Deepest Gratitude for the Exceptional Care and Compassion
This letter is addressed to the Labor and Delivery staff who cared for my daughter-in-law and my son on December 20-21, 2024:
Gina Bravata, MD,
Dr. Luciana Stumpf,
Dr. Stephanie Amabach,
Amber Nash-Guilford, DO,
Robert Nicholson, IV, MD,
Sonya Datta-Sandhu, MSN, CNM,
Brandi Boone, CNM,
Mackenzie Scurfield, CNM,
Anel Castro, RN,
Alyssa Sydow-Hoffert, RN,
Katherine Hecker, RN,
Felissa Francisco, RN,
Nicole Hess, RN,
House Supervisor
I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion that you provided our family during an unimaginably difficult time. On Friday, December 20, 2024, just five days before Christmas, my son and his wife experienced the heart-wrenching, unexpected loss of their precious daughter at 35 weeks of pregnancy.
As a healthcare provider myself, with over 20 years of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner, I understand how challenging it can be to provide care during life's most difficult and painful moments. I do not take this for granted and recognize that the level of care and sensitivity we received is not something to be expected by default, as many might assume. It requires intentional effort and vulnerability to deliver the kind of care that we received. The professionalism, kindness and sensitivity that you showed to my son and daughter-in-law, particularly during the induction process, will never be forgotten. I cannot overstate the significance of the cultural sensitivity shown, especially in ensuring that my daughter-in-law, whose native language is Spanish, felt supported. My son had requested a live interpreter vs the interpreter line, which can be quite cumbersome and impersonal, and we were so fortunate that the doctor and several other healthcare team members throughout her stay spoke Spanish. This helped her feel more connected and cared for during such an emotional time.
Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for allowing their therapy dog, Rooney, to be with them. He sensed and knew that something was wrong and was able to provide an incredible sense of comfort. His presence brought immeasurable peace during those difficult days at the hospital. I know that he would be suffering at home without them, and not being able to see his baby sister, before telling her goodbye.
From the gentle touch of the nurses and hugs that were given, to the thoughtful aftercare provided, such as tidying up the room and ensuring new linens were brought in, every small detail meant so much. The anesthesiologist was incredibly timely and sensitive to pain management needs, as well as when complications arose, and mom had to go to the OR. Whenever the call light was pressed, someone attended to our needs within minutes. There was never a time that we felt ignored or not cared for, which lessened the stress of such a painful and stressful situation.
I am also deeply grateful for the catholic priest who provided prayers and a bilingual baptism service, which was so comforting. The cultural sensitivity that the staff showed speaks volume about the culture at Bronson, and especially on the Labor and Delivery unit, and how important community is to you all.
The care package provided by the Labor and Delivery staff was beyond meaningful. The keepsakes — including pictures of the baby, hand and footprints, jammies, an angel bracelet and heart pin, hand knitted blanket and hat and stuffed animals — are momentums that will be treasured for a lifetime.
While our hearts are broken by the loss of my granddaughter, we will forever remember the compassionate care that was given to our family. You helped us hold our precious girl, love on her, and cherish the moments we had, and we will carry those memories with us forever.
In memory of Elodie Rose, who was taken from us too soon, we gift each of you a candle handmade by her mother, Sonya. May this candle serve as a gentle reminder of how deeply appreciated you are, and of the importance of the compassionate care you provide.
With so much love and appreciation.
