Mercy

Our relationship with Urban League of St. Louis has resulted in nearly 50 new hires, and we could not be more grateful to have them on our team. Urban League's mission is to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights. We're proud to play a part in that mission, and look forward to continued growth together.

June 2nd is National Cancer Survivors Day! Let's recognize these cancer survivors and the vital impact of research in enhancing their journey! Finding cures is personal to us, Learn more at: https://ow.ly/xNhm50S4FsG

“Dr. Rao promised me that I will be dancing at my son’s wedding. I laughed when he made that promise because I couldn’t dance before I had a stroke.” Theresa Hite can laugh about her experience now, less than three months after suffering a stroke, because of her and her husband Mike’s quick actions along with the lifesaving treatment she received from the Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District EMS crew and the Mercy South comprehensive stroke center team. On March 9, Theresa and Mike realized something was wrong with Theresa while they were at home. She didn’t feel right and couldn’t use one of her arms. They did not waste any time calling 911 for immediate help. They received treatment in the ambulance on the way to Mercy South where the comprehensive stroke center team diagnosed her and moved quickly to perform a thrombectomy to remove the blood clot in her brain that was causing the stroke. “A friend asked me if I was scared in surgery. You don’t have time to be scared. You just know that everyone in there is trying to save your life, and in my case, I was praying to God,” Theresa said. Theresa shared her experience on Thurs., May 30, during Mercy South’s annual stroke survivor and caregiver prayer service in honor of Stroke Month. She and Mike want to share what they went through so others can learn of the importance of taking quick action. Theresa is a living example of “time is brain” meaning seeking treatment without delay is key to surviving and recovering as fully as possible from a stroke. Theresa and Mike were able to hug and thank Dr. Venkat Rao, Mercy neurologist, for his care. Dr. Kirke Bieneman, the interventional radiologist who performed the thrombectomy on Theresa, and much of the rest of the Mercy South stroke team were unable to attend the service. They were busy at the time performing that very same procedure on another stroke patient in need of their care. Dancing or not, Theresa will be at her son’s wedding, just three months after her stroke. And she’ll be around for the big and small family and life moments after that. “My motto after this experience is: I want to be a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear.”

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is almost over, but these amazing therapists make a difference for our patients all year round. Get an *inside* look at how they do what they do!

42-year-old Charles knew something wasn’t right when he woke up on April 11. He picked up the phone and called for help but his brother couldn’t understand the words he tried to say. An ambulance ride to #MercyOKC led to a stroke diagnosis and immediate intervention was required to save his life and remove the blood clot in his brain. Charles spent weeks recovering at Mercy Rehab Hospital and has already regained many of his skills. Do you know the signs and symptoms of a stroke? Learn more: https://ow.ly/bF4050S19eI

Take a little trip with us through the Mercy Center for Performance Medicine & Specialty Care, which opened its doors just over a year ago as one of the largest multispecialty surgery centers in the country. Offering orthopedic specialties, weight loss surgery, neurosurgery, precision medicine and more, this facility was designed from the ground up to offer a one-of-a-kind patient experience that puts your convenience and health as the top priority.

This Memorial Day, we celebrate the unwavering spirit of our veterans with a heartwarming tribute. Dianne Minney-Gammill, a Mercy nurse with deep military roots, has turned a simple Memorial Day decoration into an everlasting homage to our veterans at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. The walls, now lined with photos of veterans from all walks of life, tell enduring stories of valor and sacrifice, creating a permanent reminder of the strength and resilience of those who served. Read more about this special salute: https://ow.ly/rWrT50RSYbm.

Join us as we honor the true spirit of Memorial Day with a heartfelt message from Chaplain Jim Ramsey, a dedicated veteran himself. Delve into the history, experience moving poems, and reflect on the deep significance of this day as we remember and honor our heroes.

As Memorial Day approaches, we invite you to witness a moving tradition: the Missing Man ceremony at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. Discover the symbols of honor and remembrance that pay tribute to our heroes who never came home.

Mercy’s groundbreaking Chen Chemotherapy Model is getting national praise by the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC). Mercy Oncology Services received an ACCC Innovator Award for the smart-texting platform that helps high-risk patients manage post-chemotherapy care and significantly cuts down on emergency room visits. Read more: https://ow.ly/XMqC50RSP0h.