What started as a fun evening at Concerts in Kohlmann turned into a powerful reminder of courage, compassion and the impact of community care. Lilly Lamos and her family attended this event where Waverly Health Center (WHC) ambulance team invited kids to explore an ambulance on site. While her brother and sister eagerly climbed in, Lilly hesitated and then became visibly upset. Her stepmom Alex quickly realized why. Two years earlier, Lilly had taken a frightening ambulance ride while she was very sick. Standing there in the same setting brought those memories rushing back. Lilly clung tightly to Alex and cried, saying, “I’m healthy guys, I’m healthy, no hospital please.”
That’s when Mike Jurgens, WHC EMT, stepped in. With patience and kindness, Mike gently asked if he could show Lilly around and help make the experience a little less scary. What followed was something truly special. “I have been in EMS for 28 years. The one thing we never want to happen is for kids to be afraid of us,” Mike shared. “First and foremost, I wanted to make sure Lilly was alright. Then I wanted to see if she would let me show her what we do and help her understand we are here to help. By the end of the night, she knew we are the good guys and she left the ambulance smiling.”
With encouragement and support, Lilly took a brave step forward. Then another. And eventually, she climbed back into the ambulance, this time sitting calmly beside her brother. She took a deep breath and said, “I’m okay. I’m healthy. How cool.” By the end of the night, what once brought fear had become something fascinating and even empowering.
Alex put it best, “We were so proud of her. Sometimes we forget all the things she has been through, but she faced her fear head-on and ended up loving it. Lilly, you continue to amaze us every day.” Moments like these are at the heart of what our EMS team does every day, providing care, comfort and reassurance when it matters most. At WHC, we’re proud to be part of a community that comes together to support one another and to help even our youngest patients feel safe and strong.
Have a story about a Waverly Health Center team member who made a difference? We’d love to hear it. Contact Community Relations at (319) 483-4000 or CRamige@WaverlyHealthCenter.org to share your story.
