Few things cause more stress than a sick child. And when visits to the doctor deliver no clear prognosis ‒or perhaps a prescription but no improvement ‒ that stress compounds.

When Ashlee Kier took her son Jordan, age 10, to the Clinton Memorial Hospital (CMH) emergency room in January, she did so with a mix of reluctance and desperation. Previous visits to doctors’ offices weren’t seeming to help. This visit, however, turned out to be a life-saving choice.

Dr. David Cohen, Facility Medical Director at CMH, heard irregularities in Jordan’s heartbeat, ordered an EKG, and identified a cardiologic issue that needed immediate attention. Jordan was transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for a procedure that corrected a life-threatening condition. The physicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital noted that without Dr. Cohen’s intervention, Jordan’s fate might have been sealed.

In her social media update while at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ashlee posted “This doctor has stressed to me how [the] doctor at CMH saved Jordan’s life. If he wouldn’t have done that EKG, Jordan could very well not be here today. I owe this doctor everything.”

In another post after Ashlee and Jordan visited Dr. Cohen post-surgery, Ashlee shared additional words of praise for Dr. Cohen. “Do you know this doctor has followed up on Jordan without us knowing? He’s asked his heart doctor [at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital] how [Jordan] is doing. What doc does that? Not many ‒ they see so many people and don’t look back. Not this doctor. I hope this amazing doctor stays at CMH forever.”

In that recent visit to thank Dr. Cohen, Ashlee and Jordan presented the doctor with a treat basket and exchanged fist bumps and high fives. Jordan had one more request before parting: “Would it be okay if I asked you for a hug?”

CMH is honored for the opportunity to contribute to better health for Jordan and all of our friends, families, and neighbors in and around Wilmington, and proud of our team members like Dr. Cohen who work each day to deliver the best possible patient outcomes and experiences.