My mom lived and worked in Illinois, away from her children. She had not been feeling well and was transferred to OSF with a suspected stroke, that revealed a catastrophic cancer diagnosis and within days we went from intensive medical intervention to hospice/comfort care. Mary was the first person we met when mom was transferred to the Oncology unit. Mary provided a warm welcome and introduced us to the unit and how we could be involved in our Mother's care. Mary was also "our" nurse the following day and provided the same level of expert knowledge to other family members and visitors dealing with our rapid introduction and transition to the grieving process.
Mary allowed all of us to talk through ideas and issues, in personalizing the care for our Mom and was a champion for involving even the youngest grandchildren in doing things with Grandma that have provided those kids with special photos, memories and a preparation for separation that they were able to understand. Mary shared her expert knowledge in such a way that adults and the adolescent grandchildren all came away with a warm, cared for feeling and that she provided care for her patient by also caring for the patient's family.
On behalf of our family, I want to express my appreciation for Mary and OSF for the compassion and excellent level of care my Mom received while a patient at your facility.