The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted multiple aspects of daily life — but it can’t stop love. When David Rochkind knew his mother was being treated for COVID-19 at Lancaster General Hospital, he didn’t want to risk his mother not being present when he married his fiancée, Sherry Hausman. His one request was that his mother would be there to see him get married. Arline Rochkind was experiencing severe COVID-19 complications and the family knew they didn’t have much time left with her.
Knowing the family’s story, 7 Frederick nurse manager Kimberly Resh, MSN, decided her team would help create an unforgettable family moment. Along with Justin Gavaghan, RN, and Carolanne Hauck, director of Chaplaincy Services, the team went from health care workers to wedding planners.
After receiving approval to visit Arline at LGH, the bride and groom traveled from New Jersey to Lancaster to be with her when the two tied the knot. With chaplain Keith Esbenshade presiding, the couple was married January 7 next to Arline.
“Arline smiled throughout the ceremony,” Resh said. “Our staff is happy that their family was able to make a memory that will last a lifetime.”
Arline passed away on January 9, and the 7 Frederick team was honored to be a part of a special moment in their patient’s life.
At Penn Medicine, we all aspire to be Difference Makers who represent the Penn Medicine Experience (PMX) in action. PMX sets a consistent standard across all of our entities and work locations to make every touchpoint an opportunity to build enduring connections with patients, families, visitors and colleagues, which is a foundational part of the UPHS Success Share program.
DO YOU HAVE A DIFFERENCE MAKER ON YOUR TEAM? If so, let us know! Email sally.sapega@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.