Unfortunately, a medical crisis and devastating diagnosis in 2025 makes it likely they will not see their 21st wedding anniversary. Bonny came to Norton Audubon Hospital on Monday, Jan. 27, with severe abdominal pain. After undergoing emergency surgery, she learned that she has a life-changing terminal diagnosis. She recently transferred to hospice care.  

Bonny learned that her cousin, who was visiting her in the hospital on Jan. 31, had just taken a course to be ordained to perform weddings. She looked over and asked Robert if he would like to renew their vows. 

Robert replied, “Of course I will, honey.” 

When Bonny’s care team at Norton Audubon Hospital found out about the vow renewal plan, they made it their mission to make the event — happening that day — as beautiful as possible. Reaching out to colleagues to assist, one ordered a dozen white roses on Door Dash while another supplied the couple with a plant for the bedside ceremony.

Two decades ago, what made them decide to marry after seven years of dating?

“He’s just a very good man,” Bonny said.

Robert made them both giggle with his reply: “Because she is hot and still is hot!” 

He called Bonny the “biggest-hearted person” he’s ever met. 

Bonny’s care team agrees and calls her an amazing woman who remains upbeat despite her diagnosis.  

“In the short time Bonny has been at Norton Audubon Hospital, she has won over the staff,” said Lindsay Lewis, BSN, R.N., director, invasive cardiology, patient care services “I’m pretty sure they are fighting over who gets to take care of her. 

“I let her know that even though there are times when we are with our patients only for a short time, they leave an impact on us that will stay with us forever.”

Bonny has been one of those patients for the staff on the Progressive Care Unit.  

What would Bonny share with others?

“When you love someone, let them know it — let them know it a lot,” she said. “You can’t lose your mind at the same time, but when you know, you just know.”

She takes it a step further. Each year on her husband’s birthday, she sends Robert’s mother a thank-you card.  

Bonny also wanted to share that the caregivers she has met at Norton Audubon Hospital are amazing, and the list of those who she raved about could go on and on. 

At a time when she was not able to drink or eat anything, yet was craving coffee, she said one of her favorite nurses smelled of coffee, and that just made her morning.

“He smelled so good!” she said.

It’s an important reminder to appreciate the small blessings in life — to be thankful during the good times and make the best of out of the bad. 

When we are given the opportunity to provide blessings during another’s bad time, it can make all the difference in the world.

The post When you love someone, let them know — a lot appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Available to all Norton Healthcare employees, Papa is an innovative service connecting older adults and families with compassionate Papa Pals for companionship, assistance and peace of mind.

“She was worried about my carpal tunnel surgery, and how I was going to get around,” Sheila said. “You can’t exactly drive as well.”

Sheila elected to use the benefit after her wrist surgery. She could not drive so she had someone from Papa take her and her father, Merl, to doctor appointments. Sheila’s husband, Tom, was really busy at work and could not take time off.

“Merl, my dad, is 89 but very independent. At first, he and my husband, Tom, had some pushback to the idea of using Papa. Tom had concerns with having a stranger drive me, and my dad did not want the help of a stranger,” Sheila said. “I assured them it was through Norton Healthcare, and that it was safe. They eventually relented, and it turned out to be a huge benefit to us as a family.”

According to Sheila, the Papa Pals who showed up to help them were excellent. Every Papa Pal undergoes vigorous background checks and motor vehicle reports. For Sheila, they were on for scheduled pick-ups, accommodating and even early for the appointment. Everything was done in less than two hours, with no hassle.

Hans Buhts, a manager in the benefits department at Norton Healthcare, said the partnership was designed to benefit all employees.

“We know it can be difficult to manage work when you have additional responsibilities at home. Whether it’s taking care of an older parent, assisting kids with homework or needing to get ahead on household chores, we hope this benefit will help shift the load and reduce stress for our employees and their families,” Hans said. “We were excited to partner with Papa to provide companionship and assistance to our employees who may need help outside of work.”

According to Sheila, Tom and Merl were very grateful for their Papa Pal experience. Merl was happy he did not have to reschedule his appointment, and Tom was very relieved it all worked out so that he did not miss any time at work.

“I have already told so many people about this. I know another nurse in my unit who could benefit from it because she has a hurt knee,” Sheila said. “It is easy to sign up for. I am not tech savvy; if I can do it, anyone can! We have so many excellent benefits at Norton Healthcare — it is a perk of the job and a reason why I love working here.”

By the end of 2024, Sheila had used all 10 free hours available under the employee benefit. And she is looking to use more in the future to visit Merl at his nursing home.

About Papa

Whether it is for grocery shopping, watching your kids, a ride to a doctor’s appointment or assisting with nonmedical care, the Papa program extends a helping hand — when, where and how you need it most.

This benefit is available to all employees as part of our commitment to your well-being and work-life balance. All employees can use up to 10 hours of service, at no cost to you. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit Papa.com to verify your eligibility and create an account.
• Select who will be using your Papa benefits — you or your loved one(s) — along with the primary ZIP code where you would like assistance.
• Download the Papa Care app from the Apple or Google app stores and follow the steps to schedule your next visit.

If you are interested in using Papa, click here to learn more about the program and how to take advantage of it.

The post When a Norton Healthcare nurse had surgery on her wrist, an employee benefit helped with driving her and her dad appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

First, he became an intern in the regulatory and compliance office with research at Norton Healthcare. Second, he decided to enlist in the Kentucky Army National Guard. Making these decisions allowed him to serve not only his community, but his country too. He also had a goal in mind: becoming the first military officer in his family. Five years later, Kendrick, a clinical research coordinator at Norton Healthcare, is also an officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard.

In May 2024, Kendrick learned that he was being deployed to support a unit in the Middle East in two weeks.

Chandler Render, also a clinical research coordinator; Marti Gardner, system director for clinical research operations; and Avery Davenport, a clinical research manager; were among the first that Kendrick told. And each of them sprang into action to make sure Kendrick had the support he needed.

“We wanted to make sure that while Kendrick was overseas, he had no worries or thoughts about his job,” Marti said.

Marti and Avery made sure Kendrick knew that his job at Norton Healthcare was never in jeopardy while he was deployed. They made sure his job duties were covered and worked with human resources leaders to ensure resources (like our Veterans ERG, HR support, and retraining programs) were available to Kendrick upon his return, gave reassurance they were not looking to replace him. They even ensured his computer would not be locked when he returned.

“He is already under enough stress while protecting our country, so we did what we could to lift some weight off his shoulders,” Avery said.

Chandler did similar things as a co-worker, but also took it further as Kendrick’s friend. Chandler remembered when her stepdad was deployed and he wouldn’t stop talking about everything he missed from back home while overseas. She made sure Kendrick had everything he needed by putting together care packages to send him. He had limited time to talk to friends and family, so she made an Amazon wish list so everyone could pitch in to make sure he was reminded of home.

Kendrick, who was in Jordan for two weeks, then Kuwait for four months, spoke about how much that meant to him.

“There was a 12- to 14-hour time difference. I only had two to three hours to speak with people from back home. When you are over there, you start to miss home, because life goes on there without you. The phone call check-ins and care packages kept me going — gave me a reminder of what I was protecting,” Kendrick said. “I really appreciated it.”

Chandler also helped watch Charli, Kendrick’s dog. It was an added layer of comfort knowing his best friend was watching over his other best friend. He could do his job with the Army without worrying about anything back home.

This gave Kendrick an idea — to nominate Norton Healthcare for the Patriotic Employer Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) — a Department of Defense office. The award is presented to employers who go the extra mile to protect the job of military service members who are deployed. Only a few employers win recognition every year, and this year’s have not been announced. Meanwhile, Kendrick nominated Chandler, Marti and Avery for the Patriot Award. This award goes to individuals who provided support directly to military members like Kendrick and his family. Kendrick said it was a thank-you for everything they did for him. It was his first deployment, and his team made sure he felt comfortable leaving and returning, while simultaneously sending him encouragement while on deployment and allowing him to do his duty with little to no worries.

He kept it a secret, and surprised Chandler, Marti and Avery with the award presentation by Kendrick and a member of the ESGR during a department holiday party in late December 2024. 

“When you come to work, you bring your whole self — which includes things that happen off the clock. Norton Healthcare supports that work-life balance and understands that things impact you from other aspects of your life. It is important to know what is happening in your employees’ lives,” Marti said. “It helps form a respectful and open relationship. It all goes back to our mission, vision, values and culture.”

According to Avery, initiatives like VETS (Veterans Engaging Through Service), Norton Healthcare’s employee resource group for military veterans, make it easier to lean on others so leaders and colleagues don’t have to shoulder the support alone.

“When you are called to serve, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether or not you’ll still have a job,” Kendrick said. “I’ve never worried about that with Norton Healthcare, from the moment I enlisted they were there to support me every step of the way.”

The post Balancing service and career appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“We will touch the lives of people who live here. This is where I live. This is where I work. This is where I worship. And so this community is in need, and so we can make this difference,” Adrienne said. “Do you know the impact we’re going to have? The lives that we’re going to change?”

The post A role with purpose, a future with impact appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The hospital, located at 28th Street and West Broadway, will offer comprehensive services, from primary care and surgery to social support, with a diverse team of providers dedicated to meeting the needs of patients.

Keep reading to meet four compassionate providers who share why they chose to work at Norton West Louisville Hospital and their excitement for making a positive impact on the community.

Kalyn Churchill, APRN: Commitment to community health

Kalyn Churchill, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner who will work with adult patients, feels a strong connection to West Louisville, where her two children attend elementary school.

“I honestly feel called to be in this position,” she said. “There’s no other community that I’d rather serve.”

Kalyn’s husband and his family are West Louisville natives, and she is passionate about supporting patients who have historically faced barriers to accessing quality health care.

“For the years that I’ve been here, I’ve been deeply connected to this community,” she said.

Kalyn enjoys educating patients, helping them meet their health care goals and understanding the importance of taking preventive measures to live longer, healthier lives. She values getting to know her patients and their families on a more personalized level. With a focus on building trust and relationships in her practice, she hopes to create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable seeking medical care.

Kaylyn says traditionally underserved areas often lack access to health care.

“I believe Norton West Louisville Hospital is here to make that change,” she said.

Melinda C. Ruberg, M.D.: Making health care accessible for all

Melinda C. “Mel” Ruberg, M.D., medical director of Norton West Louisville Hospital, values inclusivity in health care, putting patients at the center of her work.

“We want everyone who walks through the doors of this hospital to feel like they belong,” she said.

Dr. Ruberg will be a family medicine provider, interacting with patients of all ages, and looks forward to creating a compassionate and welcoming environment for all West Louisville families.

“I like putting family in the center of medicine, so if patients want to come in with 11 family members and we go through the entire family medical history at the same time, I’m all in,” she said.

As a lifelong Kentuckian, Dr. Ruberg believes Norton West Louisville Hospital will provide an opportunity for equitable health care access across Louisville. It is the first hospital to be built west of Ninth Street in the past 150 years. She looks forward to helping build up the community, after understanding barriers that have historically existed.

“I had a roommate in medical school who was from the West End, [and] that helped to really take my blinders off, and I attribute a lot of what I know about the West End to him,” she said.

Stephen J. Kelty, M.D.: Bringing surgical expertise to the community

As chief of surgery, Stephen J. Kelty, M.D., brings over 33 years of experience to Norton West Louisville Hospital, with a passion for providing surgical care to those who need it most.

“This opportunity coincided with my interest in medical mission work overseas,” he said.

Dr. Kelty, a Louisville native, is excited about the range of surgical services the hospital will provide, including general surgery and advanced abdominal and esophageal endoscopies.

He looks forward to performing a variety of surgical procedures for patients, including abdominal, breast, thyroid, hernia and gall bladder operations, plus colonoscopy screenings and more.

“The equipment, materials and technology at the hospital are all top-of-the-line,” he said. “Patients can be very assured that they are going to get really good care here.”

Aisha Rucker, LCSW: Addressing social determinants of health

With 20 years of experience, licensed clinical social worker Aisha Rucker, LCSW, has a passion for people.

“There is something in our DNA; once you’re called to serve, you want to go serve,” she said.

Aisha will be the hospital’s manager of social work and care continuum, which is a role dedicated to addressing the social factors that impact the overall health of patients in West Louisville.

According to recent Louisville health equity reports, the life expectancy of residents in West Louisville is more than 10 years less than those living in other areas of town. Disproportionate health outcomes in the Black community also were apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added fuel to Aisha’s passion to serve her community.

“Most of my formative years were here in West Louisville, so it’s kind of personal,” she said. “The West End has more diversity than just the Black community, but the majority of West Louisville is Black people, people who look like me,” Aisha said. “I wanted to serve the people who look like me, and hopefully we can close the health disparity gaps we’ve seen throughout history.”

Aisha’s team will support patients by identifying social determinants of health, so the patients continue to have support after they leave the hospital — whether that is via connecting patients with necessary medical equipment or providing other resources for basic needs. The team will work with patients to detect disparities, such as transportation, housing and food insecurity. Patients will have access to a food pantry inside the hospital.

Social workers also can provide therapeutic support for people navigating life transitions or a new diagnosis.

“This hospital is a place of healing,” said Aisha, who believes that hospital leadership and staff share this common mission. “I think people are going to experience that [healing] when they come to Norton West Louisville Hospital.”

Looking ahead to opening day

Norton West Louisville Hospital’s team of experienced health care professionals is excited to serve the West Louisville community. The new hospital will begin welcoming patients on Nov. 11, 2024.

The post Introducing the care team at Norton West Louisville Hospital appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Adam Maddox certainly believes so.

Adam is a patient care associate at Norton Brownsboro Hospital. His job: Provide day-to-day support for patients who are recovering from an injury, illness or procedure. Sometimes, support comes in the form of physical assistance with patients’ daily activities. Other times, Adam is there for emotional support, to talk to patients, share experiences and help them feel comfortable and cared for.

For 28-year-old Adam, it’s that facet of the job he can most relate to, because he’s experienced it himself. Two years ago, Adam was a patient at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, fighting for his life.

“I see patients, and I share my story with them every day,” he said. “I know how it is. I know the emotions — the sadness, the depression, the other emotions you don’t know how to explain. There were days I lay in the bed and cried, because I wanted to go home. But I knew I’d be 100% again, be myself again. And now I am.”

‘I didn’t wake up for a week’

It was June 2022.

Adam had just lost his older brother and was sitting at the visitation when he started to feel different. He reached for his phone.

“I was actually sending a text to my friends telling them I didn’t feel good,” Adam said. “And the text didn’t make any sense. It was all scrambled.”

He tried to stand up, but collapsed in front of everyone.

At just age 26, Adam experienced an ischemic stroke and a seizure, brought on by a perfect storm of symptoms — extreme stress, being overweight, poor diet and an underlying blood-clotting disorder.

“He actually had a pretty unusual cause of stroke,” said Bryan J. Eckerle, M.D., inpatient stroke neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “He had a vein that was blocked by a blood clot, which caused not only some bleeding on his brain, but also his seizure.”

Adam was rushed to Norton Audubon Hospital, stabilized and transferred to Norton Brownsboro Hospital, which is certified by DNV as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

“I’ll put it out there — I wasn’t taking care of myself,” Adam said. “Obviously, I had high blood pressure. I never went to the doctor. I thought I was invincible, and clearly, nobody is. I wasn’t taking care of myself and it all adds up.”

Adam spent two weeks in the intensive care unit, one of them in a coma. He spent two more weeks on the step-down unit. At times, he required a feeding tube. He lost a majority of his muscle mass. It was traumatic to his body.

“It was a lot for my family, a lot for me,” Adam said. “My mother had just lost her oldest, and here she was thinking she’d lose her youngest too. I didn’t wake up for a week. I got to the hospital on a Sunday and woke up on a Saturday and was like, ‘What’s going on?’

But after a month, Adam turned the corner.

He was released from the hospital and began his rehabilitation plan, requiring physical and emotional life changes. He watched what he put in his body, began working out religiously and taking the proper medication.

He also had a calling to change his career.

At the time of his stroke, Adam was working as a sales manager for a cable company, spending hours each week on the road fulfilling orders. But after four weeks in the hospital, he knew that was no longer what he wanted to do. He saw the care he received at Norton Brownsboro Hospital and wanted to become part of that team.

“Once all that happened and I got the care I got, something told me I was meant to help people, to give back,” Adam said. “I wanted to join the team that helped me and help others. I wanted to become co-workers with those people. I wanted to be here at Norton Brownsboro Hospital specifically, because this is the hospital that I believe saved my life.”

Signs and symptoms of stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means there are more than 795,000 strokes each year in the U.S.

Many common conditions contribute to a person’s stroke risk. They include high blood pressure (hypertension), tobacco use, heart disease and uncontrolled glucose levels.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, and it is estimated that one person dies from a stroke every three minutes. With advancements in medical treatment and increased awareness of stroke symptoms, however, the survival rate and quality of life for survivors have improved.

“We think that with lifestyle modifications and with medications and treatments we can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 80%,” Dr. Eckerle said. “The things we talk the most about are patients monitoring their blood pressure, monitoring cholesterol, monitoring blood sugar, eating well, moving well and exercising.”

Symptoms of stroke have been grouped together to form the BE FAST* acronym, which stands for:

Balance — loss of balance, coordination or dizziness

Eyes — having trouble seeing or change in vision in one or both eyes

Face — uneven smile or face looks uneven, droopy or is numb

Arms — one arm drops when raising both arms; numbness or weakness in one arm

Speech — trouble speaking; slurred or difficult speech

Time — Note the time when symptoms start: Time lost equals brain lost.

*Adapted from Intermountain Healthcare. BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.

“While Adam’s case was certainly unique, it’s important for anyone — regardless of how old they are — to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke,” Dr. Eckerle said. “Stroke can affect almost anyone, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing what you can to reduce your risk.”

‘This is the place to come’

Now, two years after his stroke, Adam is working with the people who once cared for him. He’s also hoping to further his medical career by one day becoming a registered nurse.

“That’s what I want to do,” Adam said. “I’m always asked, ‘What makes you stand out?’ And I think I’m able to just understand [the patients’] experience. I can empathize with what they’re going through, from the smallest thing to life-threatening issue. I can understand everything they’re feeling.”

“It’s great to see him and know he’s doing well,” Dr. Eckerle said. “We had a whole team caring for him in the hospital, and it’s so great to see him come back and be a part of that care team. It really brings it full circle for us.”

While he studies, Adam continues to pay that care and kindness forward with his patients in his day-to-day work.

He talks with other stroke survivors, sharing his own story and listening to theirs, providing a unique perspective on their experiences. He knows how lucky he is to be alive and in a position to make a difference in his community.

“I’m living proof that this is the place to come,” Adam said. “This is where I want to be, because this is the place saved my life. My family saw what they did for me. I saw what they did for me. This is where I’m supposed to be.”

The post Stroke survivor turns near-death experience into career in health care appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Shelby’s career journey began on the food and nutrition services team, where she delivered meals to patients on the same ICU where she now provides lifesaving care.

That was June 2020, when Shelby already had her eyes set on a career path as a nurse. Along the way, Norton Healthcare would bring her so much more.

“I sought out Norton [Healthcare] solely for the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program,” Shelby said.

The Norton Healthcare Scholars Program offers financial assistance to students pursing designated health care related degrees. In exchange, students sign a contract agreeing to work at Norton Healthcare upon graduation.

Shelby thought she needed to be a Norton Healthcare employee to participate in the scholars program. She later learned that was not but case, but her role in food and nutrition services opened the door for her to take her first of many steps in her career journey.

During her time in food and nutrition, Shelby delivered meals to patients in the Norton Hospital neurosurgical intensive care unit, where she met and got to know Belinda Davis, patient care associate and unit coordinator.

Shelby shared her aspirations of one day becoming a nurse with Belinda, who noticed how willing Shelby was to go above and beyond for every patient she encountered. According to Belinda, Shelby would carefully prepare and cut the food for patients when she delivered their meal trays.

Belinda shared what she saw in Shelby with Rachel Farison, R.N., nurse manager on the neurosurgical ICU.

According to Rachel, Belinda spoke highly of Shelby, describing her as “really willing to help and very interested in the patients.”

One day, Shelby stopped by Rachel’s office and introduced herself.

“She came to my door and knocked. She said, ‘I’m going to be a nurse on your unit.’ I was like, OK, come on in, let’s talk about it,” Rachel said.

While they talked, Rachel shared all of the opportunities and options with Norton Healthcare that were available to help Shelby achieve her goal. The next step along her path would be to become a patient care associate.

“At that point in time, I’m almost positive I didn’t even have a [patient care associate] position. But I could tell how driven and special she was. I wanted to give her this opportunity. So I thought, I’m going to make one. Which I did, and I was able to get her into that position,” Rachel said.

Shelby began working in the new role in November 2021.

“She grew as a patient care associate and always took such great care of our patients,” Rachel said. “They were always clean, turned and bathed. A lot of that skill set has made her into an excellent nurse.”

An apprenticeship as the next step

By February 2023, Shelby was beginning a new chapter in her Norton Healthcare story by participating in the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program (SNAP).

The first prelicensure nursing apprenticeship program in the U.S., SNAP is paid apprenticeship providing educational and clinical experiences.

With every step along her journey, Shelby “really tapped into all the great resources that Norton has to offer,” Rachel said.

One of the more challenging hurdles for any full-time student who is also working full time is balancing two — often conflicting — schedules. Rachel worked to ensure Shelby was able to maintain a full-time schedule and fit in all of her classes.

“She had a lot of scheduling restrictions with school that I was more than happy to accommodate. I was 100% willing to do what was necessary to make sure that she had what she needed to be able to get through school successfully. With going to school full time and working full time, there were hard days, I’m sure. But I could tell she was going to do it,” Rachel said.

A debt-free education, and becoming a homeowner — and a nurse

“I graduated school debt-free. That alone has allowed me to flourish in many ways,” Shelby said.

In the midst of completing nursing school, Shelby was able to participate in an employer-assisted housing program for Norton Healthcare employees who are first-time homebuyers. She becoming a homeowner at age 22.

Norton Healthcare works through The Housing Partnership Inc. to help prepare first-time homebuyers before purchasing a home. The program helps with navigating the buying process, identifying opportunities to save money and, finally, closing the deal. Budgeting, counseling, home buying education and financial assistance are all part of this program.

All of Shelby’s hard work and dedication led her to begin her career as a registered nurse in the Norton Hospital neurosurgical ICU in January 2024.

“She passed her [nursing licensure] exam on the first try and is now practicing as a full- time nurse on night shift with me and handling some of the most complex patients with ease,” Rachel said.

It is clear that Shelby is no stranger to hard work when it comes to chasing her dreams. In under four years she went from providing nourishing meals for patients to providing compassionate care at the bedside in a specialized intensive care unit.

“She’s a fantastic nurse, and I think a lot of it stems from the growth that she had on my unit from her patient care associate days,” Rachel said. “She was always so eager to learn, ask questions and see things and do things from a very early phase. So we couldn’t be prouder of her.

“All my assistant nurse managers on night shift are so proud to see how much she’s grown. We all love having Shelby on our unit. We all love her and our patients love her too.”

The post From nutrition to nursing: An ICU nurse’s inspiring journey at Norton Healthcare appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

That’s where the Norton Sports Health team comes in.

On Wednesday, May 15, Norton Sports Health staff members delivered 100-gallon cold tubs to 20 high schools across Louisville and Southern Indiana. The tubs are meant as a preventive measure to keep student-athletes safer from the risks of summer heat.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Aaron Mangum, MAT, ATC, CSCS, sports medicine coordinator, Norton Sports Health. “Our partnership with our schools — both private and public — is of utmost importance. These students are our future. They are the next generation of moms, dads and athletes. And we want to be able to provide them with the highest level of care available. And these cold tubs can save a life.”

The tubs were provided through a grant from the Max Gilpin Beat the Heat Fund through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. The fund is named for and honors Max, a high school athlete who died afrer experiencing heatstroke at a football practice in 2008.

According to the National Athletic Trainers Association, immediate immersion in cold water is a recommended treatment for someone experiencing heat illness from exertion.

The tubs delivered by Norton Sports Health are large enough to submerge two average-sized people, and can be used both for when heatstroke is imminent and for year-round injury recovery.

To treat heat illness, the tub is filled with water and ice and cooled to a temperature of roughly 50 degrees Fahrenheit. An athlete experiencing a heat illness can be immersed in the tub up to the neck, with towels placed over the head and neck.

The goal is to decrease the athlete’s body temperature rapidly, bringing it back to normal levels.

Delivery of the potentially lifesaving tubs builds on the commitment Norton Sports Health and KORT physical therapy have made to area schools. Since 2009, the partnership has provided on-site athletic trainers for more than two dozen high schools across Louisville and Southern Indiana. Over the past three years, that commitment has expanded to include area middle schools.

“It’s important for Norton Sports Health, and for Norton Healthcare as a whole, to make sure our community has what it needs,” said Stephanie Fish, program manager, Norton Sports Health. “During the long summer days, it can be dangerous to be outside. So for us to acquire these tubs, and put them to good use, is exact what we’re supposed to be doing — making our community a safer place.”

The Louisville schools that received tubs were Assumption High School, Butler High School, Central High School, Christian Academy of Louisville, Eastern High School, Grace James Academy of Excellence, Iroquois High School, Kentucky Country Day School, Male High School, Pleasure Ridge Park High School, Presentation Academy, Shawnee High School, Valley High School, Western High School, Waggener High School, Sacred Heart Academy and W.E.B. DuBois Academy. The Southern Indiana schools were Floyd Central High School, Christian Academy of Indiana and New Albany High School.

“I think as an athletic trainer, the biggest thing we can provide is prevention,” Aaron said. “And not just injury prevention, but illness prevention. Heatstroke is an illness, and a lot of our partner schools are not close to a trauma hospital. They’re not close to a place where [the athlete] can receive immediate care. And so, we’re trying to bring in resources to support emergency care, so they can be treated properly and timely.”

The post Norton Sports Health delivers cold tubs to area high schools in daylong dash appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“I love working with people. I like making people feel happy, comfortable,” she said. “That’s why I did cosmetology. At the time, my kids were very little, and it was hard for me to go back to school, but when the opportunity came, I jumped on it because it was always my dream to become a nurse.”

She began working at Norton Healthcare in 2005 as a certified nursing assistant, and it only heightened her desire to become a nurse. Her journey into nursing, however, was not without challenges. She had to balance the demands of motherhood with the intensity of nursing school. Her ambition was fueled by her children and her passion to heal and comfort those in need. After a brief stint away, she returned to Norton Healthcare in 2016 as a registered nurse. She now cares for patients who are recovering from strokes, seizures and spine surgeries.

L. Maria Ensley, R.N., has been more than just a guiding light for daughter Ariana Ensley, R.N. Their story is not just about their dual in nursing at Norton Hospital; it’s about a legacy of compassion, passed down through generations, that shaped their lives both inside and outside the hospital.

Maria, a registered nurse with a warm smile and nurturing spirit, didn’t always wear scrubs.

“Doing this job, showing love and compassion, it makes me feel that I’m here for a purpose,” Maria said.

Ariana is a registered nurse who cares for heart patients. Along with her mother’s smile, she inherited a legacy of compassion that spans generations. From a young age, Ariana saw her mother’s dedication to nursing and her commitment to making a difference.

“Growing up, every time she came home from work, even if she had a hard day, she still said something positive about it,” Ariana said. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s what I need. A job where you can find the silver lining on a really hard shift.’”

With Maria as her guiding light, Ariana embarked on her own nursing journey, drawn to the field by a deep-seated desire to bring comfort to those in need.

“Sometimes with nursing, I feel like you don’t really choose it, it kind of chooses you. … And nursing definitely chose me,” Ariana said.

The women’s different paths to nursing converged at the same hospital after Maria encouraged her daughter to join her.

“At Norton Hospital downtown, all my co-workers are like my family. So when [Ariana] graduated nursing school, I told her she had to come join me,” Maria said.

While they work in different units, they are constantly checking in on each other and working closely. Whether it’s a question or help with an IV, they are always there for each other. Their dynamic partnership spans their different generations and hospital floors.

“I think the coolest thing is that we ultimately chose different specialties,” said Ariana, who chose cardiology, while Maria’s specialty is neurology. “If we have any questions, we can go to each other for insight on those things.”

For them, nursing isn’t just a profession but a way of life, a testament to the values instilled in them by earlier generations.

“I grew up in a family with my mom who is very loving,” Maria said. “Seeing the heart that my mom had for other people, for other humans, it was instilled in us.”

Ariana also feels that her career choice is an extension of family tradition.

“My grandma [Maria’s mom] is literally a saint on this earth,” Ariana said. “I think that’s where our caring nature came from. I have a 2-year-old little girl, so now we have four generations, and we’ll make sure we keep it going.”

As mother and daughter, their relationship naturally extends beyond the hospital. They share laughter over family dinners, find solace in each other’s company, and cherish the simple joys of life.

Their story is not just about the remarkable nurses they are but a celebration of the bond between a mother and daughter. As they navigate the highs and lows of life, they find strength in each other’s presence, knowing that together, they can overcome any obstacle.

“As I’ve gotten older and become a mom myself, I don’t know what I would do without her,” Ariana said about her mom. “I wouldn’t be the person or the nurse I am today without her, and I feel so lucky to share a workplace with her.”

The post Generational compassion: A mother-daughter duo helps heal patients at Norton Hospital appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

As a two-time cancer survivor, it was overwhelming to be a part of the event’s survivor’s parade. In 2015, Claudia had melanoma. Then, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2021. It was the same year she first signed up for Bike to Beat Cancer — but her cancer diagnosis derailed those plans. Less than two years later, she was back in the ride as a survivor, healthy and overwhelmed with emotions.

“I’m not a big emotional person, but I just cried,” Claudia said. “It was amazing: the feeling that you made it, and you’re there helping other people that are coming after you. And what a difference it can make, every little bit does.”

In her job at the hospital, Claudia provides physical therapy for patients, and while she works with all types of people, she often finds herself assisting cancer patients on the oncology floor.

“I try to be someone who is there for people, especially those who don’t have support or family. I’ve been with people in the room when a doctor told them they have cancer that can never be cured,” she said.

In addition to guiding patients through their physical therapy treatment plans, Claudia tries to be a calm and supportive voice. She remembers what it was like to feel shocked and scared during her own cancer experience.

“I had to get four surgeries on my face to remove the skin cancer,” Claudia said. “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I needed surgery, plus six months of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation.”

According to Claudia, she was able to remain positive during her cancer journey by relying on God, her husband, Gary, and a solid group of family, close friends and her oncology team at Norton Cancer Institute. The support she received underlies her personal mission of being there for others, especially those who face similar battles.

Fighting cancer “is something you do with others — not by yourself. Especially for me, it was hard accepting help when you’re always the one building people up,” Claudia said. “It’s important to allow others to help you.”

Claudia just finished a yearlong doctorate-level certification as a precursor to launching her own business as a life coach. She plans her first group sessions to be with cancer survivors. 

For this year’s Bike to Beat Cancer, Claudia plans to do either a 15-mile or 35-mile ride. During her ride, she will rely on the support of her team, just like she did during her cancer treatment. Her goal is to cross the finish line — not only for herself, but for other cancer survivors and patients.

“The whole theme of the [ride] is what it’s going to take to try and find a cure,” she said. “It’s all about working together and relying on other people.”

Because fighting cancer takes a team. And finding a cure for cancer takes an even bigger team, a community, and a lot of hope. But with the support of others, anything is possible. Even the toughest challenges.

The post Norton Healthcare employee and two-time cancer survivor shares the power of teamwork at Bike to Beat Cancer appeared first on Norton Healthcare.