Resilient healthcare worker celebrated at Tree of Love ceremony
Jenny Morrison (second from left) is pictured with some of her caregivers at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center’s recent Tree of Love ceremony. {Contributed photo/Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Lexington Medical Center}
When Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center’s Foundation began planning this year’s annual “Tree of Love” ceremony, personnel immediately knew who should light the tree – Jenny Morrison.
Jenny, a patient service representative at Atrium Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Salisbury, was hospitalized in August after contracting COVID-19. She endured intubation, a chest tube and a tracheotomy before needing to be sedated and placed on a ventilator. Her journey was one many COVID-19 patients do not survive.
During Jenny’s lengthy stay, hospital teammates formed a special bond with Jenny and her family. Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists and environmental services staff would all talk, sing and encourage her to keep fighting, even while sedated.
The care team never gave up hope that Jenny would turn the corner and beat the odds. When the time came, it took them several days to help her emerge from sedation. “I had been off work for a couple of days, and when I came back and walked by her room, her eyes were open and she gave me a little wave,” said Joslyn Murphy, RN, Critical Care nurse. “I stood there in the hallway just completely overwhelmed with tears in my eyes.”
In mid-October, Jenny was able to move off the ventilator. Sadly, that step forward was overshadowed by devastating news: Kim, Jenny’s sister and teammate at Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Salisbury, was also battling COVID-19 at a different location, and she had passed away.
The care team provided emotional support for both Jenny and her husband, Scott, and continued to help Jenny stay focused on her recovery and upcoming transfer out of critical care. When the team realized her birthday was approaching, they wanted to celebrate with a surprise party in her room. Karen Fischer, respiratory therapist, led the planning, and Murphy picked up small, meaningful gifts, including personal care products, soft socks and a stuffed toy dog because she had wished that dogs could come visit while she was hospitalized.
Other teammates soon found out about the party and wanted to join the celebration. Jenny’s room wouldn’t hold them all, so the team moved the party to the board room. The celebration generated smiles all around, boosted morale and proved to be deeply emotional. “It was awesome and a real blessing,” Jenny shared.
Later, when Jenny left the hospital to continue her recovery at a rehabilitation facility, the team took her through the hospital’s Victory Lane. “All of the doctors and nurses lined the halls and clapped, and I got to put a yellow ribbon with my name on the wall. It was emotional.”
On November 2, Jenny walked by herself without assistance for the first time since August. Describing her care team, she said, “All of them were wonderful.” Her recovery and the personal connections she made with her care team have resonated throughout Lexington Medical Center as a small miracle during an exhausting pandemic.
The Tree of Love ceremony was held on Thursday, December 2 , and featured music by the Lexington Senior High School Chorus Ensemble. Jenny was happy to be present and to have the honor of lighting the tree, and the Lexington Medical Center team was thrilled to learn Jenny was home for the holidays - which is their wish for all of their patients.
“The tree represents hope for health and continued strength as we all battle this pandemic,” Bill James, president, Lexington Medical Center, explained. “Since COVID-19 started, we have cared for numerous patients in our emergency department and physician offices, and nearly 350 COVID-19 positive patients who were cared for at Lexington Medical Center were discharged home to continue their recovery. We are thankful Jenny was one of those patients, and we are so grateful for our care team’s hard work, relentless care and commitment to our entire community.”
The Tree of Love, a Lexington Medical Center tradition for 16 years, has been a way for employees and community members to honor or remember special patients, family members, friends and coworkers by giving back to the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. All proceeds benefit the Patient and Employee Assistance Funds. To learn more, visit www.WakeHealth.edu/TreeofLove
*Article provided by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist - Lexington Medical Center
