AURORA, Colo. — Scott Ferguson was a lively and energetic father of one. After a battle with cancer and extended hospital stays, he developed a relationship with the nurses who were taking care of him. He passed away in April, and a nurses scholarship fund was started in his name.
“He got diagnosed with terminal cancer. And at 49, you don’t see something like that coming into your life — especially for someone like Scott, who was so healthy,” said his wife, Darice.
Scott spent nearly a year in and out of the hospital, including the UC Health University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. He received chemotherapy treatment for his Stage IV melanoma, and care for other issues as well. During his time there, his wife says he developed a bond with many of the nurses.
“He got to know their names, he got to know about their personal lives and their families. And when they walked in, they developed a true friendship,” Darice said with a smile.
One of those nurses was Margo Schenk.
“He wanted to know who we were, which was special because that doesn’t happen very often,” Schenk told Denver7.
She was the nurse responsible for organizing a dance-off to cheer Scott up after a rough week of treatments.
“They wanted to bring him some joy,” Darice said. “They were just always looking to connect with him.”
The nurses did just that all the way until April 22.
“Not only did they make sure my love didn’t suffer in his last moment, but they shared that pain with me,” Darice said.
Scott Ferguson was just 49 years old.
“I knew they loved the nursing staff and the hospital staff. I did not know their love and caring was going so far,” nurse Schenk said.
“We came up with this idea of setting up a scholarship fund,” Darice said.
The Scott Ferguson Endowed Scholarship Fund, for future nurses at the University of Colorado College of Nursing, was established in Scott’s memory.
“I think it’s the ultimate gift,” Schenk said. “It gives others the ability to make a difference and hopefully meet their Scott and Darice, and feel inspired to do something for another patient.”
“All of us are someday going to need that caring person to hold our hand,” Darice said. "Think about the impact this could have to you some day."
To donate to the scholarship fund, click here.