Eight Guardian Angels show exceptional compassion and care
- Kalin Quin
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Every day, associates across Ascension Wisconsin play a key role in making personalized, compassionate care possible for the hundreds of thousands of patients we are privileged to serve.
New this year, patients now have the opportunity to thank Ascension Wisconsin associates who go above and beyond through the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation Guardian Angel program.
Congratulations to Kathleen Smock, Jody Saikie, Tony Bergeson, Annemarie Uphus, Anna Marie Ebling, Jeanne Baxter, Julie Punzel and Dr. Larkey who were recently recognized by patients for their exceptional compassion and care.
Guardian Angel Nominations
The following testimonials were written in each patient's own words.
Kathleen Smock, Registered Nurse, Ascension Elmbrook
Kathleen is a beautiful person and a caring nurse. She is very concerned about my health, and how I'm doing in my personal life. We share many good stories about our families together, and I always look forward to seeing her.
Jody Saikie, Registered Nurse, Ascension Elmbrook
Jody is a delight, and we always smile when we see one another. She is always eager to check in on my health, and also my personal well being. It is truly a pleasure when she cares for me. I appreciate all she does for me.
Tony Bergeson, Registered Nurse, Ascension Elmbrook
It's always a pleasure when I see Tony, greeting me with a warm comforting hug. He is very sweet, a loving man, gentle with his patients, and truly a great nurse and human being. It's always a joy to
Annemarie Uphus, Nurse Practitioner, Ascension St. Elizabeth
My Guardian Angel is Annemarie Uphus. Since being mentally ill for many years, a few of my psychiatrists weren't always kind. Not Annemarie. She listens and cares about how my medications are impacting me. I used to dread going to my behavioral health appointments, but with Annemarie I feel calm and actually look forward to them.
Anna Marie Ebling, Registered Nurse, Ascension St. Elizabeth
I had to undergo emergency surgery to repair a ruptured colon, and while the entire team was incredible, I really want to highlight Anna Marie. Words can't fully capture how caring, calming, and reassuring she was throughout the whole experience. She patiently answered every question we had and gave me the confidence to face the challenges ahead. It's hard to express just how much of an impact she had on me and my family. Her support truly made all the difference.
Jeanne Baxter, Dietitian, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee
Jeanne Baxter went the extra mile before our first visit to understand my specific interests and goals. She listened with attention and an open mind, met me where I was, and was realistic with me about the program to better wellness. I felt supported, unafraid, and unashamed to come to her for care. Already, my life feels more nourished, intuitive, and less afraid to truly be myself in my career and life.
Julie Punzel, Registered Nurse, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee
Julie was the nurse navigator for my radiation and chemo session in later 2018 and 2019. The nature of my treatment, tongue and neck cancer, caused me to be unable to speak clearly for about three months. On more than one occasion where I needed to communicate to providers or arrange for appointments — particularly outside providers whose protocols required speaking directly and not email — Julie jumped in and made things happen when my wife and I were unable to do so. Julie's commitment to my case will always be appreciated. I saw she returned to the Van Dyke Cancer Center, and I almost teared up. Six years out, I remain cancer free, and I'm living a life that certainly would have been cut short or drastically altered compared to the one I'm living today.
Deborah M Larkey, MD, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee
Dr. Larkey is a true gem. She is very informative and 'gets right to it' as far as your care concerns. She was the first doctor to notice my throat issue and immediately got my referral in. I just love her patience, diligence, and overall passionate concern for others.
About Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel, a new program of Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, allows patients to recognize any Ascension Wisconsin associate that went above and beyond during their care.
Patients who opt in to receive communication from Ascension Wisconsin are sent an email inviting them to honor an associate, or multiple associates, by sharing their story, making a gift in their honor or both!
Learn more about Guardian Angel, here.
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