Allow me to introduce myself, I'm the mother of a son who has been a Kaiser patient for many years. When we transferred to Kaiser Permanente, it was difficult for me given my son's involved medical history and the relationships I had established with his previous medical providers since his birth. The very first person I spoke with, all those years ago, was Barbara Keefer.
Being a parent of a child who has disabilities, along with a medical component is very involved with many moving agencies, etc. Like many families, we have had our challenges. Over all these years the one person I knew I could always count on to lend an ear or help direct me was Barbara. I have always known she was there for our family. Barbara is priceless. Honestly, I do not know what we would have done without her in this day and age of cutbacks and layoffs, and overall lack of knowledge of the different systems of care one has to navigate in our situation. I'm deeply saddened that technically she is no longer our "go to" for our son, as he has aged out of CCS this year.
Barbara is an amazing asset that Kaiser is fortunate to have. I'm beyond grateful for her and all she does. Our world needs more thoughtful, compassionate, reliable providers like her. I have always ended conversing with Barbara feeling heard, supported and respected. I hope that Barbara is truly valued for all she does in supporting the many lives she touches. She is a nurse role model who kind, compassionate and a patient advocate.