The way Nola Olson sees it, Nebraska Medicine has saved her life in more ways than one.

The first time was when she had a heart transplant about five years ago. Then again when Nebraska Medicine provided assistance during her extended recovery, and later when she needed assistance to ensure she could attend follow-up visits.

“The heart transplant saved my life,” says Olson, who is from Prosser, Nebraska. “They continue to help me when I come back for doctor visits. If it hadn’t been for them, I’d have been lost.”

Support like this for Olson and hundreds of patients and families each year is possible because of donations made to the Nebraska Medicine Patient and Family Experience Fund. The fund assists patients and their families by helping them with everyday needs in a way that promotes access to care.

“We have many patients who come from far away to receive exceptional care,” says Rachele Sledge, CMSW, Nebraska Medicine Social Work manager. “This fund is so important because it allows patients and their families in need to focus on healing and supporting their loved ones rather than worrying about finances. While it may seem like little things, it can make a big difference to a family who is already in crisis.”

Olson says the assistance she received during her extended recovery period for her heart transplant was a godsend. “It allowed my husband to stay with me, which provided me much needed emotional support during my recovery,” she says. “We hadn’t been apart for more than a day since we were married. His presence made me feel whole again and helped with my healing and recovery.”

When Olson’s husband, Eliot, sadly passed away about two years after her transplant, the Nebraska Medicine staff used the funds to help her to celebrate the holidays with her family. “I can’t tell you enough what that meant to me,” she says. “The staff has been like angels sent from heaven. They are the best doctors and nurses in the country. I would not be here if it weren’t for them.”

Sledge says that although they receive many generous donations, there’s always a need for funds to help more people in need. “This provides a bridge to help fill the gap and ease the burden until they can return home again,” Sledge says.

“This fund is immensely important to our patients and families,” says James Linder, MD, Nebraska Medicine CEO. “Not only does this fund demonstrate our commitment to an outstanding patient experience by providing critical basic needs for patients and families, but it also helps provide support for technology, education and activities that enhance the patient experience.”