Long Ki Stephanie Chan
March 2025
Long Ki Stephanie
Chan
,
BSN, RN
Pre-Op
Overlook Medical Center
Summit
,
NJ
United States
Stephanie's upbeat demeanor and positivity lightened what was one of the most stressful days of our lives.
My husband was diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancer. Following his diagnosis, we found ourselves in Overlook Hospital’s surgical department for multiple procedures. When the time came for him to have his stomach removed, we were overwhelmed with stress and emotion. I made it a point to note the names of everyone who came to his bedside—doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists—anyone who explained what was about to happen.
During this incredibly difficult time, Stephanie Chan was the nurse prepping Howard for surgery. At one point, she noticed me jotting down names and gently asked why I was doing so. I explained that I planned to pray, asking God to guide the medical team and grant my husband healing grace. Her response was so unexpected and kind. She asked if she could pray with us. I could sense that she may not have been entirely comfortable doing so, yet she did it anyway. That moment meant the world to us. Stephanie's upbeat demeanor and positivity lightened what was one of the most stressful days of our lives. She made a very dark moment a little less heavy. Sadly, despite all our prayers, my husband passed away.
Fast forward a few months, and I found myself back in the surgical department—this time to have my gallbladder removed. While I wasn’t overly worried about the procedure itself, the emotional weight of returning to the place where my husband had endured six surgeries over six months was almost too much to bear. The night before, I prayed to God, asking for strength and for Stephanie to somehow help me through it.
As I lay in the surgical unit waiting to be prepped, I looked to the heavens and silently pleaded, “Please, show me a sign I’m not alone.” Just then, the curtain opened, and in walked Stephanie Chan. I immediately burst into tears, leaving poor Stephanie momentarily bewildered. She didn’t recognize me and, of course, had no idea that my husband had passed. When I explained that she was an answer to my prayers, her compassion was boundless. She once again prayed with me, just as she had done before, and assured me that Howard was with me in spirit.
Overlook Hospital is truly blessed to have Stephanie Chan on its surgical team. Her kindness, empathy, and unwavering support helped me through two of the most emotionally challenging experiences of my life. Stephanie was, without a doubt, my sign from above that day.
During this incredibly difficult time, Stephanie Chan was the nurse prepping Howard for surgery. At one point, she noticed me jotting down names and gently asked why I was doing so. I explained that I planned to pray, asking God to guide the medical team and grant my husband healing grace. Her response was so unexpected and kind. She asked if she could pray with us. I could sense that she may not have been entirely comfortable doing so, yet she did it anyway. That moment meant the world to us. Stephanie's upbeat demeanor and positivity lightened what was one of the most stressful days of our lives. She made a very dark moment a little less heavy. Sadly, despite all our prayers, my husband passed away.
Fast forward a few months, and I found myself back in the surgical department—this time to have my gallbladder removed. While I wasn’t overly worried about the procedure itself, the emotional weight of returning to the place where my husband had endured six surgeries over six months was almost too much to bear. The night before, I prayed to God, asking for strength and for Stephanie to somehow help me through it.
As I lay in the surgical unit waiting to be prepped, I looked to the heavens and silently pleaded, “Please, show me a sign I’m not alone.” Just then, the curtain opened, and in walked Stephanie Chan. I immediately burst into tears, leaving poor Stephanie momentarily bewildered. She didn’t recognize me and, of course, had no idea that my husband had passed. When I explained that she was an answer to my prayers, her compassion was boundless. She once again prayed with me, just as she had done before, and assured me that Howard was with me in spirit.
Overlook Hospital is truly blessed to have Stephanie Chan on its surgical team. Her kindness, empathy, and unwavering support helped me through two of the most emotionally challenging experiences of my life. Stephanie was, without a doubt, my sign from above that day.