I am the widow of G, a heart failure patient at UPMC for the past 13 years. G wanted to write this letter himself, but he never regained strength, and sadly, he passed away. Lisa Wateska was his champion for the past six months. Even after his passing, Lisa took the time to call me to offer sympathy and speak to me about the medical events of the past few weeks.
G only knew Lisa for six months, but during that time, he formed an incredible bond with her. Please know that G had great anxiety about his doctors' appointments. He had end-stage heart failure, and it seemed that each appointment brought more negative news. Lisa had an incredible way of calming G, of explaining things truthfully, but with extreme kindness, yet firmness. G listened to all her advice! He did what she told him to do, in regards to meds, diet, exercise, etc. When he had a question, when he was scared, when he felt sicker, he called or emailed her, and her reply always came the same day, sometimes within the hour! G was in the hospital five times this year before he passed away. I myself sometimes strolled down to the outpatient heart and vascular center, and asked to speak with Lisa for a few minutes, because I also was anxious or scared or I had a question about a med or a procedure that G was having. She always took time to meet with me, and in that same professional, yet very kind way, helped me to understand what was happening to my precious husband. One day in May, G was extremely anxious and wanted to go in to Presby (we live an hour away) and see Dr. M. I explained to him that you just don't "drop in" on Dr. M, and he said, "I'm pretty sure Lisa will see me." And she did, for that one last time. This woman is more than an extraordinary nurse; she is an angel of healing. Please recognize her for the outstanding professional that she is. Thank you, Lisa, for the bottom on my heart.