Kenzie’s Experience in the ER

During a recent visit to the Good Samaritan Emergency Department, Noella Madison of Vincennes and her four-year-old daughter, Kenzie, who is autistic, faced what began as one of the most overwhelming and frightening experiences. That moment quickly transformed into an experience of compassion and relief, thanks to two remarkable caregivers: Andrew McAnelly, Good Samaritan Patient Care Technician, and Mackenzie McCarter, Good Samaritan RN.

“When Kenzie is in pain, it’s incredibly hard for her to process and communicate what she’s feeling,” said her mom, Noella Madison of Vincennes. “She doesn’t speak much, so the only way she could express herself that day was through crying and screaming. The unfamiliar environment of the ER only made it worse, and she was overwhelmed. I was overstimulated and scared, just wishing I could take her pain away.”

That’s when Andrew walked in. “He immediately brought calm and kindness into the room. He didn’t hesitate, he didn’t baby talk her—he just treated her with warmth and respect. He brought her a stuffed tiger and stickers, but the real gift was how he connected with her. He told me he has an autistic son, and in that moment, I felt so seen and unjudged. The most amazing thing happened, Kenzie stopped crying, started laughing, and even said, ‘thank you so much!’ I had never heard her say that to anyone before. In just minutes, Andrew gave both of us peace and comfort I hadn’t felt in years.”

Andrew’s extraordinary compassion did not go unnoticed. He was named the Good Samaritan Shining Star Award recipient for October, an award given each month to the employee who consistently goes beyond expectations in their role. When asked about the recognition, Andrew humbly shared: “I don’t do anything for recognition—I do it because it’s the right thing to do.”.

Noella also praised Mackenzie for her care. “This is actually my second time with Mackenzie in the ER, and both times she has been nothing short of amazing. She never rushed us. She listened, she related to me as a mom, and even gave me advice on how to help Kenzie take her medicine—something we’ve always struggled with. She took her time, and I could tell she truly cared, not just about my child, but about us as a family. That means the world.”

For parents of children with autism, Noella says empathy from staff makes all the difference. “Every day with autism is full of unknowns. There are moments of joy, but also constant moments of anxiety and overstimulation. When staff show patience and understanding, it doesn’t just help in the moment—it eases a parent’s heart. Andrew and Mackenzie did exactly that. They didn’t just take care of Kenzie’s medical needs—they cared for both of us.”

Reflecting on the experience, Noella added: “I cannot thank them enough for turning such a hard day into one filled with compassion, understanding, and hope. Good Samaritan is so lucky to have these exceptional employees. From the bottom of my heart—thank you, Andrew and Mackenzie.”