Mercy Health’s Mission in Action: An Unexpected and Unique Engagement Story

Mercy Health team takes part in a special engagement story in the ICU

Sometimes, caring for patients is about more than providing medical care. It’s about recognizing when the spirits of patients and their loved ones need support in times of need and taking action to give them that special care.

That’s exactly what happened when Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center patient Scott Robbins and his partner of 11 years Karol Wolfe got some unwelcome news.

Last June, Scott learned that he had colon cancer. What was already a frightening diagnosis took a turn for the worse when he entered Springfield Regional Medical Center to have surgery for a bowel obstruction related to his cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, his surgical team found that Scott’s situation was now terminal.

This was an unexpected twist that neither Scott, 52, nor Karol, 57 had anticipated.

“We always think there’s tomorrow,” says Karol, who proposed to Scott in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Scott said yes.

“He said, ‘I always wanted to marry you and was contemplating it but didn’t want to be rejected,” says Karol. “We’re procrastinators. We should’ve done it a while back.”

Upon hearing of the engagement, ICU Nurse Manager Kristy Elrod and her team swung into action.

“With everyone’s help, we were able to help get the marriage license and Scott and Karol were married at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23,” says Kristy.

Scott and Karol wed surrounded by family, friends and Scott’s care team.

Together, Scott and Karol have four children and their children are very happy for them.

“My daughter says ‘I’ve gained a sister,’” notes Karol.

The nurses, doctors and staff on the unit signed cards for the couple and a team member brought them a wedding cake to enjoy. Following the ceremony, Scott was moved to a room that the care team had decorated specially to give it a honeymoon atmosphere.

“It was amazing to see everyone work together to help make the day special for Scott and Karol,” says Kristy.

“The people on the ICU unit made everything wonderful,” says Karol. “They made this special for us. Kudos to them.”

Upon discharge from the hospital, Scott will go home to receive hospice care with his new wife at his side.

Read more touching, inspirational or educational posts in the stories section of our blog.

Photo credit: Merritt Johnson