Special Delivery: A Sweet Thank You for PVHMC Caregivers

In late 2019, Jullie McCurdy, PhD, began making frequent trips to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center to visit her uncle, who was hospitalized in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). During these long visits, she bonded with her uncle’s care team, including one nurse in particular, Jeanette Kirley, RN.

Though her uncle sadly passed that year, Jullie never forgot about the amazing care her family had received during his treatment. When COVID-19 hit, she saw the turmoil that healthcare workers were experiencing and sought a way to show support and gratitude. On March 11, 2020, Jullie decided to begin weekly visits to the hospital to deliver snacks and sweet treats to the CVICU staff.

Each week for the past five years, Jullie met Jeanette in front of the hospital to deliver the sweet treats, never letting stormy weather or even her car accident stop her from making the trip to PVHMC.

“I have a profound respect and admiration for healthcare workers who take care of others during their most difficult hospital stays,” said Jullie. “They were there for my uncle, caring and comforting him in the ICU during a hard time for our family. I feel proud to support them in any way that I can. It was the least I could do to help pay it forward.”

When word got out about the sweet deliveries, Jullie began bringing in even more goodies for Associates in all the ICU departments and the night shift. The Associates looked forward to these special deliveries each week and became more excited when Jullie’s dog Jinger began joining her for the weekly deliveries a few years ago. Jinger has been coming to the hospital each week for the past five years, as well.

“When we are waiting downstairs at the entrance, visitors sitting outside frequently ask if they can pet and hug Jinger,” says Jullie. “I feel that she has been a good emotional support dog to patient family members who may be going through difficult times.”

Jullie’s presence around the hospital has done more than just treat Associates who spend long shifts in the ICU, it has been an act of kindness that makes them feel appreciated.

“Jullie and I have become friends over the years, and during COVID, she wanted to help the staff any way she could,” said Jeanette. “I feel that I can't overemphasize how much her kindness and generosity has meant to all of us.”

Five years after meeting Jullie, the number of PVHMC Associates who look forward to her visits with Jinger has grown.

“It is difficult to put into words just how much Jullie’s kindness has meant to all of us here at the hospital,” said Duke Choi, RN, CVICU nurse. “For five beautiful years, she’s been a shining light in our often busy, stressful, and emotional days. Through trays of delicious snacks and homemade baked goods, she’s done so much more than feed our bodies — she has nourished our spirits.

Jullie is also one of the first non-Associates to have received a Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation Guardian Angel award. The award, which typically allows grateful individuals to donate to the Foundation in honor of a special Associate, came from the CVICU nurse manager, Mimi Sarmiento, RN, BSN, CCRN.

“I feel like I am truly part of the CVICU team even though I don't officially work at PVHMC,” adds Jullie. “Our weekly deliveries are something Jinger and I look forward to each week and will continue to look forward to in the future.”