Samantha Wong cared for my aunt the last evening of her life as my aunt passed away on comfort care after a hard fought battle with melanoma. Sam provided competent, compassionate care to my beloved aunt without being intrusive as we sat by her bedside. Perhaps even more impactful was the care Sam provided to us, allowing us meaningful time to spend with my aunt, bringing us blankets, snacks and coffee in the dark hours after midnight. My aunt's condition seemed unchanged for more than ten hours so we left around 5 AM with the intention of getting the kids off to school and then returning. Sam called me about 45 minutes later to let me know my aunt had passed, and the few simple sentences she had to describe the events after we had left and how Sam had gone to check on my aunt, had turned on some music for her and my aunt, although comatose, had smiled - were and continue to be such a comfort to me and my family, to know my aunt was at peace and comfortable at her passing.
Sam had a tremendous positive influence on our family's experience with my aunt's death, even in the very short time she cared for us. I want to please thank you, Salem Hospital and Sam, for creating such an environment where our whole family was so supported, nurtured and cared for through a difficult time that extends far beyond the hospitalization of our loved one.