Patient Who Was Near Death ‘Can’t Say Enough’ About Compassionate Care He and Family Received

John-BabistaJohn Babista doesn’t remember being brought to Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond after suffering a heart attack following completion of the annual Leon’s Triathlon this summer, but he and his wife, Alma, say they never will forget the “above-and-beyond” treatment they received – from the physicians and nurses to the administration, chaplains, cleaning people and cafeteria workers.

It was more than I could expect. I cannot say enough about the people who helped – and all the people in that hospital,” says John, 40, of Woodridge, Ill., who was in the hospital from June 2 to 21 and then received treatment for nine days at a rehabilitation facility. He says he had no previous health issues and had been running such events for three years, including an “iron man” competition last year, which he says was twice as strenuous as the triathlon, and he is an avid cyclist.

John and Alma are nurses, as well, and have two sons, aged 15 and 8.

I train all year long,” John says. “It was an eye-opener; even if you’re healthy and in good shape, anything can happen.” The cause of his affliction still is being determined. John’s first memory of being in the hospital came on day 13.

I was surprised. I didn’t recognize where I was. Then, my wife explained what happened. I couldn’t believe it. When I was discharged, everyone was hugging me and wishing us well. There were tears of happiness,” he adds.

The couple since have visited the hospital to thank the staff, since the “above-and-beyond” treatment included more the medical care, says Alma, who witnessed the entire ordeal, from the time her husband of 15 years collapsed after crossing the finish line until today, when he continues to recover at home.

After John was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, his wife asked nurse Kathy Thacker about having the patient’s mother flown from her home in the Philippines. Thacker contacted patient representative Pat Halfman, who subsequently notified chaplain Nicholas Perkins, then Josef Dou, spiritual services director. The Babistas also cited Perkins as a huge helper and comforter during the ordeal.

Subsequently Tony Englert, executive director of regional development; and Carol Schuster, regional chief nursing officer; arranged, through an agreement the hospital has for instances with Southwest Airlines, to have the mother flown from Los Angeles to Chicago, free. A second ticket was arranged for another son to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles to accompany her back. Funds still were needed for the flight between the Philippines and Los Angeles, and were approved by Catholic Charities.

The hospital also allowed family members to stay in an apartment there, so they could be closer to John.

I asked our family and friends in the Philippines to pray and the following week, John opened his eyes, then was able to move, follow commands and answer questions,” Alma says. “God is so good; we are so blessed. I have no family in this country, but feel I found one at St. Margaret. We feel so happy and blessed that we ended up there.

John hopes to resume a normal life and believes the ordeal will help him to be an even better nurse.

I want to share that compassion,” he says.