As a former cardiovascular operating room nurse at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at
Long Beach Medical Center, Terrie understands how stressful it can be for patients undergoing procedures. So, when her daughter Presley, 13, suggested they make “hope bracelets” for patients to let them know someone was thinking about them, she was all about it.
“Heart surgery can often be an overwhelming experience for the patient and their family,” says Terrie. “When Presley came up with this idea, I knew it would be a great project for our National Charity League group.”
Terrie and Presley participate in the South Coast Chapter of the National Charity League – a non-profit organization designed to encourage community service and volunteer opportunities for mothers and daughters. The daughters, who range from 7th grade to 12th grade, created more than 80 handmade bracelets for Long Beach Medical Center patients.
“We are so grateful for this generous and thoughtful donation for our patients,” says Ida Merline, vice president, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center. “We strive to create a patient-and-family-centered-care environment and this is a great way to show patients that we care.”
Performing more than 500 cardiovascular surgeries each year, the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center has three dedicated operating rooms and care teams designed exclusively for the need of cardiovascular surgery patients. All patients receive an individualized treatment plan to maximize outcomes, while minimizing pain and recovery periods.
