Creative Gratitude: A Surprise for the Surgeon
In a heartwarming display of appreciation, Adam Roberts, a 33-year-old instructional designer from Bloomsburg, recently went above and beyond to thank his surgeon, Dr. Gerard Cush, from WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital. After undergoing surgery to relieve pain caused by arthritis in his big toe—a condition that stemmed from a junior high school wrestling injury—Adam wanted to express his gratitude in a memorable way.
With three active dogs dependent on his mobility, walking had become increasingly painful for Adam. Dr. Cush’s successful surgery not only alleviated this discomfort but also restored Adam’s ability to enjoy life fully. To celebrate this newfound freedom, Adam decided to gift Dr. Cush a whimsical, foot-shaped cake he ordered from a local specialty bakery.
A Cake Like No Other
The extraordinary cake was crafted to resemble Adam’s right foot, complete with skin-colored icing, furry toes, and a notably enlarged big toe knuckle, mirroring how Adam’s foot appeared pre-surgery. Alongside the cake was a playful message in icing that read, ‘Put your best foot forward.’
Adam Roberts with the big toe cake.
Adam presented this cake during a post-surgery appointment. Dr. Cush was taken aback by the surprise, as team members who were in on the plan escorted him to the exam room, leaving the doctor curious until the cake was revealed.
The big toe cake party crew (from left) Grace Bollinger, cast technician, Amy Wolfe, foot and ankle nurse navigator, Dr. Cush, and Adam Roberts.
Special Moments and Meaning Behind the Cake
Once Dr. Cush gathered his bearings, Adam invited him to make the first slice into the cake at the very spot where he initially made the incision during surgery. Both enjoyed the cake, sharing smiles and laughter in celebration of Adam’s recovery.
Dr. Cush slices the cake.
Adam reflected on his journey, saying, ‘I recently lost a bunch of weight. I have made some lifestyle changes. I felt like this was the perfect way to celebrate that and the continued and renewed mobility, and kind of put my best foot forward.’ He added, ‘That really was the reason for this—to show my gratitude and to celebrate continuing on a path of health and wellness. The future is much brighter for me.’
Dr. Cush shared his sentiments, expressing his appreciation for such gestures. ‘To have somebody appreciate you by doing something like this makes a world of difference,’ he remarked. He emphasized the importance of patient relationships, stating, ‘They are trusting you to help them do the best for them. Helping my patients back to their lifestyle—that’s why we do this.’
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