I wanted to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for a very special employee of TMMC. My brother was unfortunate enough to be bitten by a mosquito and infected with the West Nile Virus, which caused encephalitis and a long list of other problems. He was fortunate enough to be cared for in the TMMC ICU. Over the course of 5 weeks, his 3 brothers took turns flying in from the East Coast to be with him as he lay in ICU. We met some wonderful professional and caring people there. We were inspired by all of their dedication and devotion to the job they do. One particular event really made me stop and be exceptionally grateful.

The nurse had taken an interest in my brother and was always looking to see if she could help, even to the point of organizing a shower for him when he was still learning to sit himself up and to walk. She persistently asked for permission to get him in the shower so that he would feel better and heal faster. And as soon as that permission was grated, she gathered some helpers, made sure his wires and tubes were protected, planned the event, and then donned a garbage bag for a raincoat, put on rain boots and got him all cleaned up. He had not been near a shower or bathroom for five weeks. It was a wonderful and thoughtful gift. And the truth is, she came in on her day off to do this for him. It was a very generous and caring act and I cannot imagine a more dedicated employee. Please let everyone in TMMC ICU know that my brothers and I are eternally grateful for her, the nurses, RT's, sitters and orderlies.