FOUNTAIN HILL BORO, Pa. – Inside St. Luke’s Fountain Hill, where hospital rooms often hold stories of strength, one nurse decided to make sure her patient’s story included a dream come true.
“I just told them that I want a motorcycle gang to come, and that’s the last I heard of it,” Mary White said. “They all surprised me. So this was a great surprise.”
For years, Mary White has been in and out of the hospital; now fighting heart failure, but holding on to some lifelong wishes.
“It was on my bucket list. Before I die, I want to say I was on the back of a Harley. So that was one thing on my bucket list,” Mary said.
That simple wish sparked something inside of nurse Kaitlynn Fair, who decided that if Mary wanted to ride, then somehow, she would.
With help from friends, nurses, and the local B.A.C.K. motorcycle group, she made sure Mary’s bucket list moment would roar right up to the hospital.
“She loves us. She takes care of us even though we’re supposed to be taking care of her,” Fair said. “She makes sure we’re feeling okay. She makes sure we eat lunch. And she just has such a great, kind heart. And I could not give back to her.”
And on this October evening, the rumble of motorcycles echoed through the hospital parking lot, and Mary’s wish came to life.
“I thought I died and went to heaven right there. It was so exciting. So wonderful that you got good friends that would do that for you,” Mary explained.
For Kaitlynn it was a reminder of why she wears the nurse’s badge…
“It meant the world to me because Mary deserves everything and more. It made me really realize how much I love nursing and how much I love helping people. And this is why I do what I do every day,” Fair said.
And for Mary it was more than just a ride; it was a moment of joy surrounded by the people who have become like family.
“They’re wonderful. Words cannot explain what they did for me. They’re always going to be in my blessings. I love them dearly. I just love them,” Mary added.