You often hear people who work at Parkview talk about how much their co-workers mean to them. Recently, Patrick Riecke, director, Dignity and Spiritual Care, shared an incredible story of how the Parkview family cared for his loved ones during a frightening health emergency.
What started as a fabulous family getaway took an unexpected turn. Patrick, his wife, Kristen, and three of their four children had landed in Puerto Rico and boarded a ferry to an island off the coast. Soon after, Aidan, their high school senior, began experiencing severe pain in his lower-right abdomen. Diagnosed with appendicitis at a local health center, he needed to get back to the main island rapidly. The family had to make important decisions about Aidan’s care immediately – in an unfamiliar place, far from home and with limited Spanish skills.
Patrick knew he needed quick advice on the clinical decisions coming his way and texted his friend and colleague Mike Yurkanin, MD, CPE, associate chief medical officer, Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC). Dr. Yurkanin’s first response was, “What can I do to help?” and over the next several days, he served as a “lifeline,” staying in constant communication.
Dr. Yurkanin helped with the most crucial decision – where to have Aidan’s surgery. Would it be in Puerto Rico, where he’d stay in the hospital for a minimum of five days, or could Aidan return to Parkview, where the appendectomy would be outpatient? Behind the scenes in Fort Wayne, Dr. Yurkanin coordinated details with the surgery team and others. “He assured us that if Aidan was stable enough to travel, Parkview would be ready,” Patrick said.
To get Aidan and Kristen back to Parkview involved even more challenges, but the two made it to Fort Wayne – and just ahead of the February snowstorm that dumped record levels of snow in our region.
During Aidan’s surgery, other co-workers stepped in to provide care beyond his medical needs. Lydia Miller, manager, Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services, sat with Kristen to help calm her nerves, while Chaplain Jana Vastbinder went grocery shopping in the snowstorm, ensuring the two would have food at home. In addition, Lydia and her husband, Paul, drove to the Rieckes’ home to clear the driveway before they returned.
Patrick remembered Kristen saying, “I’ve never been so happy to be at PRMC!” and he shared similar feelings. “It was so reassuring, knowing that our son, who was in a tenuous situation with limited healthcare opportunities, was now back in the halls of Parkview. ... I cannot thank everyone enough.”
It means so much to know we can count on our Parkview family for support, even from miles away.
Interested in joining the Parkview family? We would love to talk to you. Learn about our current job openings and other employment details here.