Going the Extra Mile: Overnight Mission to Fulfill a Patient's Wish
For Bert Munoz, a typical day at Moffitt Cancer Center starts with navigating the corridors, ensuring everything is functioning correctly, addressing daily maintenance requests and, occasionally, guiding lost guests to the right destination. As an electrician for Facilities, a role Munoz has held for eight years at Moffitt, he is well-versed in the intricacies of the cancer center's infrastructure.
One day, his routine took an unexpected turn when he received a special request.
“I was doing my rounds when they approached me and asked if I could hang a bell for a patient's last treatment. They explained it needed to be done quickly because the patient would be leaving the next day and they wanted it ready for them,” Munoz said. “For these types of requests, the process is not simple. We have to create a ticket and plan ahead of time, so we are not disturbing patients with the sound, the dust and the strong smell of the materials. I knew time was something we didn’t have, so I told them I’ll do it, I’ll make it happen no matter what.”
Despite it being on a tight schedule, Munoz didn’t hesitate. He knew how important ringing the bell was — for the patient, for the family.
That same day, he quickly located the spot where the bell would be hung, removing a plaque to make room. He saw a hole behind the plaque and recognized the need for further work to ensure the area was pristine for the next day. He called upon his colleagues, Leonard Lynn and Alejandro Carrera, both painters from Facilities, and orchestrated an overnight effort to patch the drywall and paint the entire wall surrounding the bell. They worked through the night to ensure every detail was perfect for the next morning.
The challenges of hanging the bell were met with determination and ingenuity. Despite the late hour, the team knew that their efforts were vital to ensuring the patient’s experience was nothing short of exceptional. The men worked quietly, mindful of not disturbing other patients, and completed the task with utmost care.
The next morning, Munoz returned to work, filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The sight of the bell hanging perfectly on the wall, surrounded by fresh paint, was a testament to the team member’s hard work and commitment to the center’s mission.
The bell-hanging effort wasn’t just about completing a task for Munoz, Lynn and Carrera. It was about honoring the patient's journey and celebrating their triumph over cancer. It was a reminder of the importance of putting patients first, ensuring their well-being and sharing in their victories.
“It fills me with joy knowing we accomplished the task. Seeing the happy faces of the team members who requested the job, I felt accomplished. Patients are the most important thing for me,” Munoz said. “Every day, I come to work with one goal: to ensure everything’s working for everyone. It’s not just about installations. It’s about impacting the lives of our patients in a meaningful way. That’s what makes it all worthwhile."
