Joe Sandy was sluggish and dehydrated in August 2022 when his wife Karn called a nurse they knew for advice.
“What’s his blood pressure?,” asked their friend.
“71 over 52,” Karn replied.
“Call 911.”
Over the previous few months, Joe had taken ill twice. Additionally, he has gastroenterological issues, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and only one kidney. On top of all that, he’s hard of hearing.
“When I got to HSC’s Emergency Department, I explained to them about the hearing problem and they took me almost immediately into a separate room,” recalls Karn. “The doctor took a look at him and came to talk with me right away. I started to feel a little bit better and I could tell that they understood my concerns.”
Joe wasn’t transferred to a unit, where Karn would not have been able to visit because of pandemic restrictions at the time. Instead, staff found a way to keep him in his own space where Karn could stay and communicate on his behalf.
“I received the best care I’ve ever had. People cared,” says Joe, holding back his tears. “I give them my heart. They work so hard there.”
It turns out that Joe had an E. coli infection. He was treated and then discharged as soon as it was under control.
The Sandys have been regular contributors to the HSC Foundation, but decided to make a larger-than-usual gift—and share their story—as a way of expressing their gratitude.
Over a year has passed and, despite his many health challenges, Joe is living a very full life socializing and exercising daily, and polishing his red ’47 Mercury in preparation for the next vintage car show.
“He even does all of the gardening and most of the housework,” says Karn with a smile. “I just can’t get him to cook!”
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