2012 marked the 30th Anniversary of Methodist Health Foundation, an anniversary traditionally celebrated with pearls.
In the teams serving IU Health Methodist Hospital, we see a magnificent strand of pearls, each individual uniquely skilled,
talented, experienced, and compassionate, linking together into a single, exceptional team. We would like to share with you
just one story that exemplifies the excellence and dedication that drives everyone at IU Health Methodist.
Budding track star, 14-year old Jaelyn Kinchelow, was warming up for afternoon team practice at Avon Middle School when she
collapsed. Her coaches suspected dehydration, but when the EMS attendants arrived, they quickly realized her situation was much
worse. She was rushed to IU Health Methodist Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma center and the hospital best equipped to handle her
condition – acute myocardial infarction, a heart attack.
It was a particularly busy day in the Emergency Department at IU Health Methodist. In addition to treating more patients than
average, the conditions of those treated were also more critical than usual. But a young girl presenting with a possible heart attack
gets everyone’s attention. Less than two hours later she had life-saving open heart surgery to repair a torn coronary artery.
Jaelyn spent 21 days within the IU Health family – Methodist and Riley – dependant on the expertise of more than 200 surgeons,
specialists, cardiac critical care nurses, therapists and whole teams of caregivers. She needed round-the-clock care, additional
surgeries and the life-saving equipment necessary to do the work of her heart and lungs.
The video segments below tell Jaelyn’s story, and they also tell the very personal impact on the team at IU Health Methodist Hospital
who saved the life of this young girl.