Several patients and their families recently received a surprise visit from an intimate group of community members who came to the hospital offering gifts, support and smiles.
On March 7, Karen Costa, Davis Sprague and Leah Walker with RSM US LLP, a tax, audit and consulting firm, popped in various inpatient rooms on West Tower toting 100 care packages filled with toiletry items for patient families and two decorative jars full of inspirational messages for nurses.
The visit was part of one of the firm’s culture, diversity and inclusion groups called the Star Women’s Network (STAR), which Costa leads. STAR’s mission is to exercise and promote stewardship and teamwork resulting in the advancement and retention of RMS’s women. The group has concentrated its stewardship effort on activities that benefit Texas Children’s.
Their recent work was greatly appreciated by patients, families, staff and Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, who met with the group before they went to patients’ rooms.
“It is so nice for you all to come out and do this,” Wallace said. “Thank you so much. It means a lot.”
Ashley Carranza, a staff nurse in hematology-oncology, was tending to Lilly, a 5-year-old patient, when the RSM group stopped by and gave the little girl’s grandmother a care package and Lilly a hug and a card containing a hand-written supportive message.
“Visits like these mean the world to our patients and families,” Carranza said while watching Lilly beam with excitement. “It truly brightens their day.”
The notes the RSM group wrote specifically for Carranza and her colleagues also were well received.
“It’s so nice that someone has taken the time to think of us too,” Carranza said.
Crystal Ortiz with Volunteer Services echoed Carranza and Wallace’s comments and added that small gestures such as these make a big difference and provide some much-needed relief during what can be a tough time.
