This is the award-winning letter sent to SICU Unit:
Carrie O'Toole, Connie Rottmann, Diane Thom, Lynn Brown, Cindy Shannon, Erin Waring, John Gemarski, Janet Schroeder, Jan Cushman, Kim Heaphy, Michelle Johnson, Alanna Smith, Maureen Lemiere, Patty Ball, Pam Nielson, Kim Culp, Dana Shaver, Marge O'Neil, and Jackie Orvis:
On July 10, Mrs. Rita Feinstein was admitted to Genesys Health System for an elective coronary artery bypass surgery, following consultation a few weeks earlier with Dr. James Rogers. Hopeful as any family could be, we all anticipated a healthy recovery following surgery. However, due to complications beyond the control of anyone, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and loving friend to many; did not survive. On July 31st, she died peacefully in the surgical ICU with her immediate family at her bedside.
During this post-surgical period, we were all gripped by anxiety and fear as Rita's recovery became increasingly less hopeful. The loss we feel now is immense. As anyone who has experienced loss of family can empathize, our grief continues to grip each of us everyday.
During the time between Rita's admission, her surgery, and her post-surgical period; in the midst of tremendous anxiety and fear, we were fortunate to have an exceptional medical team to help us through this difficult time. The cardiac surgical team provided us with initial post surgical information and helped us to feel as comfortable as possible. The medical care provided by the entire surgical ICU staff was consistently wonderful. They all cared for Rita in what we judged to be the best technical care and equally important, the best personal care. When Rita died, it was evident to us that the staff caring for her that evening felt their own loss as well. Clearly, they cared for her and about her. Their attitudes and actions towards Rita and our family simply made this very difficult time more comforting.
Please relay our heart-felt gratitude and regard for this outstanding group of professionals. We would have been significantly more lost in this difficult time had it not been for their wonderful care. |