VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach man says staff at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital helped restore his health. In turn, he wanted to give them something.
Virginia Beach resident Thad Rhodes has been a patient at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital four times in recent years.
“I was so impressed by the staff — the nurses, everybody,” Rhodes said. “The way they treated me made me feel comfortable during a very painful time.”
He found comfort reading books in the hospital’s tiny book nook near his room on the fourth floor.
“I was walking around at 2 a.m. and I saw this original shelf and I realized they needed better books, more books — a better library section. That’s what I can do,” he said.
After he left the hospital, he built a larger bookshelf and began collecting and buying books. The nursing staff’s reaction was enthusiastic.
“We were ecstatic that we made a difference in his life and he decided he wanted to bless us as we blessed him,” said Sentara Nurse Manager Katia Guerrier.
Thad thought we were there to interview him about the new bookshelf. Instead, we surprised him.
“But we are here for another reason. Today we would like to give you an Everyday Hero award. Congratulations — thank you very much,” I said.
“I don’t want to start crying; I wasn’t expecting this. Thank you so much,” Thad said.
Our community partner Southern Bank wanted Thad to have something, too.
“Southern Bank not only wants to give you $300, which is our standard, but they’re celebrating their 125th anniversary, so they’re throwing in another $125 for a total of $425 for you!” I explained.
I asked, “What is your hope for people who come in as patients or visitors? That this will bring them joy? What do you hope?”
“If they can have some comforts of home and, for people who want to read, a choice,” he said.
Giving back to our neighborhood caregivers is why Thad Rhodes is our Everyday Hero and 'Positively Hampton Roads.'
