Return to Main Menu

Storm Eye Institute remembers Julius through campaign by Carolyn C. Cavanaugh, R.N. Storm Eye Institute Do you remember Julius? Most of us in the clinical areas knew him as Julius. Remember Julius? Whenever I talk with other people in other areas of the hospital, everyone seemed to know Julius by his first name, and all have their own stories about him. My acquaintance with Julius first began when he came up to me one morning, many years ago, and asked me if Mrs. W. was finished with her appointment yet? I responded to the voice and looked up. Who was this person? There he stood, in a pair of dark trousers, short-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves rolled up. Looking at the exterior appearance and mannerisms of Julius, one might not suspect the real, warm, caring, concerned person who Julius was. One of the more distinguishing characteristics about Julius was that one of his arms was replaced by a prosthesis with a hook on the end. I asked if he was a family member—no, he was her driver for Department of Social Services transportation services for the Allendale/ Hampton area. I checked and she needed some tests and was not ready to go yet. He came back about an hour later to check again. As the years went on, Julius became a friend.  He was one transport driver who always checked to see how his clients were doing, never leaving them in the clinic to wait for hours on end. Over time I would see him at the front desk, changing an appointment for this patient, making one for that person, saying he would be over at the pharmacy getting some one’s prescription.  Julius’ special caring ways were revealed to me when I tripped on the sidewalk and had to wear a brace. I parked my car in the church parking lot and was not looking forward to the long uncomfortable walk to work. Upon opening my car door, there was Julius. He saw me driving to the parking lot and offered me a ride back to Storm Eye. Needless to say, I was very happy! Julius was there every time he was in the area until my leg got better. That was Julius! Never a show about what he did; he just was there for many people. Patients have told me many stories about Julius:  how he would buy their lunch, pick up and pay for their medicine when they were “short of change,” for the last time—although the very “last time” never came.  These stories could go on. I’m sure many others have stories to share about Julius, because Julius really did not know a stranger. He talked to everyone.  One day, Julius shared the account of his missing arm. When he was fighting for his life, he prayed, and promised God that if he were spared his life, he would spend the rest of his life helping other people. He certainly kept his promise.  Julius is one of those unsung heroes. Julius is gone, but his deeds are not forgotten. We remember Julius at Storm Eye Institute. In his memory, we have established the Julius Folk Memorial Fund for Indigent Care for patients in need at Storm Eye Institute, as part of our contributions to the YES campaign. If you have not contributed to a specific fund and are still thinking about it, please consider making a YES contribution to the Julius Folk Memorial Fund for Indigent Care (9025) for patients at the Storm Eye Institute.  Pledge form online at http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/2003yespledgeform.htm You still have just a few days before the June 30 deadline to have your contribution deducted from payroll.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.