Bon Secours

05/19/2026

At Bon Secours, the level of care our patients receive often leaves a lasting impact — one so meaningful that it inspires families to share their gratitude in extraordinary ways.

That was the case for Jake Zicafoose, a patient care technician in the emergency department, who was received the Carnation Caregiver Award after delivering care that went far beyond expectations.

During a critical pediatric emergency, Jake played an essential role in supporting both the patient and their family through one of the most intense and emotional moments they could face. In a fast-paced, high-pressure situation, his calm presence helped bring a sense of steadiness and reassurance. He remained at the bedside, ensuring the patient was never alone and that the family felt supported every step of the way.

His attentiveness, clear communication, and ability to anticipate needs allowed care to move swiftly and seamlessly — but what stood out most was his compassion. Even in the urgency of the moment, he never lost sight of the human side of care, treating the patient and family with deep dignity and respect.

As one nomination shared, his “steady, reassuring presence never wavered,” bringing comfort not only to the family but to the entire care team.

In another experience, a patient’s family described a very different — but equally meaningful — moment of care. During a stressful emergency department visit, Jake helped transform the atmosphere through warmth, humor and genuine connection. Working alongside nurse Katie Smith, his ability to bring ease to an overwhelming situation helped the patient and family feel seen, safe and comforted.

“Within seconds, their banter made me smile… For a few moments, I felt more comfortable and at ease than I ever have in a hospital,” the family member shared.

Together, these experiences reflect what makes care at Bon Secours so special: a commitment not only to clinical excellence, but to truly caring for the whole person. It’s this level of compassion and dedication that inspired a patient family member — and a colleague — to nominate Jake for this recognition.

05/16/2026

Not all care comes from human hands — sometimes, it arrives on four paws.

Meet Frost, the beloved therapy dog at Bon Secours — Rappahannock General Hospital, whose presence brings comfort, connection and joy in ways words often can’t. Once a week, Frost makes his rounds, offering gentle companionship to patients and staff alike. With his calm demeanor and steady wagging tail, he creates moments of relief in an environment that can often feel overwhelming.

His visits quickly become highlights, reminding everyone that healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. Whether he’s sitting quietly beside a patient or greeting a team member in a busy hallway, Frost has a special ability to make people feel seen, soothed and supported.
And his care doesn’t stop there. During the holidays, Frost takes on extra duties, delivering treats and spreading even more cheer throughout the hospital.

Frost may not speak, but the comfort he provides says everything. He’s more than a visitor — he’s a reminder that compassion can come in many forms, and sometimes, the most powerful care doesn’t come from humans at all.

05/15/2026

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05/14/2026

At Bon Secours — Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia, our cardiovascular team recently performed a successful closure of a post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD)—one of the rarest and most life-threatening mechanical complications following a Myocardial Infarction.

Post-MI VSDs occur infrequently, but when they do, the clinical course can be devastating. Patients often present in cardiogenic shock, with rapidly deteriorating hemodynamics due to left-to-right shunting across a newly ruptured septum. These cases demand immediate recognition, precise imaging and swift multidisciplinary coordination.

What made this case especially impactful was the multidisciplinary, collegial approach. The procedure was performed by interventional cardiologists Dr. Kanda and Dr. Chaudhry from Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates, in close collaboration with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. O'Hara, of Bon Secours Cardiac Surgery. This level of teamwork—spanning interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac imaging and critical care—was essential to navigating the case's complexity in real time.

What makes post-infarct VSD closure particularly challenging is the fragile nature of the tissue. Unlike congenital defects, the septum in these patients is acutely necrotic and prone to extension, making both surgical and percutaneous interventions technically demanding and high risk. Every decision—from timing to approach to device selection—requires precision and shared clinical judgment.

This case was successfully performed in our Class III structural heart—hybrid cath lab/OR, a space purposefully built to manage the most complex cardiovascular interventions. The hybrid environment enables teams to adapt instantly by combining advanced imaging, interventional techniques and surgical readiness in a single setting.

While these cases are rare, the impact is profound. A successful closure can stabilize hemodynamics, reduce shunting and provide a critical bridge to recovery—offering patients a chance in situations where outcomes have historically been poor.

We are proud of the team at Bon Secours — Memorial Regional Medical Center and our physician partners for their commitment to delivering advanced, life-saving care when it matters most.

05/13/2026

Yesterday, Bon Secours officially broke ground on a $200 million patient tower at Mary Immaculate Hospital, marking a major investment in the health and future of the Virginia Peninsula.

This new 144,000-square-foot tower will expand emergency services, enhance women’s and critical care and transform the patient and family experience. Highlights include a doubled emergency department capacity, a state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit, an expanded NICU and modern patient-centered spaces designed for comfort, privacy and healing.

“This is more than an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in people,” said Alan George, president of Bon Secours — Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Slated for completion in 2028, this project reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional, compassionate care for generations to come.

05/12/2026

Colorectal cancer rates are rising among young adults — even without family history or warning signs. If you’re under 50, stay informed and know when to talk to your health care provider. Knowledge is power. Read on for more: https://bit.ly/4toOUVU.

05/11/2026

Meet Philippe Roblo, a staff nurse at Bon Secours — St. Francis Downtown ER in Greenville, SC. When a patient came in feeling anxious about having blood drawn after difficult past experiences, Philippe did more than provide expert care—he created a moment of calm and connection. After noticing a cross the patient was wearing, Philippe offered to pray with them before starting. That simple, meaningful act helped ease their fears — and with steady confidence, he successfully started the IV on the first try.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary ways our nurses go above and beyond every day.

05/08/2026

During National Nurses Week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible nurses who make a difference every single day — like Kim Boyer, a nurse in the emergency department at Bon Secours — St Francis Eastside in Greenville, South Carolina. Discover what inspires her incredible care and the superpower that sets her apart!

05/07/2026

Grateful for second chances and unforgettable family moments—thanks to lifesaving care and the generosity of Bon Secours Foundation donors, Scott got to cheer for his sons, witness their milestones, and welcome his granddaughter Hazel into the world.

Scott Fiedler is a devoted husband and father who received unexpected news at a difficult time. He was diagnosed with a stenotic aortic valve right before his son Holden’s college baseball team began a championship run. Thanks to donor gifts to support cardiac services at Bon Secours — St. Mary’s Hospital, Scott’s heart was healed. And his son’s championship was just the start of the amazing moments he got to witness.

Scott had bypass surgery, an aortic valve replacement and aortic reconstruction performed at St. Mary’s. Even after such a complex procedure, cardiac therapy helped him quickly recover. He was able to attend every game of Holden’s NCAA Division III baseball tournament.

“I don’t recommend it,” he says with a grin. “Having to come back in games to win, when it looked like your season was over, is not for the weak-hearted.”

The good news for the Fiedler family kept coming. Scott also got to see Holden earn his master’s degree and was best man when he got married. A year later, Scott was best man again when his older son Camden got married. But the capper was when baby Hazel was born a year after Scott’s surgery. A little girl will know her grandfather thanks to donor gifts.

“I have immense gratitude for everyone involved in my care,” Scott says. “From the donors to the doctors, they gave me a new life. They hit the reset button.”

Lifesaving health care is possible in your community. Learn how you can support by visiting https://bit.ly/3Ut9JBl

05/06/2026

Join in our celebration of the incredible nurses who bring the strongest spirit in health care to every shift, every patient and every moment that matters. They show up each day with skill, compassion and heart. Honor them with us! Share a comment below to recognize an amazing nurse who has made a difference in your life.

05/05/2026

Busted myths & real tips! 🦈🚫Stay safe & informed!