Compassionate care for patient’s daughter amid tough diagnosis

Amanda Pentland, patient care assistant at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North, had seen the same family walking laps on the floor for a few days.

One day, Pentland noticed more emotion from the family. One daughter looked extra heartbroken with tears streaming down her face.

Pentland didn’t know the circumstances, as the patient wasn’t on her pod. Compelled to learn more, Pentland inquired about the family. They received some pretty tough news. Cancer.

Seeing the patient’s daughter sitting on the floor bawling brought up Pentland’s own feelings. Just last year, her brother passed away from cancer. He had children of his own.

“So having been through that and seeing her heartbroken reminded me of seeing [my family] go through it,” Pentland said. “And no child should have to go through that.”

Pentland felt compelled to help the patient’s daughter, who was sitting with her back slumped against a hallway wall. “Do you mind if I sit with you?” she asked.

“I knew she didn’t need words,” Pentland said. “So I just sat and made sure I had contact with her, just to know that I’m there.”

For the next 10 minutes, Pentland sat next to the daughter. She placed her hand on the daughter’s knee, providing comfort and offering words of empathy.

Once they stood up, they embraced in a hug.

“She held onto me tighter,” Pentland said. “She really lost it when we hugged. It’s that ugly heart breaking cry and it was right into my shoulder. I told her ‘I know it sucks. You won’t get over it but you will get through it.’ And, I said, ‘just keep going, just keep doing what you’re doing. Hanging out with your mom. Take care of yourself.’”

Recently, colleague Morgan Jacobsen submitted a Celebrating You recognition for Pentland.

“When the daughter eventually sat in the middle of the hall and started crying, Amanda went up to her and sat close to her. Amanda spoke with her and comforted her. It allowed the young woman to not be alone and have someone support her,’’ Jacobsen wrote in the recognition. “Amanda is just so open hearted and caring that she cannot allow anyone to be down or in pain without trying to help as much as she can. This is just one example of all of the wonderful things that Amanda does for our patients and our staff every single day.”