I was hospitalized at Kaiser South in the latter part of April when I received a stent in a coronary artery on an emergency basis. The quick action of the team at the Morse Emergency Department determined I was having a heart attack, and they sent me by ambulance to Kaiser South, where the physicians there immediately placed the stent.

They undoubtedly saved my life. They have my deepest thanks. Although I understand such a procedure usually only requires a couple of days of hospitalization, I was in the hospital for ten days, followed by another ten days in a rehab facility. I am not sure why I was so very sick. I only know I experienced a number of symptoms so severe that I could hardly lift my head.

My nurses and the nursing assistants treated me with unfailing kindness and respect at that most helpless time of my life, for which I was so grateful. I wish I could remember each of their names. I made notes at the time, but those notes didn't make it home with me. One of my nurses was named Stricker. He was on duty the night my heart rate suddenly became erratic, and my blood pressure elevated. He quickly assessed what was happening and, for the next hectic hour or more, led the efforts to normalize my heart rate and blood pressure.

During that time, Stricker's calm, efficient actions enabled me to maintain a relaxed state of mind, which undoubtedly had a positive bearing on the successful outcome of the situation. He truly personifies the best attributes of the nursing profession: intelligence combined with compassion. I was privileged to receive his care at a time that I desperately needed it. He would unquestionably be an asset to you in any capacity you might choose to entrust to him.

I am now at home with my family, adjusting to a new normal way of life that I almost wasn't here to experience. When one experiences a brush with death, just awaking each day is sweet. I send my sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of Kaiser South for giving me a few more precious days, perhaps even years.