When a patient becomes family

PARKER, Colo. — For the team on AdventHealth Parker’s Cardiac Stroke Unit, caring for patients doesn’t end at discharge - and this holiday season, they showed just how deeply that belief runs.

Longtime patient Phil spent 214 days -- nearly seven months -- on the Cardiac Stroke Unit. Over that time, he became more than a patient. He became family. He knew the team, the team knew him, and meaningful relationships were formed day by day at the bedside.

When Phil was eventually able to transfer to another facility, the connection didn’t fade. As the holidays approached, the unit’s Unit-Based Council decided to “adopt” Phil for Christmas. Knowing he didn’t have family actively involved in his care, the team wanted him to feel remembered, valued, and loved.

They reached out to learn what he needed - zip-up sweatshirts, sweatpants, long-sleeve shirts, and, of course Phil’s favorite, funny socks. Team members went shopping together, choosing items thoughtfully and intentionally. In the end, they gifted Phil three sets of sweats, two flannel shirts, and three pairs of socks - small comforts, given with great care.

Cardiac Stroke RN Mary Jamero personally delivered the gifts, and savored the opportunity spend time with Phil.

“Phil was special,” Mary shared. “He knew everyone and became family to us. Since he didn’t have family involved in his care, we chose to adopt him as our own and he was loved by all.”

Cardiac Stroke Nurse Manager Alicia Pascua reflected on the moment with pride.

“Phil meant a lot to our team, and our connection with him didn’t end when he left our unit,” she said. “The staff chose to stay connected, and that speaks volumes about the kind of whole-person care we provide every day.”

This simple act of kindness captures the heart of AdventHealth’s Love Me service standard - seeing each person as more than a diagnosis, honoring their dignity, and walking alongside them with care and compassion.