In March 2022, Colette Dishman learned she had a cancerous growth in her stomach. Her husband, John, researched extensively for what he felt was the best care, leading them to Dr. Marc Ward at Baylor University Medical Center.

Dr. Ward diagnosed Colette with locally advanced adenocarcinoma and recommended the removal of her stomach, followed by reconstructive surgery to create a pouch mimicking how a stomach functions. Dr. Ward coordinated Collete’s care with oncologists and other specialists. Colette underwent chemotherapy, and her stomach was removed on July 6. She was declared cancer-free that summer. The care at Baylor Scott & White impressed Colette and John, particularly the personal involvement and efficiency of the medical staff.

Grateful for the exceptional care, the Dishmans committed an estate gift to Baylor Scott & White Health for gastric cancer research. “The only way that cancer is going to be defeated is with people that donate funds to do the research needed,” John said, encouraging other grateful patients to identify the area of research that motivates them and donate to it.

“With this gift, the Dishmans are paying it forward so that more patients can benefit from research that might not change their diagnosis or outcome but will improve future patient outcomes,” Dr. Ward said.

The relationship between a doctor and patient, particularly with primary care, is sacred. It’s something that the late Dr. John Speckmiear took seriously during his 40-year career as a family medicine physician. He was well-known throughout the Waco area by patients and physician colleagues for his meticulous and compassionate care. Sadly, Dr. Speckmiear passed away in 2020.

“He was my primary care physician for more than 20 years, and the care and concern he had for his patients was just amazing,” says Larry Jaynes, one of Dr. Speckmiear’s patients.

Larry and his wife, Lisa, made a gift in Dr. Speckmiear’s honor to the Baylor Scott & White Ted & Sue Getterman Sports and Orthopedic Center, which opened in early 2020 on the Baylor Scott & White Waco campus. “I think John epitomized the gold standard in physician care, and I wanted generations of physicians after him to see this honorarium and try to emulate this wonderful doctor,” Larry said.

“We were so blessed to be able to do this before he passed away,” he added. “I would strongly encourage anyone to seriously consider honoring a physician, or nurse or any other provider who has cared for them in an extraordinary way.”

The dynamic between healthcare professionals and their patients is sometimes viewed as a one-way street, where doctors, nurses, therapists and other clinicians make a difference in the lives of patients they care for.

Patients, through their unique perspectives and gratitude, can also make a difference in the lives of their caregivers.

One example is from Sadik Momodu, a recent patient at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving. After spending several days as an inpatient, recovering from weakness and an infection after a stroke, Sadik’s experience led him to share his gratitude with the clinicians who cared for him.

“I must say with sincerity of purpose that I do appreciate the superb service and love, care, compassion, hospitality and above all, my encouragement and motivation towards me,” Sadik said.

For healthcare workers, messages like Sadik’s are affirming.

Dr. Deepika Reddy, a hospitalist on the medical staff at BSW Irving, said, “We know many patients have thanks in their heart, but not everyone takes the time to say it. Knowing that we’ve made a positive impact on someone’s health journey is incredibly rewarding.

“Gratitude isn’t why we do what we do every day, but receiving a simple thank-you note serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of our work,” Dr. Reddy added.“ It reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible care to each and every patient who walks through our doors. This kind of appreciation fuels our passion and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.”

For Mother’s Day 2022, Jennifer Malagon, mother of five, had a special message of gratitude for the medical team at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. I’m so thankful for them, Jennifer said.

When Jennifer envisioned her pregnancy with her fifth child, she never dreamt it would be a month after delivery before she was able to hold her baby.

The mother of four boys was tickled pink to learn she was expecting a daughter. But when she tested positive for COVID-19, she knew she was in a fight for not only her life, but that of her unborn daughter.

Eventually, when the ventilator wasn’t providing enough support to her heart and lungs, Jennifer was placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). The highest level of life support, ECMO acts as a heart and lungs outside of the body.

Unfortunately, Jennifer’s health continued to deteriorate. As a last option, baby Mia was delivered by Cesarean section—nearly two months early—to give Jennifer’s body a chance to recover.

According to Jennifer’s obstetrician, Dr. Jennifer McLeland, “When baby Mia cried, we all took a deep breath. Mia was so strong. She thrived in the NICU.”

As Jennifer continued struggling to recover from COVID-19, she grew stronger each day. It wasn’t until Mia was one month old that Jennifer was able to hold her beautiful, resilient daughter.

Although Jennifer was the first mother at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth to deliver a baby while on this critical life support, others have followed.

Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation was able to purchase two additional ECMO machines to save lives.