For Akira Joy Hendricks, the countdown to a life-saving heart surgery was not just a matter of medical preparation and clinical checklists. As she faced the reality of advanced heart failure, she had one final, urgent request that the surgical team at Piedmont Augusta had to figure out how to fulfill: she wanted to be baptized.
The request was not merely a matter of spiritual preference, but one of strict timing. Hendricks was scheduled to receive a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump designed to take over the work of a heart that can no longer pump enough blood to sustain the body’s organs. While the device offers a second chance at life, it comes with permanent lifestyle restrictions—most notably, the inability to be fully submerged in water.
Because the LVAD requires a “driveline”—a cable that exits the patient’s abdomen to connect the internal pump to an external controller and battery pack—full immersion becomes a significant infection risk and a threat to the device’s integrity. For Hendricks, this meant that if the baptism were to happen, it had to happen before the first incision was made.
The clinical challenge of the LVAD
From a medical perspective, the LVAD is a complex intervention often used as a “bridge to transplant” or as “destination therapy” for those who are not candidates for a heart transplant. The procedure involves an open-heart surgery to implant the pump into the left ventricle, which then pushes blood into the aorta.
Jimel Carpenter, the director of the cardiovascular service line at Piedmont Augusta, noted that the surgery is a serious undertaking. Piedmont Augusta is an experienced center for this procedure, having performed more than 200 LVAD implants. However, the postoperative reality is a permanent shift in how a patient interacts with their environment.
“It was very time-sensitive to get the baptism done before the patient had the procedure so that she could be kept safe and also meet her spiritual care needs,” Carpenter said.
For the hospital staff, the challenge was transforming a sterile, clinical environment into a space capable of hosting a full-immersion baptism. The solution was unconventional: an inflatable pool set up within the bathroom of Hendricks’ patient room.
A coordinated effort of care
The logistics of the event required a surprising amount of cross-departmental cooperation. What began as a request to Chaplain Jerry Schneider evolved into a project involving a dozen staff members, including operational leaders and nursing personnel.
Connie Melchert, the executive director of operations at Piedmont Augusta, described the scene as a collaborative effort to overcome a series of logistical hurdles. Staff began filling the tub at 6 a.m. On the day of the event, meticulously planning for Hendricks’ comfort and safety.
“There were three of them in a room trying to figure out a challenge and called me and said, ‘We’ve been working on this, can you help us?’” Melchert said. “We tried to think of all the details that would help her and make her feel comfortable.”
As the plan materialized, the hospital’s culture of care became evident. Schneider observed that staff members from various departments—people who had no direct role in Hendricks’ surgical care—began appearing in the room to witness the moment. The intimate gathering included family, a family friend serving as the pastor, and a growing crowd of healthcare workers.
The intersection of faith and medicine
The event highlighted a critical aspect of patient care that often exists outside the realm of pharmacology and surgery: spiritual health. For Hendricks, the baptism was not about the spectacle, but about her relationship with God. She told Chaplain Schneider, “This is not about me. This is about God. And I want to do this.”
This sentiment was echoed by her family, who allowed cameras to document the moment to ensure the focus remained on their faith rather than the patient’s illness. For the medical team, providing this accommodation was a realization of holistic healing.
“I think the superpower is not only helping patients physically, but also spiritually and emotionally,” Melchert said.
The following table outlines the critical timeline and medical constraints that necessitated the timing of the event:
| Phase | Action/Constraint | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Surgery | Full Immersion Baptism | Safe to submerge. spiritual needs met. |
| Surgical Event | LVAD Implantation | Open-heart procedure to install mechanical pump. |
| Post-Surgery | Driveline Maintenance | Submersion prohibited due to infection/device risk. |
Hospital staff later confirmed that Hendricks underwent the surgery successfully. Her recovery is currently progressing as expected, allowing her to move forward with the support of both a mechanical heart and a renewed spirit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients considering an LVAD or other cardiac procedures should consult with their surgical team regarding specific postoperative restrictions and care plans.
The medical team at Piedmont Augusta will continue to monitor Hendricks’ recovery through standard postoperative cardiac protocols, with the next phase of her care focusing on LVAD management and rehabilitation.
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