Keeping a promise to help a young patient be brave

Every moment in health care deserves careful attention, especially when patients feel vulnerable. For Jamie Mascarenas, a CT technologist at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center, that moment came during an imaging exam for a young patient who needed a little extra comfort.

The child was anxious and had developmental delays that made the scan more difficult. Mascarenas and two coworkers quickly recognized what she needed and worked together to keep her calm. The patient repeatedly asked for something to hold — something familiar to make the experience less frightening. What they wanted was a small toy.

While two team members stayed with the patient, Mascarenas made a quick promise. She told the child that she would get a special toy if she completed the scan. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything to the young patient who was trying her best to be brave in an unfamiliar setting.

The scan was completed on the first attempt. As soon as it was finished, Mascarenas kept her promise and purchased a small toy from the hospital gift shop. When the child received it, the fear was gone and replaced with a smile.

“We try our best to get these scans done for every patient, and we want them to be comfortable,” Mascarenas said. “If we can make it easier, especially for someone who is already struggling, then we will.”

For the family, that small act of kindness carried tremendous weight. They had been navigating a difficult day, and seeing their child treated with patience and compassion made all the difference.

“The family was very grateful,” Mascarenas said. “They were in a tough situation, so getting the scan done the first time and seeing her happy afterward meant a lot to them.”

Mascarenas has been part of UCHealth Parkview for 15 years. Inspired by an uncle who worked in radiology, she attended radiology school and began her career in X-ray before moving into CT. She said the best part of the job is helping patients who may not understand what is happening, especially children.

Her advice to families is simple. “We do our best to explain everything and let parents stay in the room if the patients are very young,” she said. “We want both the patient and the family to feel comfortable.”

Thanks to Mascarenas’ compassion, one child received the care she needed and a small reminder that kindness matters.