I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to Mike Keefer, a nurse in your Medical Intensive Care Unit. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike while enduring the last 11 hours of my father's life. For lack of sufficient words, Mike was absolutely amazing. I don't think there was a 10 minute stretch over those 11 hours where we didn't see him in the room. He monitored I.V.s, administered medication, rounded up doctors for a final consult and provided the most compassionate care to ensure that Dad was comfortable and could pass away with dignity.

Even though Dad was in a medically induced coma, Mike made sure that he explained everything he was doing as he was doing it. When we made the decision to remove Dad's breathing tube, Mike was our rock. He explained the medication that would make Dad feel comfortable and when Dad was struggling, he immediately gave him an additional dose to ensure that he felt no pain. We could not have asked for a higher level of vigilance.

When Dad took his final breath, Mike was there with a tear in his eye, kind words and much needed hugs. It felt like he was a friend we had known for years rather than a nurse who had been in our lives for 11 short hours. He explained what would happen next and handled the calls to the funeral home and mortician immediately. I left the hospital feeling a huge relief as this could have very easily become an overwhelming experience.

No words or actions seem sufficient in recognizing this wonderful man who helped our family through one of the most difficult days we have ever experienced. Nurses like Mike Keefer are the best public relations vehicle your institution could employ. Because of our experience, I will never hesitate to recommend the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.