CHARLESTON, S.C. — Novant Health Foundation recently honored Erin Spangler, family nurse practitioner at Novant Health Urgent Care – James Island, with a Guardian Angel award after her clinical instincts and compassionate care helped lead to the diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumor in a retired military veteran.
LTC Jon E. Jordan, U.S. Army, Retired
LTC Jon E. Jordan, U.S. Army, Retired, visited the James Island urgent care clinic on May 1 after experiencing persistent headaches, increased fatigue and a feeling that “something was off,” according to his family. Spangler recognized his symptoms could signal a more serious medical condition and immediately referred him for advanced testing and emergency evaluation.
Jordan went directly to the Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center emergency department, where a physician was prepared for his arrival. The following day, he underwent brain surgery and was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He has since begun chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Jordan’s daughter, J. AsheLynne Jordan, a Novant Health team member, surprised Spangler during a Guardian Angel pinning ceremony to personally thank her for the care she provided.
“You didn’t know that my dad was my dad,” Jordan told Spangler during the ceremony. “You didn’t know I was a team member or that I work for Novant Health leadership. I want to say thank you for caring for my father.”
The Guardian Angel award is presented through the Novant Health Foundation and recognizes team members who go above and beyond to support a patient’s care and experience.
AsheLynne Jordan places a Guardian Angel pin on Erin Spangler, FNP
“This is just one example of the remarkable care our team members provide every day,” said Nancy McInroy, Novant Health Foundation chief philanthropy officer in South Carolina. “Remarkable care means truly serving our patients, understanding the needs of families and providing exceptional support.”
Jordan’s sister-in-law, Patty Schaffer, read a letter from the Jordan family at the pinning ceremony and said they believe Spangler’s attentiveness not only helped detect the brain cancer but also changed the course of his care.
“A lot of people probably drive by an urgent care and think it’s only for minor issues,” Schaffer said. “But Erin recognized that something bigger was happening and didn’t send Jon home. She took immediate action, collaborated with other medical teams and put his needs first.”
Schaffer said the family remains deeply grateful as Jordan continues treatment.
“Jon has a long way to go with glioblastoma, but he has hope,” she said. “We’re thankful for the speed, compassion and remarkable care Novant Health provided. Our family will never forget it.”
“So often, we transition patients to a higher level of care but aren’t sure what happens next with them. It’s an honor to have taken care of Jon and to know he’s getting treatment,” Spangler said.
Spangler is the first team member from a Novant Health Urgent Care clinic in South Carolina to receive a Guardian Angel Award.
Subscribe
