Sara Wilmot
September 2025
Sara
Wilmot
,
BSN, RN
ICU
Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital
Garfield Hts
,
OH
United States
Sara recorded the patient’s heartbeat using a Doppler and embedded the recording into the bears—creating deeply meaningful keepsakes that the children will carry with them always.
On a Friday in July of 2025, our unit cared for a 33-year-old patient who was in the process of becoming a Lifebanc donor following an unexpected and tragic turn in his condition. Though his time with us was brief—only two to three days—the impact he and his family had on our team was profound. The patient had made the selfless decision to be an organ donor, and his family, with grace and courage, chose to honor that wish.
Throughout this incredibly emotional time, our nursing team displayed exceptional empathy, compassion, and dedication. The patient’s family—including his young children, parents, and girlfriend—remained at his bedside, and the care team surrounded them with both clinical excellence and heartfelt support. Nurse Sara went above and beyond in recognizing the emotional needs of the children.
When Lifebanc provided memory coins for the patient’s parents and girlfriend, Sara thoughtfully asked if there was anything that could be done for the children as well. Lifebanc responded by providing teddy bears, and Sara recorded the patient’s heartbeat using a Doppler and embedded the recording into the bears—creating deeply meaningful keepsakes that the children will carry with them always. Additionally, when the family requested fingerprints of their loved one and our unit did not yet have fingerprint kits available, Nurse K took it upon herself to personally obtain a kit. She was able to create fingerprint keepsakes for the family—another meaningful gesture that showed a deep understanding of the importance of memory-making during loss.
These acts of compassion are powerful examples of how our caregivers embody the Cleveland Clinic values of empathy, integrity, and service. The thoughtful and selfless actions of Sara, K, and the team provided a grieving family with comfort, dignity, and lasting memories in the midst of their sorrow. We are proud to recognize Sara and K for their extraordinary efforts. Their actions exemplify what it means to be a Cleveland Clinic caregiver, and we are honored to have them on our team.
Throughout this incredibly emotional time, our nursing team displayed exceptional empathy, compassion, and dedication. The patient’s family—including his young children, parents, and girlfriend—remained at his bedside, and the care team surrounded them with both clinical excellence and heartfelt support. Nurse Sara went above and beyond in recognizing the emotional needs of the children.
When Lifebanc provided memory coins for the patient’s parents and girlfriend, Sara thoughtfully asked if there was anything that could be done for the children as well. Lifebanc responded by providing teddy bears, and Sara recorded the patient’s heartbeat using a Doppler and embedded the recording into the bears—creating deeply meaningful keepsakes that the children will carry with them always. Additionally, when the family requested fingerprints of their loved one and our unit did not yet have fingerprint kits available, Nurse K took it upon herself to personally obtain a kit. She was able to create fingerprint keepsakes for the family—another meaningful gesture that showed a deep understanding of the importance of memory-making during loss.
These acts of compassion are powerful examples of how our caregivers embody the Cleveland Clinic values of empathy, integrity, and service. The thoughtful and selfless actions of Sara, K, and the team provided a grieving family with comfort, dignity, and lasting memories in the midst of their sorrow. We are proud to recognize Sara and K for their extraordinary efforts. Their actions exemplify what it means to be a Cleveland Clinic caregiver, and we are honored to have them on our team.