“Wish you were here,” they said, thinking of a colleague and friend they hadn’t seen in weeks.
Debbie Holmstrom is the face and voice of Jamestown Regional Medical Center. She works full-time at JRMC’s front desk, greeting guests and registering patients. Hers is the first face visitors see upon entering the building. Hers is the first voice they hear when they call on the phone.
That was, until recently.
Doctors diagnosed Holmstrom with breast cancer this fall. As part of her treatment, doctors performed surgery on Jan. 5. Since her diagnosis, Holmstrom has missed work due to illness. And her coworkers miss her too.
That’s why dozens of them dressed in pink, Thursday, to show support for their friend.
Lori Wanzek instigated the idea on Wednesday, saying the business and admissions departments were thinking of Holmstrom – praying for her and hoping for a speedy recovery.
“I knew that I would be thinking of Debbie a lot today, knowing what she was going through. We’re thinking about breast cancer today because we have a person battling it,” she said.
Holmstrom is known for her kind heart and willingness to help.
“Debbie turns a frown upside down and has one of the most welcoming, soothing personalities,” said Alison Kennision, patient access manager. “She is so comforting to patients and families who are, many times, anxious about why they are here. Today, we wanted to be that comfort for her.”
Others agreed.
“She puts patients first. It doesn’t matter what she’s going through – even cancer,” said Stacey Pesek, patient access lead and Holmstrom’s direct supervisor.
Colleagues said Holmstrom is more than just a coworker.
“We are work sisters – that has gone beyond work. I miss her and look forward to when she will be back,” said Meredith Weisz, who also works in patient access management.
As of Thursday afternoon, Holmstrom’s family – a husband and three grown daughters – said she was recovering well. Now that surgery is over, Holmstrom will need more rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. This is not the first time Holmstrom has survived cancer. She battled kidney and colon cancer 11 years ago.
“She’s a wonderful gal, an uplifting person to talk to. She’s a big part of JRMC,” said Cindy Nelms, plant secretary.
Debbie’s breast cancer was detected early with 3D Mammography and with encouragement from Dr. Madhusudan Reddy, JRMC Radiologist to seek immediate follow-up. JRMC’s Journey to Oncology Phase II will help keep patients like Debbie off the road and close to home where they can heal in the comfort of familiarity.
Call JRMC Mammography today to schedule your annual exam or if you have questions about breast health at 952-4852.