During the most devastating time in our family, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory. Dazed, confused and completely overwhelmed, we did not know where to turn or who to look to. Enter Marilyn Gaber. For the first two days and the last day of our loved one's time at UIHC, she was a source of comfort, guidance, and information even when we didn't know we needed it. She answered our questions with straightforward honesty and frankness but did so with compassion and gentleness that did not go unnoticed. She quietly worked around a steady stream of family and friends as well as the constant presence of close family. She did so without complaint, losing patience, or otherwise making anyone feel like they were in the way. During our time she laughed with us, cried with us, took the time to listen to stories and shared memories of our beloved. We shared pictures with Marilyn and other staff as they cried with us all the while providing a level of comfort and compassion that will not be forgotten.
On her first day back after a few days off, she helped prepare us for organ donation and eventuallyescorted our loved one to the operating room. It was a very long day for all of us even though it was only 10 am.
Throughout this process, Marilyn was professional, courteous, compassionate, level-headed, honest and kind to everyone in our family.
I know she will say that she was "just doing her job" and she was. However, our time with her, while only a few days in length honestly felt like an eternity, was made just a slight bit more bearable with a person like Marilyn providing care and support as she did.
It's staff members like Marilyn Gaber that make the reputation of the UIHC what it is today. We thank her and the entire UIHC/SNICU staff for their care and compassion during such a trying time.