Pediatric Scare Turned to Gratitude: How Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Helped a Young Patient Heal

In July 2024, Kortnie Jordon woke up to a sound no parent ever wants to hear: her 10-year-old son, Pierson, screaming in pain. He was holding his head, overwhelmed by the intensity of the ache. Kortnie quickly gave him Tylenol and Motrin and kept close watch throughout the day. But by evening, when Pierson struggled to stand and seemed confused, she knew this was more than a headache. His symptoms had escalated—severe head and neck pain, and difficulty walking—signs she couldn’t ignore. It was time to go to the Emergency Department (ED).

From the moment they arrived at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital’s ED, Kortnie felt seen, heard, and supported. “They got us into a room quickly and took my concerns seriously,” she said. “The staff were very reassuring and calmly addressed my son and me. They talked with us, not down to us.” As providers rounded and tests were run, a spinal tap was recommended to rule out meningitis. It could have been a terrifying moment for a child, but the team calmly explained every step to Pierson, making sure there were no surprises. “You could tell they cared about him as a person,” Kortnie shared.

The spinal tap confirmed a diagnosis of viral meningitis, and Pierson was admitted to the hospital’s pediatric unit for further care. From the seamless transition between the ED and pediatric unit to the warmth and attentiveness of the transport staff, every detail mattered. “They made sure I had everything I needed, including a bed and blankets, so I could stay comfortably by my son's side in his room,” Kortnie said.

Throughout his stay, the care team made Pierson feel like he was the only patient in the hospital. They took the time to listen to his fears and answer his questions with patience and compassion. “They were incredibly reassuring and understanding,” Kortnie said. “They didn’t just care for him medically; they supported him emotionally.”

When Pierson didn’t have much of an appetite but mentioned wanting a chocolate muffin, one "magically" appeared, even though it wasn’t available in the cafeteria. “You should have seen his face,” Kortnie smiled. “That small act of kindness meant everything.”

For Kortnie and her husband, having access to this level of specialized pediatric care right in their community was invaluable. It allowed them to balance work, coordinate visits, and include family, such as Pierson’s grandmother, in the healing process. “Trying to juggle everything would have been so much more stressful if we had to travel an hour or more,” she noted. “People in our community need to know what an incredible Pediatric team we have here.”

Now, Pierson is a healthy, active 11-year-old, back to playing football, baseball, and basketball with renewed passion. Inspired by his experience, he’s even expressed interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. “He wants to help people like they helped him,” Kortnie said with pride.

What began as a terrifying moment turned into a story of healing, compassion, and hope, thanks to the care and kindness of the team at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.