For nearly four years, Sue Ancher, a laboratory technician at Atrium Health Floyd, has been a familiar and comforting presence in the life of 5-year-old Oliver and his family. What began as routine monthly lab visits evolved into something far greater: a relationship built on care, compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping a child overcome extraordinary challenges.
Oliver — Ollie to his friends and family — was born with gastroschisis, a congenital abnormality in which a child’s digestive organs protrude outside the body through a hole in the abdomen. As a result, Ollie and kids like him have severe digestive complications. Ollie is dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), requires ongoing medical care and frequent lab work, and has faced numerous hospitalizations and health setbacks throughout his young life.
Through it all, Ancher and Atrium Health Floyd have been there.
Ollie’s mom said Ancher consistently goes well beyond expectations to make each visit a little easier. She has helped procure needed supplies, brings Ollie gifts on his birthday and makes sure she has reward stickers for her young patient. During some of his most difficult health battles, including a critical hospitalization that nearly claimed his life, Ancher continued to support and advocate for him.
“She’s kind of been there all along,” said Ollie’s mom, Breezy Henderson. “She’s been amazing.”
But Ancher’s latest act of kindness may have the biggest impact yet.
Because of his central venous line and pump, activities many children take for granted can be difficult or even risky. Swimming is one of Ollie’s favorite activities, but it presents challenges because of the risk of infection and the discomfort associated with protecting his medical equipment.
“He’s turning into a little water bug,” Henderson said. “He uses puddle jumpers, but he wanted to jump in the pool and splash and things like that.”
Henderson said Ollie’s grandmother had searched for a solution to help her grandson enjoy the water. She had little success until she learned about a specialized wetsuit designed to safely accommodate the needs of patients like Ollie. There were two obstacles looming in the way: the suit could only be obtained from the United Kingdom, and it carried a significant cost.
When Ancher learned about the suit, she immediately went to work, exploring ways to obtain one for Ollie. She started a crowd-funding effort and shared Ollie’s story with April Tanner and the FloydSpirit Foundation’s Cade Tanner Fund, requesting help for him and even offering to contribute personally toward the cost. The Fund was established by April Tanner in memory of her son, Cade, a former Atrium Health Floyd patient, who passed away in 2023 at just 21 years old. Tanner approved the request and ordered the suit on behalf of Ollie and his family.
Ollie’s special swimsuit, crafted in Ollie’s favorite colors of red and black, arrived a few weeks ago, and the joy on his face was evident.
“He was so excited,” Henderson said. “He couldn’t wait to put it on. He was just dancing around.”
Once he was snugly in his new suit, Ollie was still a bit cautious.
“Can I get my shirt wet, mama?” he asked.
With his mom’s approval, Ollie dunked below the water.
“Now I can be like everybody else,” he told her.
The wetsuit represents more than time in the pool. It represents childhood. It opens the door for Ollie to splash, play and participate in activities that his older siblings enjoy without a second thought. For a family navigating complex medical challenges every day, it is a reminder that they are not alone.
For Ollie's family, Ancher’s efforts and the generosity of FloydSpirit Foundation and the Tanner family is overwhelming.
"She didn't have to do that," Henderson said, in a letter seeking to honor Ancher. "What she did is more than just a ‘wow.’ She went way beyond. She is a hero, and she made one little boy very, very happy."
For Ancher, helping Ollie wasn't part of a job description. It was simply the right thing to do. And in doing so, she created a lasting impact on a child, a family and everyone fortunate enough to witness her example. Ancher's thoughtful care reminds us that sometimes the greatest healing comes from knowing someone cares enough to go the extra mile.