Debbie and Jack McColgan’s love for one another was evident to many at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) well before the couple’s 38th wedding anniversary last month.
At HUP for more than 100 days, Jack battles large B cell non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatment along the way.
Despite the long and painful journey, his wife and care team are there every step.
“The care is beyond anything you can imagine,” said McColgan. “The nurses who treated me were angels. It’s like having 60 angels. I can honestly say that from the [patient] transporters, to the CNAs [certified nursing assistants], nurses, doctors, management, they’ve always treated me with respect. The quality of care has been outstanding.”
Driven by his faith, McColgan maintains a strong will and mind with his wife Debbie by his side, taking everything on a day to day basis.
“This is also with the Lord’s help,” said McColgan. “The doctors and nurses have been able to reinforce my positive attitude as well. You couldn’t expect more from the people here.”
McColgan explains his day and night routine as a program working in almost perfect symphony.
“He’s got wonderful care; and although I wish he weren’t in the hospital, he couldn’t be in a better place,” his wife says. “I couldn’t be happier with this hospital and am grateful for it.”
Part of the care team’s commitment extended beyond the bedside last month in celebration of the couple’s anniversary.
Pamela Garvin and other Rhoades 7 nursing staff displayed photos of the couple and decorated the Rhoads 7 Family Room to set the stage for a dinner prepared for the two by HUP Food Services.
Robert Canney, director of HUP Food Services, credits the meal to a collaboration with Patient and Family Services, Food Services, and the Rhoads 7 team.
“For our team, it started with Catering Associate Montrel Coleman, who shows his love for patients by talking to them and trying to understand their needs, and then communicating with our managers about the special occasion,” said Canney. “I know Rhoades 7 Nurse Manager Paula Pearson, MSN, RN, and other nurses on the floor did quite a bit more to make it all so special.”
Before the meal, the patient described some of the acclaimed restaurants that he and his wife enjoy. Fortunately, Food Services rose to the occasion.
Paired with braised brussels sprouts and caramelized mushrooms and onions, Debbie’s filet mignon with baked potatoes and sour cream and Jack’s rack of lamb with mint jelly both received very positive reviews from the well-educated palates of the couple eating the meal.
The meal was topped off with chocolate mousse, lemon mousse with raspberry sauce, and a peanut butter mousse.
Senior Sous Chef Michael Filan appreciated the opportunity to mark the occasion.
“It’s nice to be able to make these meals and make people happy,” said Filan. “It’s why I got into this business.”
The event was a reminder of the humanity and compassion that many strive for when caring for patients; and what that means to all those involved in making it possible.
“It’s a very thoughtful, kind, and classy act to have this dinner,” said McColgan. “We appreciate it immensely. It’s like a family here. Every day someone is there to take care of you, and you know what to expect.”
“We’re going to fight this thing until the end.”
Editor’s note: Jack McColgan passed away May 7. His wife, recalling her “wonderful husband,” wrote, “Thank you for everything, it was such a wonderful night, an anniversary to remember.”