INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Candice Lisenby has been using American Sign Language from an early age.
Born deaf, she’s never let it slow her down. But she’s certainly faced some challenges along the way.
"I was very nervous," she said, referring to the first time she learned she was expecting a baby.
Would she miss any important information about her baby’s health? Her own?
But she would eventually meet Charlotte Ottinger, an interpreter at IU Health who specializes in American Sign Language.
"I met her during a pre-natal appointment," said Ottinger.
"It's a trusting relationship between the patient, the interpreter and the medical professionals,” said Ottinger. "And so I just feel like we do important work."
Ottinger is one of about a dozen interpreters at IU Health who, along with help from contracted interpreters, handle close to 100,000 requests for translation every year.
The most popular languages are Spanish, American Sign Language and Burmese.
Ottinger, who's also a registered nurse, was with Candace for appointments, exams for her second and third pregnancies, and eventually even the delivery room.
“Anytime I had struggles.....I knew charlotte would be there for me," said Candice, who described Ottinger as a lifeline during her pregnancies.
Especially her last pregnancy which was considered high risk.
“Due to (the baby’s) condition, I was scared,” said Candice. “It was the first time something was wrong.”
But Ottinger was once again there the entire time.
Today, that little girl, 3-year old Mercie, is doing just fine.
And it was through all of this that something extra special happened. Something more than sign language and interpreting.
Also born at Riley Hospital for Children was a bond that, over the last 12 years, has surpassed the walls of the hospital.
"She's like my mother,” said Candice. “I am always calling her my white mother. That's kind of an inside joke between the two of us," she chuckled.
"And I consider (Candice) a part of my family, too,” said Ottinger. “I love Candace. I love her family and her girls. I love seeing them every time. So it's a good feeling. You don't get that in every job."
Ottinger said, over the years, she has remained close to some of the patients she’s served, especially those with chronic conditions or extended time in the hospital.
"If you can't have a relationship, then what’s it all about right.”