Methodist Health Foundation

Jeanne Long was a surgical nurse at Methodist Hospital. She loved her job and had an exciting career ahead of her. She had a role in creating Methodist’s Level One Trauma program and in 1992, was recognized as Methodist Employee of the Year and nationally, as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Nurse of the Year.

A life-threatening car accident changed her life. Through it all, Methodist Hospital supported Jeanne. This is her story of Lighting the Way...

The day of the accident was National Nurses Day – May 5, 1993. The surgeon that I was working with had performed surgery at Witham Hospital and we were driving back to Methodist for rounds.

The accident occurred on the interstate and the car was spinning like an Indy race car in circles down the highway. You’ve heard people say their life passes by in a matter of seconds. Mine did and I remember thinking, “I’m going to die.” When the car finally stopped, I thought, “I’m still alive!”

I didn’t know the severity of my injuries but the ambulance driver said, “We’re taking you to [another] Hospital.” I just insisted, “Absolutely not. You must take us to Methodist. You must.” And so they did.

Coming in [to the Emergency Department] as a patient – I had taken care of trauma patients for years and all of a sudden to become one – was very scary. But I felt safe because I knew the people who were caring for me; I knew the ED physicians, the residents and the orthopedic surgeons. The nurses that I used to help change dressings with everyday were the ones who took care of me after each of my three surgeries. It was so comforting to have these people caring for me.

The accident made it difficult for Jeanne to continue working in surgery, but she stayed in the Methodist/Clarian Health system. When planning for Clarian West Medical Center began, Jeanne was named Manager of Surgical Services. Today, Jeanne continues to support Methodist Hospital in return for all of the support they’ve given to her.

I am very passionate about supporting the Lighting the Way Campaign for Methodist. You can’t go anywhere – not just in Indiana, but in the United States – and get better care. We have the specialists, the nursing care and all of the support that patients need.

I will always be grateful to Methodist Hospital for giving me my life back and helping me continue my career.

Paula Davis is Director of Business Process Outsourcing and Claims Operations for Clarian Health Plans, Inc. Her life and the lives of her family are forever entwined with Methodist Hospital. Here is Paula’s Lighting the Way story...

My Mother (Anna M. Van Hook-Retired, MHI Blood bank) met my Stepfather (Cleo “Bud” Van Hook-Retired, MHI Manager Maintenance) while working at Methodist and they married in 1967. This union allowed for an abundance of love, security and great parenting to my sister, step-brother and me. Theirs was a wonderful 22-year marriage.

Dad’s final days were spent at Methodist on 4S. He and we as his family were cared for by outstanding physicians and caring staff. We lost Mother almost four years ago and she received that same level of compassion and care during her last days on the Yellow Rose Unit.

Many of Paula’s family, including Paula have enjoyed careers at Methodist.

I am honored to say that my sister and I remain in the Clarian family. My sister has over 40 years of service and I have 28 years. Our family remains connected to Methodist and Clarian.

I believe Methodist Hospital must grow and flourish. I hope other employees can experience not only the wonderful blessings it provides as an employer, but more importantly, what a critical role it plays in the personal lives of families, friends and others.

I’m Paula Davis and I am indebted to this fine institution forever. I am happy to make my Beacon Club pledge for the Employee Campaign in memory of my Mother and Father.

I have been employed at Methodist since 2003. I have family members who have been patients at Methodist and I too was a patient here. 

The physicians that provide my personal health care are all affiliated with Methodist. I am PROUD to tell others that I work here and I believe that the care delivered here is second to none!

I want other patients to have the same care and same experiences that I have had. That is the root of why I am giving to the campaign.

My perspective as an employee who gives, simple.

First, we are in the business to support and care for our community. We should always look for ways to improve and provide the best possible care. I f building this new tower helps to improver our service, increase the number of individuals who we can help and attract great doctors to practice here -- then it makes sense to me to contribute. 

Second, we are a product of our past. Our success today is because others have sacrificed for us. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t be the hospital we are today. 

Finally, I believe in MethodistHospital. I believe that my contributions -- no matter the size -- will make a a difference in the life of someone else.

My perspective as a patient is similar. I had a surgical procedure and everything went very well. I happily noticed that everyone I came into contact with used the AIDET system as it related to their duties. It made me more comfortable and relaxed, trusting that I was being cared for by individuals who are good at their jobs.

I experienced kindness, understanding and informative care. Each person who helped me before and after my operation remembered that I was an individual -- with individual needs.

I have much to be grateful for and for me -- giving to the “Lighting the Way Campaign” is plain and simple.  I give because I know that my experience could not have been possible without those who have given before me!

Nelson Watkins, a Lieutenant in the Safety and Security Department a Methodist Hospital recalls his three decades of service at our amazing institution…

“When I first started at Methodist, I thought I’d work here for a year. And then came the second year and I stuck around. Then the third…so now, I’ve been here 30 years…it’s a great place to work.”

Walking the halls of Methodist for so many years, Nelson has witnessed miracles first-hand… and even though he’s not a medical professional, he has touched lives in fundamental ways.

“LifeLine brought in a 9-year-old boy. A nurse and I were walking alongside of him. He asked the nurse, “Am I going to die? She said, “No, you’re not going to die.” Then he grabbed my hand and asked, “Am I going to die?” I said, “No! You’re not going to die. You’re going to make it.” The next day I went up and sat in his room and he looked up at me and just said, “Thank you.” That was 15 years ago and I still remember that experience.”

For Nelson, it’s the people of Methodist Hospital that matter. And, it’s for those people—the ones who provide care, provide comfort and provide compassion, that he supports the campaign for Methodist Hospital.

“These people are like family and friends. I come in, make my rounds, make sure everybody’s okay, checking on employees, patients and staff. I just love working here.

Methodist is like my second home and you have to invest in your home. So, I want to invest in Methodist Hospital. It’s the largest hospital in the state of Indiana; we have great doctors and a friendly staff.”

I’m Nelson Watkins and I support Methodist Hospital because it’s like family.

I grew up at Methodist Hospital. I was born at here – as were all of my children and my grandchildren.

As a child, I used to visit the hospital with my dad, M.B. Flanigan, MD. My parents, my aunt and uncle, me, and now my daughter have all called MethodistHospitalhome.

My first real job was at Methodist in the laboratory. When I graduated from the Methodist School of Medical Technology, I continued to work in the lab. I went back to school and earned my Master's degree, courtesy of MethodistHospital. And I stayed on for 20 years.

I left the Methodist workforce in 1991, returned in 2005 - but never left the Methodist family. My family members have all been served by the talent and technology that this hospital offers to critically ill and injured patients.

Traumatic brain injury - check. Neonatal distress - check. Thyroid storm - check. Motorcycle accident - check. Preeclampsia - check. Life happens to families - including these kinds of things.

Am I grateful that MethodistHospital offers the technology and staff to take care of all of them?  Yes.

Am I grateful that my family members have all had positive outcomes as a result of their care at MethodistHospital? Absolutely!

Am I grateful that Methodist will continue to provide critical care services in the future? Absolutely yes!

I support the Methodist Hospital Lighting the Way Campaign as a way to give back to for all she's given to me: an education, a family connection, life-long friends, and most of all, assurance of the best care possible for anyone who needs it.

My story begins back in 1991. My family and I were new to Indianapolis and I began to develop shortness of breath at anything I would do.

My primary physician ordered a CT scan of my chest and I was told I had swollen lymph nodes i and was give a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. I got progressively worse; could not walk 10’ because of my breathing and because my heart was racing, I called an ambulance to take me to MethodistHospital.

In the Emergency Department, the chest x-ray showed an enlarged heart. A pulmonary specialist was called in to take another look at my CT scan. With one glance, he diagnosed a saddle embolus. I was admitted to ICU and given only a10% chance to live.

Were it not for the care I received by the doctors and nurses in intensive care, I would not be here today. Standard medication to break up the clot did not resolve it, but the doctors tried an experimental drug that was being used in a clinical trial at Methodist. It worked.

After a 19 day stay, I was sent home without O2 and continued to recover over a period of two years – the amount of time it took to break up all of the smaller blood clots.

I always refer my family in Illinois and friends to Methodist – the best hospital around. It gave me new respect for the excellent the care provided at Methodist; the comprehensive, specialty medical teams and the dedicated caregivers – all of whom contributed to my recovery.

I’m Jane Rogers and I support world class critical care at Methodist simply because they are the best. New technologies and medical trials keep them on top.  I wouldn’t be here without them.

On the evening of April 10, 1998, I was a normal fifteen year old girl getting ready for my first date.  In the car, just one-quarter mile from my home, my date, lost control of the vehicle and did not clear a curve.  Instead he drove off the road and through a fence. 

A wooden fence post came through the car and shattered the right side of my face.  I would later learn that the fence post crushed my forehead, eye orbit, cheek and jaw. 

When I arrived at Methodist Hospital doctors were not too optimistic and afraid I might have brain damage as a result of my injuries.  They told my parents I might not be the same Lauren that they had known and to consider making funeral arrangements.  They were wrong. 

I spent a week on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and underwent an eight-hour operation in which physicians used metal plates and screws to put my face back together.  From there, I spent an additional three weeks on the Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit. Upon being discharged, I spent another four weeks on Peds Rehab in outpatient therapies. 

My experience while being at Methodist Hospital was amazing.  I had the greatest nurses, physicians and therapists.  It was the care that I received both directly and indirectly that inspired me to become an employee. 

Although I did not find love on that first date, I found love in an organization that saved my life. 

I’m Lauren Rennier and I support Methodist Hospital because they gave me my life back!