Jessica Graham is a mother of 3. Her kids are her number one priority and their safety and wellbeing is always at the forefront of her mind. But a little more than a year after the birth of her third child, Jessica’s balance became unsteady and caused her to fall while holding her young son; her left hand began having extreme tremors and the vision in her right eye started going in and out.
Jessica knew it was time to see a doctor. She’d been sick off and on for a year, but had come to terms with her health and was finally at peace with how her life would be, despite her symptoms continuing to worsen. After she fell, though, Jessica knew she had to do something. Her doctor sent her to Iredell Memorial’s Imaging Department to get an MRI. Just after she got home, she received a phone call that would change her life — there was a large mass on her brain, and it needed to be removed immediately.
The tumor was successfully removed, and many MRI follow-ups later, she was successfully cleared.
“I am really thankful to my doctor who stayed persistent, thought quickly, and saved my life,” she said.
Jessica’s experience with Iredell Memorial didn’t start there, though. She gave birth to two of her three kids at the hospital’s The Birth Place.
“When I had my kids there, those were such great experiences,” she said. “You’re nervous as a mom, and they made us feel at ease. They took care of everything and calmed us.”
She’s been back to the hospital many other times as well. Her two daughters both had their tonsils removed at Iredell, and her son has needed stitches multiple times.
“We feel like their family,” she said. “Every time I’ve gone I’ve had great nurses, and employees have always been very attentive and kind.”
Jessica has also noticed employees going above and beyond to make hospital stays more pleasant. She recalls visiting her grandmother in the hospital once when the building was under construction. Employees tried to keep her grandmother and her away from where the construction might bother them or interfere with their service.
“That was a big deal to us,” she said.
When Jessica needs healthcare for herself or her family, Iredell is always her first choice.
“They are very sincere. I’ve never felt like they didn’t know what they were doing. They really do care about you and want what’s best for you and your wellbeing,” she said. “I always recommend my friends go to Iredell Health System because they have some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”