Meet Perla, your 2018 Hospital Hero

Editor’s note: Recently we asked our hospital employees, physicians, and supporters to nominate someone at the hospital who goes above and beyond, providing extraordinary care for our patients and their families. We were thrilled to receive so many heartwarming stories of the many people who make Packard Children’s special. Do you have more Hospital Heroes in mind? We always love hearing your stories of our staff—email us! 

“I want patients to understand that I am always there for them. They can rely on me—depend on me—and I think that’s what matters most.”

Meet one of our 2018 Summer Scamper Hospital Heroes, Perla Bautista-Muench, BSN, RN, MSN, outpatient epilepsy case manager at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

As a case manager, Perla serves as an all-around resource for epilepsy patients and families with complex care needs. Her typical day includes corresponding with about 20 patient families and helping them with tasks such as coordinating different care teams, communicating with insurance providers, and triage consulting.

“I tell our patient families to call, text, or email me at any time,” says Perla. “They can count on me, even if I’ve only met them over the phone.”

Perla was nominated by three colleagues to be our Hospital Hero—all three nominators highlighted her skill and dedication in handling complex patient cases.

“She works so hard to get our patients everything they need, from medications to medical tests to equipment,” wrote one nominator. “She has written grants, negotiated between multiple insurance companies, and written numerous letters to get our patients what they need.”

“I feel inspired when families feel cared for, when they feel their child is made a priority—that’s the most important thing,” says Perla.

As a donor or Scamper-er, you play a very important role in Perla’s ability to help our patients every day.

“I can vouch for how much donors have helped our patients,” Perla says. “Our patients and families have experienced so much hardship—without support, these kids would not be able to receive the care they need. Donors really impact our patients’ whole futures,” says Perla. “Whatever you donate, big or small, kids win. But really, you’re both winners.”

Thank you, Perla, for everything you do! Join Perla on race day, June 24, as she participates in the Summer Scamper 5k walk.