The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County continues to celebrate the compassion and dedication of Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) caregivers through its Thankful Hearts program, which gives patients and families the opportunity to recognize those who make a meaningful difference during their care journey. The moments patients remember most at DCMH aren’t always the biggest ones. Sometimes, it’s thoughtful gestures, genuine kindness, and a feeling of being cared for that stay with them long after their appointment ends.
The most recent recipient of the The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County’s Thankful Hearts program is the DCMH Cancer Care team, recognized by a patient who expressed profound gratitude. While undergoing treatment, the patient described the team as being consistently supportive, attentive to her needs, and committed to providing her with the best possible care. She said the extra thoughtfulness shown by making sure she had a warm blanket helped her feel comfortable and deeply cared for.
Throughout her treatments, even the blooming plant at the nurses’ station became something she looked forward to seeing each visit. She also recognized Dr. Slaughter for taking the time to answer every question she and her husband had, never making them feel rushed or dismissed. Dr. Slaughter’s genuine approach helped her feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout her care.
Completing treatment marked an important milestone, but it also meant saying goodbye to a team that had become a meaningful part of her journey. She is now hopeful of being in remission.
“Thankful Hearts allows patients and families to recognize the caregivers whose extraordinary compassion left a lasting impact,” said Mandy Lohrum, Director of the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County. “This patient’s story reminds us that healing happens not only through excellent medical care, but also through kindness, empathy, and the personal connections our caregivers build with each patient.”
Thankful Hearts honors the moments, both big and small, that patients and their families remember. If someone at Decatur County Memorial Hospital has made an impact on you or a loved one, you can submit your nomination via the Thankful Hearts program online at dcmh.net/foundation or by completing a form available inside DCMH.
Back Row: Dr. Slaughter, Marin Schumacher, Erin Alloway (Cancer Care Manager), Amanda Franklin, Abby Crowe, Ally Huffman Front Row: John Freeland, Shelby Kirchhoff, Abigail Borgman, Mandy Lohrum (Foundation Director)