.

Mary Jane Sigorbe and Jocelyn Wagner organized the effort aimed at thanking Employee Health for all they’re doing to support Methodist’s COVID-19 screening process on all campuses.

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