Who:
Melissa Luckenbaugh, nursing assistant, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital
Kristie Krohn, unit secretary and nursing assistant, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital

What:
Sometimes the most meaningful acts of care happen quietly, in moments no one expects.

One day, Melissa Luckenbaugh, nursing assistant at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital noticed something small – but deeply important – to a patient who had been with us for an extended time. During his stay, this patient experienced significant personal loss and uncertainty, and our care team became not just his caregivers, but a steady source of comfort and familiarity.

Among the few personal items that brought him reassurance was a well worn teddy bear – something that represented safety, memory and connection during a very difficult chapter of his life. When the bear became torn, the patient was visibly distressed, worried that something so meaningful to him might be lost.

Understanding his needs and the importance of maintaining routine and trust, Melissa immediately began looking for a way to help. Knowing that removing the bear from the room could increase anxiety, she advocated for a solution that would keep the patient calm and supported.

When it became clear the unit didn’t have the supplies needed, Kristie Krohn, unit secretary and nursing assistant at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital stepped in without hesitation. The very next day, she brought in her own sewing kit and carefully repaired the bear at the bedside, ensuring the patient could see the bear was safe and being cared for – just like him.

“In that moment, it wasn’t about fixing a teddy bear – it was about preserving something that brought comfort and familiarity,” Kristie said. “If taking a few extra minutes could ease someone’s distress and help them feel safe, then it was absolutely worth it.”

It was a simple act: needle, thread and a few quiet moments of attention. But the impact was profound.

Words to live by:
“Living the WellSpan Way means taking the time to understand what matters most to each person we serve,” said Carol Smith, vice president and president, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital. ”In this moment, our team showed how presence and compassion can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time. That’s the care we strive to provide every day.”

Care is found in the details. When we slow down, notice what matters most and lead with empathy, even the smallest actions can bring comfort, dignity and trust.