Gloria Bartlett spends her time caring for others – both her family and the community.
Bartlett, 77, retired in 2011. The former surgery technologist now volunteers with St. James Basilica, at Orphan Grain Train and at the concession stand during the Jamestown High School football games. She also likes to cook and spend time with her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bartlett gives back because she enjoys it. She also donates her time because it helps her grieve.
Bartlett buried her daughter, Bobbi Jo Anderson, in 2017. The 49-year-old passed away due to breast cancer.
“Giving back helps me process and makes me feel better. I would rather go without so I can give to someone else.”
Bartlett attributes some of her ability to give back to the care she received at Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Timothy Volk performed two carpal tunnel surgeries as well as a total joint replacement on her right knee.
Carpal tunnel feels like a tingling or numbness in the hands. Sometimes, the sensation is also painful, keeping a person awake at night.
“Both my hands, they hurt so bad,” Bartlett said.
Her heart hurt too.
She remembers one appointment in particular — an anniversary of her daughter’s death.
When Dr. Volk realized it, he gave Bartlett a big hug.
“You don’t forget something like that,” she said. “I guess I needed it that day, tears were there, thinking about her.”
Mental and spiritual health are important to physical health.
“We care for people’s knees, shoulders and wrists. We also care for them as individuals,” Dr. Volk said.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Crystal Krapp agreed.
“Our patients are like family. Our goal is to help them live their best lives,” she said. “As Gloria progressed, her eyes lit up and she became more herself. It was fun to see.”
That pain kept Bartlett from the activities that meant so much to her.
“Thank goodness I can do it now,” she said.
Later, when Bartlett needed care for her knee, she knew exactly who could help.
“I said ‘I’m not going to Fargo for my knees. I’m going to have surgery here.’ I never gave it a thought to go any other place,” she said.
Today, Bartlett often stands for hours at a time, baking bars and serving entrees at the concession stand for JHS football.
Now, she can do all that without pain.
“I don’t have time to sit, and I don’t need to,” she said. “They took good care of me.”
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