FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. --"What's a GLWAGON," you say?
It's big. It's white. It fits 11 and can lift and transport wheelchairs.
The GLWAGON (gill-wagon) is driven by Missie Cessna and Jon Storie, Patient Experience Representatives and members of General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital's Department of Patient Experience team.
"It's important--and even just one person can make a difference," Missie said. "What better way to do that than to work in a department where that's what they do?"
The Department of Patient Experience team helps patients and visitors navigate their way through the hospital on a daily basis. The GLWAGON is an added bonus for patients and visitors who may need assistance getting to and from the parking lot and hospital entrances.
"We're all about helping people," Missie said.
Wearing a flower in her hair to go with her pink lanyard, identifying her as a Patient Experience Representative, Missie treasures her role. She says it's a privilege to care for the patients she meets and offer cheer, even for a short time.
"It's exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Every day has been a grand adventure," Missie said.
One passenger asked if she was selling ice cream--and another suggested playing "ice cream man music" so people could hear the GLWAGON approaching.
"I'm all for having fun so if I can put a smile on and share it with someone else, tell a cheesy joke and everybody smile because sometimes that just breaks the ice.
"Laughter is the best medicine in the world," Missie said.
If you see the giant GLWAGON rolling through the parking lot Monday through Friday, 7:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., don't be afraid. Accept a lift--whether it be a smile or a ride.
"Sometimes just giving a smile to someone is all they need to make their day better," Missie said.
(John Brooks is the GLWACH Marketing Specialist)
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