Hospital Lifts Burden For Local Families
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: February 10, 2013
It's becoming a tradition that typically happens around Thanksgiving. This year Arkansas Surgical Hospital chose Valentine's Day as the time to give back.
Anniece Gates showed off the wall of surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital to all her husband's visitors.
Jeff Gates is recovering from full knee surgery there. A surgery his wife said they could have never afforded alone.
"He lost his job about a year ago and we've been without insurance," she said.
Even using medicaid would have cost the family thousands of dollars they did not have; if not for a chance conversation with a friend at Sunday school about the hospital's "Day Of Giving".
Their Orthopedic Surgeon delivered the good news.
"He said you're in!" Gates shared. "And we were thrilled beyond words, and very blessed."
"We are excited to get to participate," said Tina Albright the Vice President of the hospital who said the day of giving is something their proud to be a part of.
Doctors choose patients to participate who they believe are most deserving and the entire staff, from surgeons to nurses, participate because it's something they believe in.
"On their day off," said Albright. "No pay, they all volunteer their time."
So the Gates' made a 'thank you' basket for them.
"They've been caring, and kind, and it's been a great experience."
Anniece said it was the least they could do after all her husband, who had been in constant pain, will soon make a full recovery and be able to hit the pavement to find work.
Physical therapy is also a big factor in making a full recovery and the Gates said when the therapy hospital heard what the surgical hospital did, they also offered their services free of charge.
Anniece Gates showed off the wall of surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital to all her husband's visitors.
Jeff Gates is recovering from full knee surgery there. A surgery his wife said they could have never afforded alone.
"He lost his job about a year ago and we've been without insurance," she said.
Even using medicaid would have cost the family thousands of dollars they did not have; if not for a chance conversation with a friend at Sunday school about the hospital's "Day Of Giving".
Their Orthopedic Surgeon delivered the good news.
"He said you're in!" Gates shared. "And we were thrilled beyond words, and very blessed."
"We are excited to get to participate," said Tina Albright the Vice President of the hospital who said the day of giving is something their proud to be a part of.
Doctors choose patients to participate who they believe are most deserving and the entire staff, from surgeons to nurses, participate because it's something they believe in.
"On their day off," said Albright. "No pay, they all volunteer their time."
So the Gates' made a 'thank you' basket for them.
"They've been caring, and kind, and it's been a great experience."
Anniece said it was the least they could do after all her husband, who had been in constant pain, will soon make a full recovery and be able to hit the pavement to find work.
Physical therapy is also a big factor in making a full recovery and the Gates said when the therapy hospital heard what the surgical hospital did, they also offered their services free of charge.
