My son K was transferred to Mayo - St Mary’s from Genesis East, Davenport, IA. He has severe ulcerative colitis, and all efforts with infusions failed. His weight had dropped from 145lbs to 75lbs by the time we arrived here. He had a feeding tube placed at Genesis. However, all food went straight through him. He was using the restroom 2-3 times per hour. He became extremely weak and required assistance with everything. At Genesis, he had an X-ray completed that showed a partially collapsed lung. A CT showed he had blood clots in his lungs also. K opted out of further medical treatment to save his colon and requested surgery.

Our doctor referred us to Mayo. After losing our room twice due to no transport being available and the weather, we secured a room. When we arrived at Mayo that day we were exhausted and emotionally raw. This is when we met RN Steve. He was absolutely put in front of us by a higher power. He was extremely kind and empathetic. We arrived before our son, and he gave us a short tour of our wing of the floor. He immediately made us feel at home and like a member of his own family. He walked us through what to expect when our son arrived and gave us information with a phone number to call for any questions we may have moving forward. He basically stayed with us as much he could and got K settled and as comfortable as possible. He let us stay hands on with K’s care as far as assisting with cleaning him, getting him warm blankets and drinks/food. I know K sincerely appreciated this. During our stay, RN Steve consistently checked in with us and was a calming family like presence. He always seemed to be there when we needed him.

RN Michael was part of a nutrition team that came through to speak with K and us. K had a PICC line placed with IV nutrients due to his malnourished state. RN Michael took it upon himself to stop back later to meet with K and share his personal story of having his colon removed. K needed this as his mental health had deteriorated over the prospect of losing his colon not to mention the anguish of going to the restroom in his bed, 20-30 times a day. That was his reality at that point.

Michael stopped back multiple times to check on K. He allowed K to ask questions about the surgery and what life was like with a J Pouch, etc. RN Michael had a positive effect on K’s mental well-being. I can’t say how much this meant to us and to K for him to take time out of his own schedule to visit. It reaffirmed for K that there would be life after surgery, and he could return to normal. Michael provided reassurance that K would be ok, and I know K sincerely appreciated him. If we could, we would make Michael a permanent part of our family.

Lastly comes RN Craig. We feel very fortunate to have had Craig assigned as K’s nurse multiple times during K’s stay at Mayo. Craig was phenomenal in the level of care he provided. It was eye opening to watch the nurses every day. Craig impressed us with his level of organization and focus. He did this all with a kind and caring personality that always remained calm. He was always willing to listen, always checked in on us to see if we needed anything and always treated us like family. Craig stood out to us as a calming influence as he always took the time to explain what was happening each day and decipher medical terminology to help us understand what was going on and why. We can’t say enough good about his treatment of us.

K’s stay at Mayo was through the Christmas and New Year holidays. Each of the nurses named worked varying hours through the holidays and came in each day with a positive attitude. We felt they loved their job and the people they were responsible for the treatment of. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. These three did an excellent job of representing their hospital in a caring, positive light. We will never forget what they did for K.