I was admitted to the hospital with complications of MDS, further complicated by pneumonia. After one day of testing in ER I was transferred to Room 512, where I met my nurse, Flavia Koester. Besides taking excellent care of me, she also helped me get my head straight about the seriousness of my disease.

At the end of my stay, the doctors balked at sending me home. She intervened and convinced them to let me go home because that was what I really wanted to do. We were faced with a long car trip home- 1500 miles- and she arranged to get the medicines and oxygen needed to support me on the way home.

We think highly of her and admire the expert way she handled this situation. She showed warmth and compassion, not only to the patient, but to the family members as well.