By Rhonda Pfaffly, Referral Coordinator for Lee’s Summit Physicians Group.
It seems like the news and social media are focused on sensational, negative things most of the time. It’s draining. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear some good news for a change? Well, I’ve got a story for you. Here at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group, we’re family… not a collection of employee numbers or bodies filling chairs. I’ve gotten to watch this story play out over the past few months.
Sabrina
Sabrina works at the front desk at our Rain Tree office. She’s been with LSPG for several years, working full time and going to school to be a radiologist technician.
Unfortunately, a couple of months ago, she was involved in a grease fire and sustained 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her face, arms, legs, chest, abdomen and back. She was in the Research Burn Unit for the past several months.
Since the day of her accident, she’s gone through several surgeries and skin grafts. And last week, she finally got to come home. She still has a long road ahead of her involving physical therapy and more surgeries. In spite of that, she has a great spirit and keeps us posted on her recovery through Facebook and emails.
Taking Care of our Own
The minute we heard about Sabrina’s accident, the front desk employees didn’t bat an eye. They started figuring out how they were going to cover her shifts. Rachel in our billing office made ribbons for us to wear to show we support her. They were a great reminder around the office. Purple is Sabrina’s favorite color, so we made purple bracelets inscribed with her favorite saying, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. We sold them for $2 each and raised $700 to help with Sabrina’s expenses.
We also held Sabrina Spirit Week by dressing up every day:
- Monday – Purple Monday
- Tuesday – Tie Dye Tuesday
- Wednesday – Wacky Wednesday (Mismatched clothing day.)
- Thursday – Twinning Thursday (Find a coworker and be their twin… or triplet… or quadruplet!)
- Friday – Royals day
We donated $1 each day to be able to participate. All told, we raised $1,620 for Sabrina to help with her expenses.
She continues to amaze us with her “Don’t Worry Be Happy” attitude and we know she will pull through this. Her boyfriend, Toby, says, “She’s a warrior!!!”
We will continue to be here for Sabrina and her family while she is recovering. That’s why I couldn’t be more proud of our team. I get to spend my days with my second family here at LSPG. I’ve experienced this support personally when I lost my husband in January. My friends and coworkers took care of me and continue to show their support. I hope you never have to face this situation, but it really helps to know people are in your corner and you can count on them to understand if something terrible happens.
The moral of this story is… I hope you work in a place where you’re treated like family. Not just the easy stuff… but the times when it really matters and you need to show up!