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Celebrate Excellent Care

The journey can be as important as the destination

February 15, 2017

Last year, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Arthur H. Sutton III. Arthur is a patient transport bus driver for the Tunnell Cancer Center. He started his working career as a plumber, joining the plumbers union in the 1960s. While Arthur was working, he also attended Perdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. After seven years of part-time classes, he completed his degree, and earned a vocational teaching certificate.

Arthur shared, "I began my teaching career as a vocational teacher in the Delcastle School District in Wilmington. I taught for about 20 years in Delaware, Maryland and Florida. As a teacher, you learn how to read and relate to people. It's an important life skill because everyone has a wonderful story to share. It's a skill I use every day as I drive the bus.

"I enjoy every day that I work. Some days are more challenging than others, but I enjoy every day because I get a chance to help people. I can remember one evaluation I had early on at Beebe. They told me that I was doing a good job and I'd be getting a raise. I told my boss that I really didn't want a raise, that I'm doing this because I want to help the patients. The best part about my job is the contact I have with our patients. We talk about everything.

"I'm a cancer survivor and I believe early detection is so very important. Prostate cancer runs in my family, so I started testing early. When I was 35 or 40 years old my PSA levels started going up.

"The doctor found a small tumor. I had an operation, a prostatectomy, and some cautionary chemotherapy and radiation; it was very short term. Because so many people helped me then, I feel the need to help others, to let them know that it can be done, you can beat cancer, and early detection is key.

"I like to make the trip on the bus enjoyable for the patients, so they look forward to riding. Time is not of the essence, and I drive very carefully so they can rest while they are on the bus. There is no need to speed. I try my best to get everywhere early, so we are always on time. I encourage conversation between the patients, so they can share their experiences, their stories and their advice.

"By making their travel experience more enjoyable, I am doing my part to encourage them as they continue their treatment plans. So many people want to quit because fighting cancer can be tough. Everyone at the Tunnell Cancer Center is so kind, loving and outgoing. I am so impressed with all of the doctors and nurses there; they show the ultimate kindness. They all do their best to boost every patient up and keep them well informed.

"I remember a lady who lived down near Fenwick Island. I was driving her home one day. She was a very outgoing, bubbly person - just a joy to ride with. As we were driving south toward the bay we could see these really big kites in the sky. I asked her if she had ever watched kite boarders before. She hadn't and didn't even know what kite boarding was. I knew a place on the side of the road where I could pull over and she could watch them.

"When the kite boarders knew they had us as an audience they really stepped up their performance. She was absolutely thrilled and amazed. I asked her if she had her wetsuit and wanted to go out there and join them. We both laughed heartily! Her daughter later told me that for years after her mother stopped riding my bus she would look for the kites in the sky and ask her to pull over so she could watch them.

"I'm getting up in the years now and I'm stepping down my commitment to one or two days a week. I'm on an emergency call basis, and that is very rewarding. My wife Maureen says I have a Mighty Mouse syndrome, 'Here he comes to save the day!' It is very rewarding because I know when they call me, they really need me. I always try to push aside anything else I am doing so I can drive the bus and encourage the patients."

The patient transport buses and vans at the Tunnell Cancer Center are provided by the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund. Since its founding in 1999, the Jean and Joan Cancer Fund has donated over $480,000 from golf tournament proceeds to support cancer care at the Tunnell Cancer Center.

As a community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe continues to depend on the generous support of individuals, corporations, businesses, and private foundations.

All gifts, large or small, to Beebe Healthcare, are tax deductible and are channeled through Beebe Medical Foundation.

Please consider making a gift today and share your amazing stories with our community.

To make your proud personal donation or to learn more about Celebrate Excellent Care, go online to www.beebemedicalfoundation.org or contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or write to foundation@beebehealthcare.org.

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