The Bronson Team Made Something Very Special Happen
During one of the most traumatic seasons of my life, Bronson was there for me and my family in a way that I will never forget.
While I was pregnant, I learned that I had a mass compressing my spinal cord. The diagnosis was scary, and everything happened very quickly. I underwent an emergency C-section and laminectomy at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Suddenly, I found myself in intensive care while my newborn son, born seven weeks early, was receiving care in the NICU.
As a new mom, all I wanted was to be with my baby. At the same time, I was facing major health challenges of my own. After back surgery, I could only move with assistance, and movement was very limited. At that point, I also could not walk because I had lost feeling because of the mass.
Before I was discharged and transferred to Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids for extensive rehabilitation, the Bronson team made something very special happen! Staff rolled my hospital bed to the NICU so I could spend time with my son before leaving. It meant everything to me.
The separation that followed was incredibly difficult. As a Battle Creek resident, I was far from home, far from my newborn and far from my 3-year-old child. I worried about missing important moments and felt heartbroken being away from my family during such an emotional time.
That is when the Bronson team came up with an idea:
They placed a camera above my newborn's bed so I could watch him through a live stream while I was in Grand Rapids. I could see my baby whenever I wanted! I could check on him, feel connected to him and be part of his journey even when I could not be there in person.
The NICU team did even more. If my son was away from his bed for a weight check or another appointment, they would leave me notes explaining where he was. They also shared updates about his progress, helping me stay connected during the time I was away.
Their creativity and willingness to think outside the box made an incredible difference for me and my family. What started as a simple solution helped me genuinely feel like a mom during a time when so much felt out of my control.
About a year later, Bronson Health Foundation raised funds to purchase cameras for the NICU. Knowing that other families are now able to benefit from the same type of connection is incredibly meaningful to me. I am grateful that our experience may have helped inspire the idea that now supports many others.
I will always remember the kindness shown to me during such a difficult chapter of my life. The impact of those actions extends far beyond my family. Looking back, my experience is a powerful example of what Health in Harmony means. While Bronson cared for my physical recovery, the team also recognized the importance of supporting my emotional well-being and connection to my family.
Thank you, Bronson. 💚💚
