This is the award-winning letter sent to NTICU:
Kim Shank, Deb Link, Shannon Swor, Tina Williams, Izza Atkins, Michelle Raul, Paula Edgerton, Kathy Kissow, Eileen Armstron, and Mary Perkins - While waiting approval for admittance to Rehab, Earsel (Glen) Smith was rushed to the 4th floor ICU with massive bleeding. After stabilizing him, he was taken down for a test to locate the origin of the bleeding. To the shock of our entire family, the elevator doors opened and Glen was being transported back to ICU under critical circumstances. The nurses were bagging him and he appeared lifeless. Then the ever feared CODE BLUE was announced overhead and it was Glen's room number. The team of nurses on the 4th floor were fighting hard to save his life.
He was soon attached to a ventilator and numerous blood producted were administered. We were informed that he would need surgery to stop the bleeding that was coming from his colon. Dr. Mark Vance was the surgeon that led the team that day. As kind and yet honest as he could, he spelled out the plan and the risks to Glen and our family. He had approximately a 50% chance of surviving the operation. Glen wanted the surgery.
The long story short, with God in our corner of the hospital that day, Glen made it through not one, but two surgeries. Ther surgeries resulted in the majority of his colong being removed. The first good news Dr. Vance gave was that he was alive and the second was that the bleeding had stopped. This would not be possible without the dedicated, compassionate, and competent staff of the NICU. The nurses did not leave his side and were so good to him and us throughout the whole ordeal. Not only were they there for an extended shift but some even called to check on his progress after they left.
Without the team effort, Glen would not be getting ready once again for a trip to Rehab. It is time to put this 2 1/2 month stay to an end. More than one doctor and staff has said they didn't think he was going to make it. Glen was not very strong physically when they got him, yet with their encouragement, compassion, and skill they helped God perform a miracle that day.
Together with Glen, we would like to nominate this extraordinary team of devoted and competent personnel for the DAISY award. They desrve not a daisy, but a garden full of daisies to honor their efforts. |