Pediatric Care Brings Rewards on Mercy

It is true that volunteers are changing the lives of the patients they treat. But patients coming aboard the USNS Mercy have also been changing the lives of many of the volunteers. The HOPE volunteers working on the pediatric ward are truly feeling the power of Pacific Partnership 2012. 

Sally Morris, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse from Decatur, Georgia is currently helping in general care in the Pediatric ward.  

“It has been wonderful working in the Pediatric ward, and being around the children,” says Morris. “How the rotation has been setup, it has given me the time to really meet and get to know the families.”  

Morris adds that one of the highlights so far in Indonesia has been when the staff celebrated a patient’s birthday. The Seabees and other members aboard found and wrapped gifts for the Indonesian child.  

“The people have just been warm and welcoming. Even with the language barrier it has been easy to communicate,” said Morris.  

Even though the patients are healing and preparing to head home, the emotions and the caring of the volunteers continues to grow.