Patients for generations, thankful for Ridgeview

“I have a deep family history in Carver County and, throughout three generations, Ridgeview has been an important part of my family’s life. I think most of my family members could share a Ridgeview experience — some more significant than others — but all with a common thread of being treated with extraordinary kindness and compassion. 

At the end of his life, my grandfather battled colon cancer. He received amazing care at Ridgeview, and this was really the first significant event where we experienced the Ridgeview difference in a profound way. This was the beginning of my family’s lifelong relationship with Ridgeview.

Many in my family were born at Ridgeview — including me in 1984 — and my mom still has my newborn onesie I received.

Our family has visited Ridgeview on many occasions for everything ranging from physicals to surgeries and through complex medical issues. It’s been amazing to watch Ridgeview and its services grow — but its staff was, and continues to be, something that sets Ridgeview apart from others. 

Probably the most poignant example of the compassion shown by Ridgeview was my mom’s experience during the pandemic when she needed to be transferred by ambulance to one of Ridgeview’s clinical partners in the Twin Cities. She was alone and scared, and as she was being placed in the ambulance, the driver noticed me standing outside watching them.

Just before they were about to drive away, they signaled me to come over so mom could see me and I could assure her that everything would be all right. We will never forget that gesture of compassion and kindness, and it meant the world to us during a very scary time.

My family, friends and everyone in the area are truly fortunate to have Ridgeview and its wonderful medical professionals and amazing health care facilities in our community. I know we will be well taken care of, no matter what.

With gratitude,
Grant Wenkstern, Hopkins
myTalk 107.1 producer and radio personality