Patient in Need Finds Family-Sized Support at Adventist HealthCare

When Ben Leach, a father of two, scraped his knuckle on a Monday, he never imagined it would lead to a life-threatening situation the same day.

What began as a tender finger quickly escalated to a 105-degree (40.5-degree Celsius) fever and a rush to Adventist HealthCare Germantown Emergency Center in Maryland, United States. For Ben and his wife, Sarah, it marked the beginning of a journey that tested the Damascus, Maryland, couple’s resilience and underscored the profound impact of compassionate health care.

Ben had sepsis and severe cellulitis, and his condition became critical. He was transferred and admitted to the 2A medical-surgical unit at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville. Throughout his 10-day stay at the hospital, Ben was often feverish and unaware of his surroundings. He battled a high temperature, significant swelling, fluid in his lungs, and a blood clot. His inability to care for himself or his family was a heavy burden on both him and Sarah, who remained by his side through it all.

Caring for the Whole Family

Amid the severity of Ben’s condition, what stood out most to him and Sarah was the exceptional care they received from the 2A team members.

“They didn’t just meet the daily requirements of care; they excelled far beyond them,” Ben recalled. The nurses, doctors, and technicians weren’t just medical professionals — they were a support system that embraced both Ben and Sarah.

Sarah remembers meeting Hannah Asiem, nurse manager of the medical-surgical unit.

“You are here now. I am here. You got me. I got you,” Hannah told her. This simple yet profound assurance was the safety and comfort that Sarah needed. This team didn’t just treat Ben. They treated Sarah with equal care, recognizing her as an integral part of his recovery process.

The team’s dedication was obvious in every interaction. They continuously monitored Ben’s condition, communicated clearly about his treatment plan, and included Sarah in every step. This approach eased Sarah’s anxiety and empowered her with knowledge and understanding. The team’s ability to remain calm and adaptable, even when new information arose, provided a sense of stability during a turbulent time.

“Our team at 2A Medicine understands that healing involves caring for the whole person, which includes their family,” Hannah said. “We dedicated ourselves to not only treating Ben but also supporting Sarah. Our approach is rooted in compassion and empathy, ensuring that each family feels seen, supported, and involved in the healing process.”

Moved by Exceptional Care

Reflecting on his time in the hospital, Ben expressed a fresh appreciation for health-care professionals.

“I never considered the depth of their role until I needed them most. The care, communication, and compassion we received at Shady Grove were beyond anything I could have hoped for.”

Ben was so moved by the exceptional care he and Sarah received that he submitted a DAISY Award nomination for the 2A team. The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that recognizes nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion for patients. To Ben’s delight, the team won a fitting tribute to the incredible impact they had on his family’s life.

Today, Ben is back to enjoying family outings and looking forward to his family’s cherished annual trip to the Winter Lights Festival in Seneca Creek State Park. Thanks to the compassionate team at Shady Grove, Ben’s family can once again enjoy life’s special moments, which seem brighter than ever.

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist HealthCare news site.