Hear Me Now Choose from our collection of stories from Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon, Texas, Washington. Search By: All Categories California Montana Alaska Oregon Washington Texas Mission-inspired Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022 Search Keyword: Clear Filters Virtual house calls May 3, 2022 Amber Moody & Kelly Corcoran Amber, a palliative care nurse, and Kelly, Chief Mission Officer at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital, are part of a frontline tele-palliative care team in rural Stevens County, Washington. They bring specialty palliative care to patients with higher needs in rural communities who might otherwise have to travel 80 miles one way to receive the same access to treatment. Edit credit: Sean Collins Struggles and passions Aug 12, 2021 Terry Rogers, M.D. & Mary Mitchell Terry Rogers, M.D., talks to Mary Mitchell, how as an Eagle Scout in high school, he met a pre-med Boy Scout counselor and his life’s calling to be a physician snapped into focus. He struggled with his classes in college until it came time for clinicals in his junior year. As an overworked intern, he once diagnosed a broken bone as a bruise. Oops. But he bounced back and went on to serve as a well-regarded medical professional. Edit credit: Mike Addis Learning to live with chaos Apr 9, 2021 Alice Gilbert & Jane Ashe At 12, Alice Gilbert negotiated for a dental procedure using her babysitting money as payment. A resident of Providence Mount St. Vincent, she shares with volunteer Jane Ashe about the lean times as the middle child of six – her father was an alcoholic; her mother was a workaholic by necessity. Alice says having to work while also attending middle and high school imbued her with a sense of freedom and self. Edit credit: Sean Collins Life during wartime Apr 9, 2021 Doug Rickerson & Nancy Rickerson Doug Rickerson tells his daughter Nancy Rickerson, about enlisting in the Marines at the end of WWII and serving on domestic short patrol, and later called to active duty for the Korean War. It was in Korea where Doug kept warm with dangerous fires inside his tent, fled enemy attacks, and witnessed the horrors of napalm. His ability to talk about his experiences staved off severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A warm public reception upon his return, and later a trip to Washington, D.C., through the Puget Sound Honor Flight organization were helpful balms. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Peaceful presence Apr 9, 2021 Barb Bennett & Cindy Meyers Barb Bennett and Cindy Meyers serve as hospice volunteers, helping patients and families with respite, transportation, end-of-life care and accompaniment for those who are actively dying. Their judgment-free listening skills comfort those who are suffering and grieving, and help provide a peaceful presence. Edit credit: Sean Collins Serving in the Peace Corps Apr 9, 2021 John Lee & Quinn Riddle John Lee and Quinn Riddle recall the connections, culture and food they experienced in Romania after college while serving in the Peace Corps, the economic and social aid program President John F. Kennedy established. They rejoice in the sense of freedom and mission the work entailed with “host country nationals” and pay tribute to mutual friend Caitlin, who died in 2019 of cancer. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Life goals Nov 17, 2020 Robert Morearty and Zarah Morris Robert had two goals when he came to Providence Heritage House, part of the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Get his health back and finish his science-fiction story about living in space. He shares with his friend Zarah how being in the PACE program has enriched his life and the correlation between his health improving and his writing coming alive. Edit Credit: Alison Jacques Turning pain into gain Nov 17, 2020 Joan Clough & Jane Ashe Joan, a resident at Providence Mount St. Vincent, shares with former chaplain Jane about how the pain of being unable to have children became a driving force in her life. As a way to fulfill her maternal instincts, she decided to get a degree in early childhood education, which led to a job running a school. As she sees it, this allowed her to have many children to look after and ensure they got the love and respect they deserved. Edit credit: Mike Addis Happily ever after Oct 6, 2020 Tom & Darlene Switzer Darlene, a retired caregiver from Providence, reminisces with her husband, Tom, about their chance meeting and all the memories they’ve created together. They met when Darlene overheard Tom jokingly said he would like a DLT (Darlene, lettuce and tomato) to go at a restaurant where she was working as a waitress. Darlene says it was the moment they fell in love. Four months later they were married and have been happy together for more than 46 years. Edit credit: Mike Addis Near-death experiences Oct 6, 2020 Paul Kramer & Tom Roe Hospice volunteers, Paul and Tom, discuss some of their most meaningful moments from volunteering and the impact of working with hospice patients has had on their lives. Paul talks about his own near-death experience, which has given him a sense of calm about death and some clarity about working with people at the end of their lives. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Life coach Aug 28, 2020 Colin Edwards & Jane Ashe Providence Mount St. Vincent resident, Colin, shares with Jane, a retired chaplain, the role that coaching sports has played in his life. While he coached for various competitive club leagues, it was his work for Special Olympics teams that taught him the most about fairness and respect. Edit credit: Mike Addis When God speaks Aug 28, 2020 Carlos Palacian & Paulina Alvarado Paulina and Carlos are colleagues who took different spiritual paths to Providence Mount St. Vincent, aka The Mount. Paulina found her calling at age 12 after she went to mass for the first time and wanted to know more about Jesus. Carlos grew up in the church and thought about becoming a priest. He left the church to sow his oats. When he decided to get married, he felt a calling to return to the church and take an active role. Edit credit: Mike Addis Human connection Aug 28, 2020 Storey Squires & Lisl Foss Storey is the volunteer coordinator at Providence Mount St. Vincent (The Mount) in Seattle. She shares with friend Lisl about what drew her to work at The Mount and finding meaningful ways for volunteers to contribute in the community. Storey also shares that her mother spent the last 10 years of her life at The Mount and how that experience left a lasting impression. Edit credit: Mike Addis Sundays by the sea Apr 9, 2021 Jacky Glass & Mike Drummond Jacky Glass, community ambassador for TrinityCare Hospice, talks to Providence’s Mike Drummond about starting the successful fundraising event “Sunday by the Sea,” then being moved to chair TrinityCare’s Board. She was then inspired by pediatric palliative care physician Dr. Glen Komatsu to start TrinityKids, a hospice for dying and seriously ill children and their families. Edit credit: Mike Addis Volleyball player bounces back Apr 9, 2021 Heather Boyan & Isaac Friesen Heather Boyan, a devout Catholic, shares with friend Isaac Friesen her rise in volleyball as a middle hitter via a full-ride scholarship at Western Kentucky University and later transferring to the University of Hawaii. She also shares her humbling spiritual wake-up call after a near-fatal tumble down a 50-foot waterfall, which broke 10 ribs, fractured her left scapula and collapsed a lung. She credits two weeks in a hospital, group prayer and a renewed relationship with God as keys to her recovery. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Full house Aug 13, 2020 Terri Erickson and Lisl Foss Terri, a resident at Providence Mount St. Vincent, speaks with her friend Lisl about growing up in her grandparents' home with extended family in a multicultural town in Ohio. Her family took an active role in their Slovakian and Polish neighborhood. Her grandmother was the local gypsy healer and her grandfather donated all the land around their house to the local Catholic Church. Her grandparents also kept a room in the basement open for anyone in the community who didn't have a place to live. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Shreveport to Seattle Aug 13, 2020 Dewitt Harris & Theresa Hamrick Dewitt participates in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly or PACE. He talks with his social worker, Theresa, about the turning points of his life including growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana in the 1950s and 60s. He wanted to attend Louisiana State University. Because he was Black, he wasn't allowed to attend college in the South in 1961. He had an aunt in Seattle, so he moved there and attend Olympic College. Later all of his siblings and parents followed him to the Emerald City. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Love at first sight Jan 19, 2021 Fred Voorhees & Michael Barton Hospice chaplain Michael speaks with Providence patient Fred about Fred’s wife Rose. They met in seventh grade, and it was love at first sight for Fred. The message he wants to pass on to his family is to love everybody and if you believe in the Lord, He will take care of you. Edit credit: Mike Addis No one dies alone Jan 19, 2021 Lynn Taylor & Scott Acord Sitting in her yard verdant with roses, Lynn shares with Scott the stories of her parents’ hospice care and the wonderful treatment they received at Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. It was there she learned about TrinityCare’s No One Dies Alone program, which provides the reassuring presence of a volunteer companion to dying patients. She knew this was something she needed to be involved in and has become a volunteer, supporter, and donor. Edit credit: Alison Jacques "I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you" - 8:46 Aug 7, 2020 Victoria Johnson & Jeremey Edmonds In May 2020, communities across the United States were emerging from shelter-at-home measures put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation, and then world, erupted in protests. In this extended Hear Me Now recording, Providence caregivers Jeremy Edmonds and Victoria Johnson share their lived experiences as Black women and their reaction to the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black civilians by law enforcement. Edit credit: Sean Collins Never give up Aug 5, 2020 Naomi M Richardson & Julie Konen Naomi, a retired nurse, shares with her friend Julie, a recreational therapist, what drew her to nursing. Her nursing journey began at Providence Mount St. Vincent. She left to work at Harborview Medical Center, where she met Curtis, the love of her life. Forty years into their marriage, Curtis had a bad fall, needed living assistance and moved into Mount St. Vincent. After Curtis’ death, Naomi became a resident volunteer at the Mount. Edit credit: StoryCorps Strength in Faith Jan 19, 2021 Nancy Cypert & Michael Drummond Nancy opens up to Michael about her husband Ed’s short battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a brain disorder that leads to dementia and death. Shortly after Ed retired, he developed a ringing in his ear and began to forget things. Clinicians discovered the cause, and within four short weeks Ed had slipped into a coma and passed away. Nancy says her faith gave her the strength to get through this tough time. Edit credit: Sean Collins A friendship like no other Jan 19, 2021 Nancy Cypert & Michael Drummond Longtime TrinityCare donor and supporter, Nancy, shares with Michael, stories from her 50-year friendship with Gene – how they met, all the joy and laughter they have shared, as well as some of the painful moments. It was Nancy who introduced Gene to TrinityCare’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Glen Komatsu, who has played a vital role in both of their lives. Edit credit: Sean Collins The pathway down to the pond Aug 5, 2020 Linda Darkhand & David Vandegrift Snohomish hospice home care nurses, Linda and David, exchange touching end-of-life stories that have shaped their lives and careers. They discuss what keeps them going and their desire to make sure their patients have quality care through the end of life and that no one dies alone. Edit credit: Mike Addis Immersion experience Jul 28, 2020 Jill Jones-Redmond & Maricor Lim Jill and Maricor, colleagues at Providence Marianwood, talk about their immersion experience at a migrant camp in Skagit Valley, Wash. Deemed “essential workers” amid the coronavirus pandemic, these migrants perform back-breaking work for long hours in the heat, and for very little pay. Both Jill and Maricor were grateful for – and humbled by – the opportunity. Edit credit: Mike Addis It’s a meaningful life Dec 22, 2020 Alex Mason & Ryan Berger Early in his career, Alex had to choose between a promotion that would lock him into a job he hated or leave and find a job with meaning and purpose. He shares with his boss Ryan about what led him to Providence and one of the many rewarding stories from his time there. Edit credit: Mike Addis A home at Providence Dec 22, 2020 Mirna Musun & Melody Fawcett When Mirna was a toddler, she and her family fled El Salvador in the middle of night to the United States to avoid religious persecution. They lived in fear of being deported to El Salvador before they became U.S. citizens. Mirna was moved when she heard Providence CEO Dr. Rod Hochman support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She tells her friend and colleague, Melody, how thankful she is for people like Dr. Hochman and welcoming places like Providence. Edit credit: Mike Addis Living a legacy Jul 28, 2020 Lisl Foss & Molly Swain Molly Swain, foundation director at Providence Mount St. Vincent, grew up volunteering at the long-term care facility for the elderly where her mother was director of nursing. She shares with colleague and friend, Lisl Foss, how she fell in love with elders from being around them as a child. After working in the insurance industry for years, she began looking for more meaningful work and stumbled on an ad for a foundations and communications position at “The Mount.” She has been there for 18 years and feels like she is continuing her mother’s legacy. Edit credit: Mike Addis The privilege of being a hospice volunteer Jul 22, 2020 Merle Meyers & Thais Armstrong Merle speaks with Thais, a volunteer training specialist for Providence in Western Washington, about the privilege of volunteering for hospice patients and being there for families going through difficult times. Merle says the secret about volunteering is that the blessings he receives from the work far outweigh what he gives. Edit credit: Mike Addis Pastoring without a pulpit Dec 22, 2020 Randy Crane & Scott Acord Randy began his career as a pastor for a small Protestant church, which soon shut its doors due to lack of funds. Blessed with a gift for language and numbers, Randy shares with colleague Scott how he found meaningful work as an information services analyst at Providence – and discovered he can minister to people without a pulpit. Edit credit: Mike Addis #RealTransgender Nov 17, 2020 Gwendolyn Patefeild & Ian Stanley Posada Gwendolyn shares with Ian, a fellow member of the Napa LGBTQ+ group, how she didn’t fully realize she was transgender until she joined their senior’s group. Gwendolyn talks about how living an authentic life as a transgender woman has cost her relationships, a job, her home, and caused her to live in crisis. Her journey has been tough. But there’s one thing that can always bring a smile to her face and make her day – simply being gendered correctly. Edit credit: Sean Collins Where God leads Jul 7, 2020 Pam Sipos & Lisl Foss Pam Sipos, director of spiritual care at Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle, recalls the first time she first saw “the Mount,” and immediately felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. She knew immediately God had led her there. Pam loves that the Mount has heart and puts a priority on the language of caring. Edit credit: StoryCorps "Be uncomfortable" - 3:55 Jun 15, 2020 Victoria Johnson & Jeremy Edmonds In May 2020, communities across the United States were emerging from shelter-at-home measures put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation, and then world, erupted in protests. In this recording, Providence caregivers Jeremy Edmonds and Victoria Johnson ask that we have conversations about race, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Edit credit: Sean Collins Feeling hopeful Nov 17, 2020 Tatiana Molinar & Mike Drummond Tatiana, an ICU nurse, talks with colleague Mike about being fearful early in the pandemic. She heard about shortages of personal protection equipment on the East Coast and in other countries. To help ensure their safety, as well as their patients and families, she and some of her nursing colleagues quickly put together a list of demands for their chief nursing officer. Most of those demands were met within a week, giving her hope. Edit credit: Mike Addis Paying it forward Oct 6, 2020 Patrick O'Brien Patrick, a director of nursing for Providence, reflects on growing up in an economically challenged household surrounded by addiction on the outskirts of Philadelphia. He realizes if it weren’t for a few people in his life who saw the potential in him even before he could, he might have been destined to the same bleak future. Patrick pays it forward by encouraging and inspiring others to reach their potential. Edit credit: Sean Collins ‘I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you’ - 44:26 Jun 15, 2020 Victoria Johnson & Jeremy Edmonds In May 2020, communities across the United States were emerging from shelter-at-home measures put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation, and then world, erupted in protests. In this extended Hear Me Now recording, Providence caregivers Jeremy Edmonds and Victoria Johnson share their lived experiences as Black women and their reaction to the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black civilians by law enforcement. Edit credit: Sean Collins The stories of our lives Jun 9, 2020 Cornelius and Catharina Vink with Amanda Testa Cornelius and Catharina met in Amsterdam when they were teenagers just a few years after surviving the Holocaust. They recount several stories of their 63 years together, from the horrors of the concentration camps to the joys of falling in love, sharing a plane with the Beatles, and raising a family. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Taking root in the U.S. Oct 6, 2020 June Furata & Deanne Kim Deanne sits with her mother, June, a TrinityCare patient, as she recounts the story of how both of her parents emigrated from Japan to the United States as teenagers. Deanne’s grandfather was 16 and her grandmother at 19 was a picture bride. By the time WWII came along they had a thriving seed business in Colorado, but were forced to close. In its place they started making and selling soy sauce and miso. Because their business employed so many Japanese people, they were able to keep most of the family and their Japanese employees from having to go to internment camps. Edit credit: Mike Addis Bittersweet blessings Oct 6, 2020 Tatiana Molinar & Mike Drummond Tatiana, a former social worker turned ICU nurse, shares with colleague, Mike, when her mother contracted COVID-19. She was one of the first in the area to be infected with the virus and was admitted to the ICU where Tatiana is on staff. Tatiana was unable to be her mother’s ICU nurse, but she was able to spend time with her mother before she died. Edit credit: Mike Addis Strong in every role Jun 9, 2020 Lydia Mbiyu & Victoria Johnson In Kenya, gender roles are bound in tradition. But Lydia’s mother wanted her and her little brother to be strong in every role. Lydia learned to hunt; her brother learned to cook and clean. Life in Kenya was hard, and her mother encouraged Lydia to go to the United States to seek a better life. Even though it was hard to leave Kenya, Lydia has no regrets. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Goldilocks comes to Providence Jun 2, 2020 Carlee Berger & Caroline LaPlant Caroline’s first two jobs out of college did not provide the fulfillment she was looking for. It wasn’t until her third job, at Providence, did she find the meaning she sought in a career. She tells colleague, Carlee, that she loves Providence cares about offering opportunities for growth and making you feel engaged. Because Providence is a Catholic nonprofit organization, she feels like there is more heart here, too. Edit credit: Sean Collins An incredible, magical journey Jul 22, 2020 Suzanne Cogen and Mallory Gerard Hospice patient Suzanne, facing her mortality after a second cancer diagnosis, speaks with her longtime friend Mallory about her life. She says that by living in the moment, it allowed her to have lived an incredible, magical journey. Suzanne says the things she loves most in life are her family and her three passions: birding, drawing, and agility training with her beloved dog Zeb. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Loving mom Jul 7, 2020 Lisa Rodríguez with Esmeralda_Brian_Briana and Brandon Lisa Rodriguez, a hospice patient, speaks with her children to let them know how much she loves them and about the hopes and dreams she holds for them. They share their favorite memories of their mother, how much they love her, and what they will miss most about her. Lisa reassures them God will always be here for them when she is gone. Edit credit: Mike Addis Paying it forward Oct 6, 2020 Patrick O'Brien Patrick, a director of nursing for Providence, reflects on growing up in an economically challenged household surrounded by addiction on the outskirts of Philadelphia. He realizes if it weren’t for a few people in his life who saw the potential in him even before he could, he might have been destined to the same bleak future. Patrick pays it forward by encouraging and inspiring others to reach their potential. Edit credit: Sean Collins A higher place Jun 2, 2020 Jeremy Edmonds & Victoria Johnson Jeremy and Victoria share a passion for the work they do at ElderPlace, an adult activity and medical center for seniors in Seattle. They feel honored to help fellow human beings and blessed to work in service of the mission at Providence, which provides opportunities for professional and spiritual growth. Edit credit: Mike Addis Humor is great medicine May 19, 2020 Kris Fahlstrom & Nicole Grantham Working together for a few years now, Kris, a hospice nurse, and Nicole, a social worker, believe their soothing energy and humor bring a sense of calm to their patients. One of their favorite patients is a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. They have found that humor has been a way for them to connect with him and his wife and ease their way. Edit credit: Mike Addis Creating your own path Oct 6, 2020 Bridget Daly and Libby Cunningham Soon after Bridget enrolled her son at the newly created preschool program at Providence Mount St. Vincent she had an ‘aha’ moment. She shares that story with her colleague, Libby, and how she persuaded the CEO of Providence Mount St. Vincent to let her teach intergenerational art with the students and residents. The CEO agreed to let her teach one class. Twenty three years later, her students hold a highly anticipated art show each year selling their work to the community. Edit credit: Mike Addis Taking care of each other Jun 26, 2020 Liz Wessel & Dan Dwyer Dan served as executive director of theology and ethics at Providence. He shares with Liz, a clinical excellence director, his life’s journey. He thought he’d be a priest, but initially became a medical social worker, and worked with physicians and other health-care workers who suffered from depression and burnout. Throughout his career, he helped others find or rediscover meaning in their lives and work. Edit credit: Mike Addis Team approach Jun 9, 2020 Allan Komarek & Lesley Nichols Lesley, a director of home health, talks with Allan, a clinical excellence director, about her time at Providence and how she manages her team. Her approach: Work together, know the work will get done, and don’t worry about hierarchy. She also believes that as a Catholic organization, Providence helps provide a spiritual connection with caregivers. Edit credit: Sean Collins I'm not okay, but I will be Sep 27, 2020 Gaile Edrozo & Victoria Johnson Gaile, an RN at Providence ElderPlace in Seattle, discusses her clinical depression with colleague Victoria, a quality compliance specialist. When Gaile hit rock bottom, she realized she needed help. It was her mentor who helped her get treatment. Gaile’s depression goes in and out of remission, but having a supportive boss and team is immensely helpful for her healing process. Edit credit: Alison Jacques The Providence Promise May 19, 2020 Heidi Chilimidos and Dana Sitts Providence’s promise statement, “Know me, care for me, ease my way,” resonates with Heidi, a team coordinator, and Dana, a dietician, and connects them to their work. In their roles, they have to give patients bad news. However, armed with the Providence promise, they know they can care for people through difficult times and help ease their way. Edit credit: Sean Collins The life of a nurse May 12, 2020 Dicki Franklin & Linn Bartram Linn and Dicki were both drawn to nursing from early in their childhoods and have a combined 76 years of home health care experience. The memories they share are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. One of their most cherished memories is when they were privileged to work with Mother Teresa at the St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery. Over the years, the work was hard and challenging, but very rewarding. Edit credit: Alison Jacques The life of a nurse Sep 27, 2020 Dicki Franklin & Linn Bartram Linn and Dicki were both drawn to nursing from early in their childhoods and have a combined 76 years of home health care experience. The memories they share are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. One of their most cherished memories is when they were privileged to work with Mother Teresa at the St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery. Over the years, the work was hard and challenging, but very rewarding. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Love comes full circle Jun 9, 2020 Diann Verdugo & Julie Conway Diann, a nurse educator for Sea Crest Hospice, volunteered to take photos of hospice patients and their families to help educate people about hospice care. One of the patients Diann photographed was Julie’s father on his pinning day, celebrating his military service. Diann photographed the two of them together, creating one of Julie’s most cherished possessions. Inspired by the care her father received, Julie felt a calling to become a hospice volunteer and is now helping to care for Diann’s mother-in-law. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Leading from a place of love Jun 2, 2020 Allan Komarek & Liz Wessel Allan, a clinical excellence director, describes Providence as a living, breathing organization that lives its mission and values – a place that helps caretakers focus on the deeper meaning of their work. He tells Liz, a fellow clinical excellence director, that Providence leadership puts a value on the human spirit. He notes that leading from a place of love helps bring out the best in people. Edit credit: Sean Collins Nice enough to be a nurse Sep 27, 2020 Jennifer Gentry & Michael Drummond Jennifer Gentry, the Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Portland medical center was once told she wasn’t nice enough to be a nurse. After dropping out of college to follow her military husband around the world, she did eventually go back to school to become a nurse. The work has been both challenging and rewarding and yes, she is nice enough to be a nurse. Edit credit: Mike Addis I’m not okay, but I will be May 5, 2020 Gaile Edrozo & Victoria Johnson Gaile, an RN at Providence ElderPlace in Seattle, discusses her clinical depression with colleague Victoria, a quality compliance specialist. When Gaile hit rock bottom, she realized she needed help. It was her mentor who helped her get treatment. Gaile’s depression goes in and out of remission, but having a supportive boss and team is immensely helpful for her healing process. Edit credit: Alison Jacques It’s gonna be a good ride Sep 27, 2019 Patricia Flaherty & Lindsay Troeppl Patricia Flaherty, resident of Providence Mount St. Vincent for nine years, shares with Lindsay Troeppl how her life changed shortly after President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his famous Pearl Harbor speech, reciting the immortal words, “a day which will live in infamy.” Patricia recounts her career as a nurse, from training in Minnesota, to post-war dancing in Denver, from delivering babies in Seattle, to caring for polio patients in Los Angeles. Edit Credit: Mike Addis The grateful patient Sep 27, 2020 Peter Lynch & Patricia Modrzejewski Peter Lynch survived quintuple bypass surgery years ago, and the experience moved him to give back to his community. The former Warner Bros. retail executive shares with Patricia Modrzejewski, Providence St. Joseph Health’s chief development officer, how the mission for caring for the poor and vulnerable drives him to serve the Providence St. Joseph Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins Healing through helping May 19, 2020 Harriet Flick & Phil Borden Harriet was married to her husband, Ed, for 33 years before they divorced. Two years later, Ed got sick with cancer and moved back in with her through the end of his life. Despite the divorce, she realized there was still love between them. Harriet met Phil when Ed was in hospice care. Phil was one of the volunteers helping Harriet. He inspired her to become a hospice volunteer. Edit credit: Alison Jacques A short life well lived May 12, 2020 Patty Sullivan & Tom Sullivan While working as a correspondent for Good Morning America, Tom produced a story about children with cancer experiencing the joy of skiing. He ended up befriending Molly, a vivacious girl with a Texas accent, who inspired him to write his definitive book on children living with cancer, “A Short Life Well Lived.” His experience with Molly and others moved him and wife Patty to get involved with Providence TrinityCare Hospice. Tom is currently a board member of Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins A soulful force Sep 27, 2020 Chaplain Denise Hess & Marianne Ayala Chaplain Denise Hess worked alongside palliative care nurse Marianne Ayala for years. Denise, who has moved on to a new role in a different state, shares her belief that science and spirituality can coexist in health care, and how she is determined to serve as a harmonizing agent. Edit credit: Sean Collins My new best friend Sep 27, 2019 Mary Young & Becki Mullins Newly met colleagues Mary Young and Becki Mullins share their journeys to Providence. Mary was laid off from a job she had for decades. She returned to school, pulled all-nighters, fell asleep during the test… and got a 92. Becki, a hospice volunteer, found graphic design following lots of loss of loved ones. The funeral book of one of her departed friends had spelling errors and was “ugly,” which motivated Becki to make a better book for her friend and pursue her creative passion. Edit credit: Mike Addis He sees the future Sep 27, 2019 John Shearer & Mary Mitchell John Shearer tells Mary Mitchell about what he says is his unusual ability to foretell the future. While he says his psychic power alienated some, it animated his journey in other ways. John walked along life’s “razor’s edge” – with danger on one side and peace on the other – giving him what he says were some of the most incredible experiences anyone could hope for. Edit credit: Mike Addis Answering the call Sep 27, 2020 Becky Nappi & Michael Drummond Recovering journalists Becky Nappi, director of mission integration at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., and Michael Drummond, director of communications at the Institute for Human Caring in Gardena, Calif., share how they heeded the power of calling and the spiritual forces that moved them to work at Providence St. Joseph Health. Edit credit: Sean Collins Bacon Bits of Hope May 7, 2020 Sami Schlemmer, Keri Schlemmer & Kalynn Hayes Sami, who has a rare disease, shares one of her favorite memories: a Disney cruise to the Bahamas, which gave her a chance to collect some special-edition Disney pins, a passion of hers. Sami’s compassionate zest for life led her to create a foundation called Bacon Bits of Hope. Its mission: spread hope in any way, anywhere, to anyone in need. Edit credit: Alison Jacques The best of care, the worst of care May 17, 2019 Gary Ettinger Gary and Jackie Ettinger were married for 46 years. In the autumn of 2015, while they were making plans for their retirement, Jackie was diagnosed with liver cancer. The ensuing journey was marked by compassionate, whole person care, as well as transactional, dysfunctional care. Edit credit: Sean Collins She joined the team that cared for her aunt Sep 27, 2020 Salve Bautista & Marianne Ayala Salve Bautista’s aunt received palliative care through Providence St. Joseph Health, which awoke a passion in Salve for this field of medicine. The palliative staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance were surprised and delighted when Salve re-entered their lives – this time not as a family member of a patient, but as a job applicant. Edit credit: StoryCorps 240-year prison term Sep 27, 2019 Lester Brown & Carolyn Scott Brown Lester Brown was a notorious criminal in Detroit and was doing a 240-year prison sentence when he met a performance-improvement expert from the Pacific Institute. Lester, who has Alzheimer’s, and wife Carolyn Scott Brown recount how the encounter turned his life around. Lester learned to read, earned a college degree and instructed fellow inmates. Lester secured an early release, became an author and an inspiration for others. Edit credit: Sean Collins Comfort clown Jul 19, 2019 Lorrie Shamarin & Kelly Bryan Providence Hospice of Seattle administrative support supervisor Lorrie Shamarin walks colleague Kelly Bryan through the first time she donned a clown costume. It was in a children’s hospital in the former Soviet Union, where she brought joy to a dying child. (The famed Dr. Patch Adams figures into this story.) The conditions were grim. No TV. No toys. No medications. Edit credit: Sean Collins Taking care of each other Sep 27, 2020 Liz Wessel & Dan Dwyer Dan served as executive director of theology and ethics at Providence. He shares with Liz, a clinical excellence director, his life’s journey. He thought he’d be a priest, but initially became a medical social worker, and worked with physicians and other health-care workers who suffered from depression and burnout. Throughout his career, he helped others find or rediscover meaning in their lives and work. Edit credit: Mike Addis Shoes in the snow Apr 5, 2019 Trisha Saul, Katherine Barney & David Delgado A woman’s death by hypothermia might strike some as tragic. For nurse Trisha Saul and her mother, Katherine Barney, the passing of their family matriarch on a frozen porch was a peaceful, apropos ending for a beloved eccentric. Edit credit: Sean Collins Don’t add to the bad Apr 5, 2019 Janice Steinbach & Michael Barton Janice Steinbach credits her mother for teaching potent lessons on leading a good life, including not speaking ill of others and fostering a love of reading. ‘There’s way too much bad stuff in the world already,’ she quotes her mother. ‘Don’t add to it.’ Edit credit: Sean Collins Riding a wave of love Sep 27, 2020 Lisa Aquino & Tricia Teasley Lisa Aquino and her husband, Chris, were living abroad when he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor scooter accident, leading to weeks of intensive care. Lisa shares with friend and coworker Tricia Teasley a story of suffering, love and the healing touch of the Anchorage community. Edit credit: StoryCorps Speaking the same language Apr 15, 2019 Cristian Ramon & Kelly Kasner Grief-support assistant Cristian Ramon tells colleague Kelly Kasner how she used Spanish and a video of her hiking to connect with and lift the spirits of a depressed and angry patient, paralyzed from the neck down. Edit credit: StoryCorps Ambassador of the Mount Apr 15, 2019 Doris Brown & Cleo Molina Doris Brown, 94, lived through the Great Depression, when lunch often consisted of a boiled potato and she earned $5 a week cleaning houses. Now at Mount St. Vincent, Doris shares with Cleo Molina how those hard times instilled in her the rewards of compassion and caring for others. Edit credit: StoryCorps The fire Sep 27, 2020 By Thao & Sandra Kiggins Sandra, a Providence program assistant for faculty support services in Anchorage, recalls being awakened by a loud crash and realized a fire broke out in the bedroom. As she fled, she noticed her husband had passed out from the smoke. She was unable to revive him. She lost everything in the fire, including her husband. It was her Providence family who helped her replace everything, and not just material things. Edit credit: Alison Jacques My mother the saint Apr 5, 2019 Janice Steinbach & Michael Barton Janice Steinbach’s father devastated her when he abandoned the family. Janice shares with Providence St. Joseph Health chaplain Michael Barton how the long road to reconciliation included a spiritual awakening. Edit credit: Sean Collins She joined the team that cared for her aunt Feb 11, 2019 Salve Bautista & Marianne Ayala Salve Bautista’s aunt received palliative care through Providence St. Joseph Health, which awoke a passion in Salve for this field of medicine. The palliative staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance were surprised and delighted when Salve re-entered their lives – this time not as a family member of a patient, but as a job applicant. Edit credit: StoryCorps Speaking the same language Sep 27, 2020 Cristian Ramon & Kelly Kasner Grief-support assistant Cristian Ramon tells colleague Kelly Kasner how she used Spanish and a video of her hiking to connect with and lift the spirits of a depressed and angry patient, paralyzed from the neck down. Edit credit: StoryCorps One love Apr 5, 2019 John Galloway & Helene Dee Walling + Mary Mitchell John Galloway and Helene Dee Walling share expressions of love for each other ahead of their wedding. John had never been romantically involved until he met Helene. “I understand why people write songs about love,” he said. Edit credit: Sean Collins The price of care Apr 5, 2019 Susan Tuller & Cara K. Aguilera Caregivers Susan Tuller and Cara Aguilera share thoughts on the ethics of for-profit elderly care and the joy felt from facilitating a wedding for a lesbian couple at the Providence ElderPlace Center. Edit credit: Sean Collins The pathway down to the pond Sep 27, 2020 Linda Darkhand & David Vandegrift Snohomish hospice home care nurses, Linda and David, exchange touching end-of-life stories that have shaped their lives and careers. They discuss what keeps them going and their desire to make sure their patients have quality care through the end of life and that no one dies alone. Edit credit: Mike Addis “I’m not ready for palliative care!” Feb 11, 2019 Rebekah Riemer & Dr. Colin Scibetta Rebekah Riemer’s grandmother died shortly after being diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Nine months later, Rebekah was diagnosed with a similar disease. Now a palliative care nurse, she shares with Dr. Colin Scibetta her healing journey with the same palliative team that cared for her grandmother and the impact that’s had on her work. Edit credit: StoryCorps The secret to life Feb 11, 2019 Dr. Ira Byock & Dr. BJ Miller Dr. Ira Byock, founder and chief medical officer of the Institute for Human Caring, and Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care physician at UCSF Medical Center, share thoughts on being in the moment, caring for seriously ill people, caring for yourself, and the secret to life. Edit credit: StoryCorps Doing right and good Sep 27, 2020 Tomi Ryba & Gayle Johnson Tomi Ryba, Providence St. Joseph Health chief executive for Southern Oregon, talks with Gayle Johnson, executive office manager at Providence St. Joseph Health in Medford, Ore., about why she adopted two Guatemalan children as an older adult and how her adult, biological children took the news. Edit credit: Sean Collins The first waltz Apr 5, 2019 John Farrell & Kay Farrell + Bonnie Swift John and Kay Farrell rejoice in their 45-year marriage, starting with a spoken-word poem, and a conversation about the time they first laid eyes on each other, his ordeal with a quadruple bypass when the kids were young, and the lessons learned from a journey shared. Edit credit: David H. Bialik Soulful sojourns Apr 5, 2019 Sarah Cameron & Lorrie Shamarin Sarah Cameron found her calling to help others while backpacking in Spain. Now a chief of strategy and planning at Providence St. Joseph Health, Sarah shares with friend and colleague Lorrie Shamarin life lessons from her journeys. Edit credit: David H. Bialik A short life well lived Sep 27, 2020 Patty Sullivan & Tom Sullivan While working as a correspondent for Good Morning America, Tom produced a story about children with cancer experiencing the joy of skiing. He ended up befriending Molly, a vivacious girl with a Texas accent, who inspired him to write his definitive book on children living with cancer, “A Short Live Well Lived.” His experience with Molly and others moved him and wife Patty to get involved with Providence TrinityCare Hospice. Tom is currently a board member of Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins I call this a gift Feb 11, 2019 James Raspe & Chaplain Stephanie Ryu James Raspe, an outdoors enthusiast and a patient at Providence St. Joseph Health, shares with chaplain Stephanie Ryu how his struggle with renal failure has given him the gift of empathy and a purpose to help others. Edit credit: Mindy Fortune Cancer – best thing that ever happened to me Feb 11, 2019 Tue Nguyen & Jennifer Kozakowski The Institute for Human Caring’s Tue Nguyen shares with mentor Jennifer Kozakowski how his bout with tongue cancer taught him to savor life and cherish what matters most. Edit credit: Mindy Fortune Team Approach Sep 27, 2020 Allan Komarek & Lesley Nichols Lesley, a director of home health, talks with Allan, a clinical excellence director, about her time at Providence and how she manages her team. Her approach: Work together, know the work will get done, and don’t worry about hierarchy. She also believes that as a Catholic organization, Providence helps provide a spiritual connection with caregivers. Edit credit: Sean Collins Delivered from despair Feb 11, 2019 Mike Roth & Story Squires and Pam Sipos Transitional care unit patient Mike Roth, recovering from multiple hip replacements that have been occasioned by recurring MRSA infections, shares with Story Squires and Pam Sipos of Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle how an abusive and deprived childhood led him to devote his life to service for others. Edit credit: Sean Collins Animal attraction Feb 11, 2019 Heidi Gold & Mary Mitchell Heidi Gold has lived with a form of bone disease since birth. With limited mobility, she’s made it her life’s work to train dogs to help people, like her, who use wheelchairs to get around. She shares with Mary Mitchell a story of how her first dog, Nanook, helped her find joy. Edit credit: Sean Collins Feeding body and soul Sep 27, 2020 Jackie Beck & Heather Preece When Jackie Beck nursed her adopted 4-day-old baby boy for the first time, it was as nourishing for his soul as it was for his body. Jackie recounts the profound bonding experience with Heather Preece, founder of Kodiak KINDNESS, a program that offers free infant feeding support to families. Heather remarks that the moment was the highlight of her career. Edit credit: audio by Marina Preece Cummiskey; animation by RockitWorks Encountering Eddie Van Halen Feb 11, 2019 Michael Drummond & Roger Neill Providence St. Joseph Health’s Michael Drummond talks with film composer Roger Neill about their departed friend, Eric, and his unreal encounter with rock guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. Edit credit: Mike Addis 'You had a heart transplant?' Feb 11, 2019 Pat Aidem & Richard Aidem Pat Aidem's husband, Richard, received a donated heart from a 20-year-old. Richard tells the story of meeting the young man's mother one day, and how she wanted to listen to her son’s beating heart again. Edit credit: Tomorrow’s Event Productions Midlife nurse Sep 27, 2020 Jason Plamondon & Mike Drummond Jason was in his late 30s and unhappy with his career as a computer scientist when he decided to go back to school to become a nurse. He tells Mike, a communications director at Providence, that early in his nursing career, he felt overwhelmed and thought he had made the biggest mistake of his life. He soon realized this is typical of new nurses. He now finds the career switch as a rewarding change. Edit credit: Mike Addis Honoring mom and dad Feb 11, 2019 Amy Compton-Phillips & Louis Phillips Amy Compton-Phillips, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Providence St. Joseph Health, and her husband, Louis, reveal what it was like losing both sets of parents within several years and the lessons learned. Edit credit: Sean Collins All in the family Feb 11, 2019 Lynn Taylor & Eileen McCloskey Patient Lynn Taylor tells caregiver Eileen McCloskey about being adopted and her gratitude for her adoptive parents. They were full of love and patience and showed kindness toward other children. Through adoptions and fostering, the family grew to 19 children. Edit credit: Sean Collins My new best friend Sep 27, 2020 Mary Young & Becki Mullins Newly met colleagues Mary Young and Becki Mullins share their journeys to Providence. Mary was laid off from a job she had for decades. She returned to school, pulled all-nighters, fell asleep during the test… and got a 92. Becki, a hospice volunteer, found graphic design following lots of loss of loved ones. The funeral book of one of her departed friends had spelling errors and was “ugly,” which motivated Becki to make a better book for her friend and pursue her creative passion. Edit credit: Mike Addis The hardest conversation I’ve ever had Feb 11, 2019 Mary Kingston & Michael Jongsma Mary Kingston, former chief executive of Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in Torrance and San Pedro in Southern California, shares with Michael Jongsma, former chief nursing officer, the anguish of honoring her father’s wishes to be removed from a respirator, and why having an advance directive is a profound gift for loved ones. Edit credit: audio by StoryCorps; animation by RockitWorks How can you take care of dying children? Feb 11, 2019 Dr. Glen Komatsu Dr. Glen Komatsu, chief medical officer of Providence TrinityCare Hospice & Regional Palliative Care, reflects on the clinical skill and emotional resilience required to care for dying children. He shares the story of 6-year-old Maddox, who faced death with insight and courage. Edit credit: Mike Addis The price of care Sep 27, 2020 Susan Tuller & Cara K. Aguilera Caregivers Susan Tuller and Cara Aguilera share thoughts on the ethics of for-profit elderly care and the joy felt from facilitating a wedding for a lesbian couple at the Providence ElderPlace Center. Edit credit: Sean Collins Memory loss and laughter Feb 11, 2019 Helene Walling & Mary Mitchell Helene Walling shares with Mary Mitchell her struggle with memory loss and how she continues to engage her mind. Through all the challenges, Helene maintains a positive outlook and uses humor to deal with her situation. Edit credit: Sean Collins The Providence Promise Sep 27, 2020 Heidi Chilimidos and Dana Sitts Providence’s promise statement, “Know me, care for me, ease my way,” resonates with Heidi, a team coordinator, and Dana, a dietician, and connects them to their work. In their roles, they have to give patients bad news. However, armed with the Providence promise, they know they can care for people through difficult times and help ease their way. Edit credit: Sean Collins A nurse goes in for open-heart surgery Feb 11, 2019 Lindsey Burrell & Julie Baker Lindsey Burrell and her mother, Julie Baker, both ICU nurses at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., talk about Lindsey’s open-heart surgery and how the experience has fundamentally changed their approach to nursing. Edit credit: StoryCorps Journey to confidence Feb 11, 2019 Chime Ohdon & Chaplain Cleo Molina Mount St. Vincent caregiver Chime Ohdon tells chaplain Cleo Molina about her childhood in Tibet and a treacherous month-long journey to Nepal following her mother’s death. Welcomed by the Dalai Lama, her life travels took her to India and eventually to the United States. Edit credit: Sean Collins Miracle and rebirth Feb 11, 2019 Harriet Thompson & Chaplain Mollie Mana'o Harriet Thompson, a resident of Mount St Vincent, speaks with her friend and chaplain, Mollie Mana'o, about how they first met when Harriet came onto hospice service. She talks about her recovery from cancer and what that experience felt like. She also reflects about another life accomplishment, her 51 years of sobriety and finding her calling through that experience. Edit credit: Sean Collins Lungs filled with tumors, hearts filled with love Feb 11, 2019 Bryce Fisher & Nancy Goodson Days before his mother’s birthday, Bryce Fisher, then 21-years old, received heartbreaking news that he had a rare form of cancer. He and his mother, Nancy, sit down to recount those sobering days following the diagnosis, acknowledge the triumphs and miracles in the challenging times since, and speak about the ongoing journey that continues to bring them closer to one another. Edit credit: Tomorrow’s Event Productions A higher place Sep 27, 2020 Jeremy Edmonds & Victoria Johnson Jeremy and Victoria share a passion for the work they do at ElderPlace, an adult activity and medical center for seniors in Seattle. They feel honored to help fellow human beings and blessed to work in service of the mission at Providence, which provides opportunities for professional and spiritual growth. Edit credit: Mike Addis Human connection Sep 27, 2020 Storey Squires & Lisl Foss Storey is the volunteer coordinator at Providence Mount St. Vincent (The Mount) in Seattle. She shares with friend Lisl about what drew her to work at The Mount and finding meaningful ways for volunteers to contribute in the community. Storey also shares that her mother spent the last 10 years of her life at The Mount and how that experience left a lasting impression. Edit credit: Mike Addis Confiding with a king Feb 11, 2019 Jay Hess & Chloe Medrano Jay Hess, donor relations coordinator for the TrinityCare Hospice Foundation, shares with colleague Chloe Medrano his career shift from building custom cars to raising money for children in hospice care. He also reveals his approach in asking for donations – molded by nuggets of wisdom he collected from the king of Bahrain. Edit credit: Tomorrow's Event Productions Easing one’s way Feb 11, 2019 Berit Koltveit & Sue Voorhies Colleagues, Berit Koltveit and Sue Voorhies, discuss their work in hospice and reflect on the families they’ve served through the years. Sue, a veteran in nursing, offers support to her friend as she shares her stories and wisdom with Berit, who at the time was about to begin nursing school. Edit credit: Sean Collins Love of the underdog Feb 11, 2019 Leta Rosetree & Pam Sipos Leta Rosetree talks to Pam Sipos about her experiences working for Elisabeth Kübler-Ross as a driver and sheep herder. She shares stories of what life was like living with the pioneer of near-death studies on a farm in Highland County, Virginia. Leta talks about Elisabeth’s support of AIDS patients, as well as cooking, yard sales and spinning wool. Edit credit: Sean Collins Scary, stubborn stones Feb 11, 2019 Terri Warren & Jennifer Bellucci Terri Warren, vice president at Providence TrinityCare Hospice, and Jennifer Bellucci, the organization’s chief nursing officer, unpack the fear surrounding Jennifer’s mother’s hospitalization for kidney stones and the impact the ordeal had on the family. Edit credit: Sean Collins How do we have any more tears left? Sep 27, 2020 Ginny Shaffer & Lisa Solomonson Friends Ginny Shaffer and Lisa Solomonson recall the passing of Ginny's infant son, Bryson. At the time, Lisa was a nurse who cared for Bryson and his twin sister, Holland. Both were born with heart defects. Ginny and Lisa bonded during the care of Bryson and Holland through this difficult time. Alaska Public Media A beautiful, unfolding path Sep 27, 2020 Deanna Drake & Jane Ashe Jane’s a retired chaplain; Deanna is relatively new to her role as a chaplain. Deanna confides she initially thought she needed to have all the answers, when all she really needed were some really good questions. She also shares with Jane that being a chaplain has given her some of the most sacred moments in her life in what has been a beautiful, unfolding path. Edit credit: Mike Addis A soulful force Feb 11, 2019 Chaplain Denise Hess & Marianne Ayala Chaplain Denise Hess worked alongside palliative care nurse Marianne Ayala for years. Denise, who has moved on to a new role in a different state, shares her belief that science and spirituality can coexist in health care, and how she is determined to serve as a harmonizing agent. Edit credit: Sean Collins Truth and justice Feb 11, 2019 Sister Michele MacMillan & Sister Clare Lentz Sister Michele MacMillan shares with Sister Clare Lentz about her life as a Dominican sister and witnessing an incident, which inspired her work in helping the Khum people build a community in Seattle. She talks about going from parish to parish asking for donations for the families. She recounts setting up educational programs to help people read and practice speaking English. Edit credit: Sean Collins Life after loss Feb 11, 2019 Harriet Schulman & Joan Nilon Harriet Schulman, speaks with her friend, Joan Nilon, about her move in 2014 to Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle and her husband’s sudden death. She remembers his love for jazz music and shares finding joy again through excursions to places such as museums and the zoo. Edit credit: Sean Collins Answering the call Feb 11, 2019 Becky Nappi & Michael Drummond Recovering journalists Becky Nappi, director of mission integration at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., and Michael Drummond, director of communications at the Institute for Human Caring in Gardena, Calif., share how they heeded the power of calling and the spiritual forces that moved them to work at Providence St. Joseph Health. Edit credit: Sean Collins Touch becomes sacred Sep 27, 2020 Ahmed Pierstorff & Coleen Dumenjich Ahmed Pierstorff is a Muslim, and social touch of the opposite sex is prohibited. Yet, his job as a registered nurse often necessitates physical contact with the opposite sex. Here he shares with his mentor, Coleen Dumenjich, how he navigates his professional duties with his religious devotion. Edit credit: Tomorrow’s Event Productions Leading from a place of love Sep 27, 2020 Allan Komarek & Liz Wessel Allan, a clinical excellence director, describes Providence as a living, breathing organization that lives its mission and values – a place that helps caretakers focus on the deeper meaning of their work. He tells Liz, a fellow clinical excellence director, that Providence leadership puts a value on the human spirit. He notes that leading from a place of love helps bring out the best in people. Edit credit: Sean Collins Finding her voice Feb 11, 2019 Torrie Fields & Dr. Gregg VandeKieft Torrie Fields, palliative care advocate, cancer survivor and senior program manager at Blue Shield in California, found her stronger voice as a patient through palliative care. She shares with Dr. Gregg VandeKieft, associate medical director at the Institute for Human Caring, how transformative the experience was for her and her oncologist. Edit credit: Sean Collins Spiritual union Feb 11, 2019 Mary Mitchell & John Galloway + Helene Walling During a conversation at Providence Mount St Vincent, Mary Mitchell speaks with her friends John Galloway and Helene Walling about their relationship, family, and commitment to each other. Edit credit: Sean Collins From trauma to trust Jun 6, 2019 Ann Balthazor, Stacy Andres Younglove & Lamar Price Lamar Price was shot in a random act of violence. His initial recovery was marked with anger, pain and confusion. Yet Providence St. Joseph Health dietician Ann Balthazor and nurse Stacy Andres Younglove helped ease Lamar’s way by getting to know him as a person, not just a patient. Edit credit: Sean Collins Standing strong Feb 11, 2019 Ali Santore & Dolores Costello Ali Santore, vice president of government-public affairs at Providence St. Joseph Health, and her grandmother, Dolores Costello, trade insights on how five generations of strong women in their family – starting with a nurse in the Civil War – have raised, and continue to raise, strong women. Edit credit: Sean Collins A kitten for a dying man Sep 27, 2020 Arleta Lefler & Theresa Gleason Arleta talks to her colleague, Theresa, about nursing being more than a job and how a stolen moment with a kitten allowed a man with cancer to die at peace. Edit credit: audio by Alaska Public Media; animation by RockitWorks The gift of being a caretaker Sep 27, 2020 Liz McCully & Cara Aguilera Liz first learned of her father’s cancer diagnosis via text from him while sitting on an airplane as it taxied off the runway. At the time, Liz was a substitute teacher, which gave her the flexibility to be his primary caregiver. Throughout this process, she has come to discover she really likes being his caretaker, which has brought them even closer. Profoundly touched by the experience of taking care of her father, she sought a career in social work. Edit credit: Mike Addis Treading lightly Feb 11, 2019 Annette Walker & Erik Wexler Annette Walker, former president of strategy at Providence St. Joseph Health, shares with Erik Wexler, PSJH’s regional chief executive for Southern California, how her father could have benefited from less intensive medical care toward the end. She also reveals that a 14-day, 220-mile pilgrimage in Spain taught her that “it’s hard not to love people when you get to know people.” Edit credit: Sean Collins Fleeing to America Jan 27, 2020 Anne Kovacich & Michael Kovacich Anne Kovacich talks with her son, Michael, about growing up on a farm in Croatia before fleeing with to the United States as WWII broke out in Europe. It was a harrowing journey to get out of Europe and into America to meet up with her father in Montana. Anne later moved to Seattle to find work and raise her family. For the last 16 years she has lived at Providence Mount St. Vincent. Edit credit: Mike Addis End of life journey Apr 14, 2021 Tiffany Lindsay & Eileen Lesowske Tiffany Lindsay and Eileen Lesowske, both hospice registered nurses in Oregon, talk about the deep emotions and even moments of joy that are experienced when walking with patients on their journey to the end of life. Edit credit: Mike Addis In the kitchen with Gram Jan 20, 2021 Keith Josselyn & Susan-Miller Josselyn Susan sits with her husband Keith as he shares stories about his grandmother and the impact she had on his life. It was in his grandmother’s kitchen, cooking with her as she imparted wisdom about what’s important in life where he learned lessons that he has relied on to pull him out of trouble. It’s also the place where he developed his love of cooking, which led to a career as a chef and restauranteur. Edit credit: Mike Addis Cherished memories Jan 27, 2020 Suzanne Gwynn & Faith Cooley Registered nurse Suzanne Gwynn speaks with her friend and "sidekick," Faith Cooley, about the pranks some of her young hospitalized patients would play, as well as her work caring for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses. Suzanne reminisces about one particular young man who touched her heart. She recalls the day he died, and she bathed him, and laid him across the laps of his siblings for the final car ride from the hospital. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Holding Aubrielle Feb 11, 2019 Holly Rossiter & Debra Bolton Holly Rossiter and her family sought the help of a Providence St. Joseph Health perinatal hospice program to help her deliver her baby, Aubrielle, who was diagnosed in utero with a terminal illness. Holly recounts the journey with nurse Debra Bolton and how the experience forever changed her. Edit credit: Sean Collins Humor is great medicine Sep 27, 2020 Kris Fahlstrom & Nicole Grantham Working together for a few years now, Kris, a hospice nurse, and Nicole, a social worker, believe their soothing energy and humor bring a sense of calm to their patients. One of their favorite patients is a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. They have found that humor has been a way for them to connect with him and his wife and ease their way. Edit credit: Mike Addis Somebody listened Jan 19, 2021 Jenifer Lachance & Alison Kear As a kid, Jenifer was shuffled from one relative to another without a stable place to call home and eventually ended up at an aunt’s in Alaska. When that living situation didn’t work out, she was put in Covenant House. It was there she met Alison, the executive director, who listened and took a genuine interest in her and changed her life trajectory. Edit credit: Mike Addis Fireside chat with Dr. Ira Byock and Dave Isay Jul 22, 2020 Social-distancing restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic created a longing for human connection – particularly for quarantined patients, frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable communities. In July 2020, Dave Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, and Dr. Ira Byock, founder of Providence’s Institute for Human Caring, led a national online conversation on how stories build human connections during these challenging times. Reimagine: Life, Loss and Love, in partnership with the Institute for Human Caring and StoryCorps, hosted the event. Work your mask Jul 13, 2020 Amy Compton-Phillips Join Amy Compton-Phillips in supporting our caregivers, our essential businesses, the poor and vulnerable communities that we strive to protect, and the people we love. Show me how you #WorkYourMask. Finding her mission Jan 19, 2021 Alison Kear & Jenifer Lachance Alison came to Alaska singularly focused on her career, but after volunteering for Covenant House, which supports at-risk youth, she found her mission and it changed her life and career. She shares her story with Jenifer, a former resident at Covenant House who had a big impact on her and helped her realize she cared about people outside the scope of her career. Edit credit Mike Addis When God speaks Sep 27, 2020 Carlos Palacian & Paulina Alvarado Paulina and Carlos are colleagues who took different spiritual paths to Providence Mount St. Vincent, aka The Mount. Paulina found her calling at age 12 after she went to mass for the first time and wanted to know more about Jesus. Carlos grew up in the church and thought about becoming a priest. He left the church to sow his oats. When he decided to get married, he felt a calling to return to the church and take an active role. Edit credit: Mike Addis The grateful patient Feb 11, 2019 Peter Lynch & Patricia Modrzejewski Peter Lynch survived quintuple bypass surgery years ago, and the experience moved him to give back to his community. The former Warner Bros. retail executive shares with Patricia Modrzejewski, Providence St. Joseph Health’s chief development officer, how the mission for caring for the poor and vulnerable drives him to serve the Providence St. Joseph Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins Displaced by war Jan 27, 2020 Frank Latawiec & Mary Mitchell Frank Latawiec recounts his boyhood days in Poland when Russia, and then Germany invaded during WWII. The Germans rounded up all able-body men and sent them into horrendous labor camps, including Frank, who was only 10 at the time. Frank survived the labor camp. After the war, he and his family moved into a displacement camp until they were allowed to immigrate to the United States to live with his great aunt in Seattle. Edit credit: Sean Collins Now is the best time Jan 19, 2021 Gretchen Hagen & Kris Gould Hospice nurse Gretchen tells colleague Kris how education taught her how to do the technical things, but her goal is always listen to her patients’ stories – to get to know them and let them feel who they were before they became ill. In return she has learned how gracious and powerful the people who are dying are and what is most important in life. Edit credit: Sean Collins Compassionate leader Jan 19, 2021 Stephanie Williams & Sherry Hayes Stephanie has an emotional conversation with her friend and teammate, Sherry, as they talk about her 40-year career as a nurse and what makes for a good supervisor. One of the first steps to being a good leader is getting to know your team on a personal level. Another is the need to be calm and supportive and understand the nuances that pop up for home healthcare workers in hospice care. Edit credit: Mike Addis A full life Jan 27, 2020 Lois Sticklin & Mitzi Rossman Lois’ husband died three months after a leukemia diagnosis, and she was left to run the family funeral home business and raise their seven children, ages 11-21. The single mother thrived as a businesswoman. She loved running the funeral home and it provided a good living for her and her children. It wasn’t until her last child had moved out of the house did she allow herself to fully grieve for her husband. Edit credit: Mike Addis The septuagenarian graduate Feb 11, 2019 Marvin Farber & Chaplain Kevin Deegan Marvin Farber, 97, regales hospice chaplain Kevin Deegan with tales of working in the defense and insurance industries, experiencing a nervous breakdown and shock therapy, loving his wife, Lucy, and fulfilling a life-long ambition to earn a college degree in journalism when he was 79 years young. Edit credit: Sean Collins Love comes full circle Sep 27, 2020 Diann Verdugo & Julie Conway Diann, a nurse educator for Sea Crest Hospice, volunteered to take photos of hospice patients and their families to help educate people about hospice care. One of the patients Diann photographed was Julie’s father on his pinning day, celebrating his military service. Diann photographed the two of them together, creating one of Julie’s most cherished possessions. Inspired by the care her father received, Julie felt a calling to become a hospice volunteer and is now helping to care for Diann’s mother-in-law. Edit credit: Alison Jacques Life's transitions Jun 24, 2020 Dana Mitchell & Jessica Moore Jessica tells colleague Dana about what led her to become a gender-specialized nurse practitioner. Jessica’s youngest child had confided why they always felt depressed. It’s because she was a boy. Jessica became an advocate and an activist for transgender issues. Realizing medical professionals weren’t treating the transgender community with compassion, Jessica went back to school to get her nurse practitioner license so she could be their compassionate caregiver. Edit credit: StoryCorps 150 Result(s) Page 0 of 8