On behalf of the family of RC, I would like to personally thank you and your entire staff for providing such warm, loving and compassionate care during this month-long journey that we all were on together in the MICU. Your special team provided such excellent care for him, but that loving and compassionate care was also extended to us, and we are so grateful!! From arranging those special visits with RC's beloved "Seven", to extending a hug when it was needed, your MICU team demonstrated the beauty and grace of the humanistic side of the medical field. You first treated the person and not the ailment!
There are so many moments to reflect on: the fantastic care RC received, the serious talks that were had with him, the moments of counsel with us, the special concessions, the laughter, the offers of countless cups of coffee, making sure we were okay, hugs and encouragement, the dignified care and the final tribute to an American soldier. There are not enough words to adequately express our deepest and most sincere appreciation for all of it!
I hope that each staff member realizes just how important they were during this journey, and still are, to our family. As RC's family, we know how physically and mentally strong he was. However, we are all convinced that he was able to fight much longer because of the loving treatment he received from each and every staff member. Neither RC nor us, ever felt that we were being cared for by hospital staff. We all truly felt that we were being cared for by family- and that what makes each one of you all so special and separates you from the rest!
Everyone on your team had their own special moments in RC's journey, and each member deserves an individual award. I know that your team will face dark times and similar, or worse, situations than you experienced with RC. I also know that the level of humanistic, loving care that your team so freely provides will always continue to shine through and elevate another family, and I hope you all as well. Every team member is a true inspiration, and you all made seemingly dark moments not so dark. May God continue to bless each of you, as your reach goes far beyond the walls of the hospital. You have touched our lives forever, and we are better for it.
(This letter was sent to our ICU Director by a grateful patient's brother. In a follow-up meeting, this family member verbally requested that Hillary Neal be honored with a DAISY Award for her role in coordinating this complex patient's care, and for her compassionate interactions with the patient and his family.)