Experiencing the courage of human kindness

After more than 10 years living in South America, Susan Arnold had more questions than answers about the next chapter of her life. She’d come home with fluency in Spanish, an ability to connect with many different people and more compassion than she knew how to handle. From a very young age, her mother’s example and her own faith created in her a desire to be a helper — to see the people around her and to act on their behalf.

That deep desire led her to Baptist Health La Grange, where she has served for 26 years as the director of pastoral care and volunteers. Each day, Susan gets to walk with those who are vulnerable, those who need strength and encouragement, and those who are finding their own healing by contributing to the solution.

Susan feels blessed. Her fellow employees, her patients and her volunteers are all a part of a community. “Because we are rural, we’re in an environment where there are connections,” Susan said. “Each person asks, ‘What else can I do for you today?’ In every level of care that we offer, we try to connect with our patients.”

Susan finds meaning in supporting patients dealing with financial barriers. Through her involvement with Baptist Health Foundation Greater Louisville, she is able to address needs such as medication and transportation. Everything is done carefully, with dignity as a priority.

“When people come to me,” Susan said, “they are often embarrassed, but they’re desperate. I try to remind them that this is just a bump in the road. One day they’ll be on the other side of the trial, and they’ll be able to relate with someone else. We move forward so we will one day be able to give back.”

Countless times, Susan has seen the impact of those gifts. She sees it when a patient’s hope is restored by the generosity of others. She sees it when someone experiences deep healing when they contribute toward the needs of another person. She sees it in her own life when she gets to pause and recognize the courage of human kindness.