Mom praises Mercy's fast action caring for her daughter

Thursday, May 17, 2012
Nine-year-old Jessica Weldon holds the teddy bear she affectionately named Mr. Snuggles. Jessica underwent an emergency appendectomy at Mercy Hospital.(Submitted Photo)

Like most 9 year olds, Jessica Weldon cherishes simple things: birthday breakfasts with grandpa, time with her family and her favorite stuffed animals. But less than 24 hours after an emergency appendectomy, her mother Christina has added quick, coordinated care by Mercy physicians, a news release said.

What began as a sharp pain on Jessica's right side became progressively worse through the weekend. By Monday morning, it was obvious these symptoms were something far greater than a stomach bug.

Christina scheduled an appointment with Dr. Ross Kimball at Mercy Clinic Linn County first thing that morning. The thought of appendicitis had crossed Christina's mind. After consultation with Jessica, Kimball ordered a CT scan through Mercy Hospital's Imaging Services department.

Kimball requested that Christina keep Jessica at Mercy until he was able to contact her with the CT results.

For many patients, a CT scanner is an intimidating machine. Jessica, however, viewed the procedure more like that of a water slide at a water park.

"I wasn't frightened by what was happening around me," Jessica said in the release. "I was just hoping it might make me feel better and then I wouldn't need surgery."

Unfortunately, CT scan results showed surgery was necessary. Kimball contacted Mercy general surgeon Dr. Wan-Lin Horng.

Christina made a few phone calls to contact her husband and others who she needed to inform that Jessica was in need of surgery.

Working behind the scenes, Horng had coordinated for the operating room staff to stay and prep the room.

By the time Jessica got to Horng's office, a patient room awaited her and the OR team was ready. She had just one request before she was taken to the OR -- she wanted to see her dad.

The Weldon family resides in LaCygne, so Corey Weldon, Jessica's father, got to the hospital as fast as possible.

"It's over 50 miles for us to travel here for health care, but the care is superior here," added Christina. "In the 1990s, Mercy took excellent care of my mother. Those memories have stayed with me."

Upon arrival, Corey's presence reassured Jessica, and within a few minutes, she was prepped and ready for surgery.

"The best part about being here is rolling through the halls in a hospital bed," Jessica said.

For her mom, the best part is a feeling far deeper.

"I don't know what would have happened without Mercy and Dr. Horng," Christina said. "I want to thank them for all they do and helping our daughter so fast."

"Jessica is a brave, mature and strong young lady," Horng said. "She is so inspirational that many of our nurses have nicknamed her 'Ms. Buff and Tuff.'"

Jessica is recovering quickly and is expected to be released less than 48 hours after the procedure.