As I send this note of recognition and praise, it is with profound gratitude and appreciation for the services, hospitality and care that my son (J) received during our visit to the ED. We arrived late in the evening and quickly realized that he was one, among many, sick children that night. Upon arrival, I counted 8 families ahead of us as we settled in for what I knew would be a very long night. It wasn't until the next day that I was informed that the medical center was at critical occupancy levels, which explained the longer than expected wait times. During our stay, there were four team members whom I considered TOP TIER and BEST IN CLASS! 

The "Fabulous Four" were: 

Sarah Bast - ED Nurse: Upon our arrival she was friendly, attentive and checked on us OFTEN. I'm sure she knew it would be a long wait but with her constant attention to our needs, she made the time during our almost 16-hour ED stay pass just a bit quicker. We appreciated Sarah during her shift, but it wasn't until after her shift was over and she returned to work the next day that we truly realized the gem that she is. Although my son is considered a "big kid" (age 15, 190+ lbs.), I was very worried, so I barely slept. Partly because of the concerns that come with having a sick child, and partly due to the struggle of having to sleep sitting up in an ED chair. When Sarah came back for her shift the next day and realized that we were still in the ED awaiting surgery, she immediately brought in a reclining chair for me. While this may seem like a very small gesture, IT MEANT THE WORLD TO a mentally and emotionally drained mama! I didn't have to ask; she automatically knew what I needed and acted upon it. The hour or so of sleep that I was able to get gave me just enough strength to make it through my son's very first surgery. A genuine thank you to Sarah! This is proof that small gestures make BIG impacts!

I also want to recognize Emma Truitt for her bubbly personality and her kind smile. She was also very friendly and attentive to our needs.

Andria Jack-Springer - OR Nurse: After a long wait in the ED, we arrived at the OR to prep for surgery. My son was nervous, and his dad and I were showing brave faces while panicking a bit on the inside. ANDRIA IS THE SOLE REASON MY FAMILY WAS ABLE TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, CALM DOWN, AND SEND OUR SON OFF TO SURGERY IN A CONFIDENT WAY. It was late in the evening, and everyone seemed a bit tired, but when she greeted us in the OR, it felt like a burst of energy and sunshine walked into the room. If your son is going into surgery late in the evening, you want to feel that the team is alert and ready! Andria reassured us that they were ready, that she was there to take care of my "big baby" and that he was in excellent hands. Lastly, she prayed with our family! We had church members and family calling and praying over my son the entire time we were at the hospital, but to have a member of his medical team pray as well brought his dad and I to tears. Andria was kind, supportive, confident, and what we considered our angel in the operating room. She was the answer to our prayers and I am thankful for her. 

Dr. Sandra Kabagambe - Surgeon: Dr. Kabagambe visited my son's room early Tuesday morning to advise that she would be performing the surgery. As I realize an appendectomy may have been a routine procedure for her and one, she performs often, she was still patient, kind and answered a host of questions that we had. Not once did we feel rushed or shamed for our questions, but instead comforted by her calm nature. Many hours later when my son was finally up for surgery I worried because by my calculation, Dr. Kabagambe had been working for at least 10 hours already. But when she came to visit us right before the surgery, she too was vibrant, engaged and patient. You often hear how surgeons are working from sun up to sun down, but we got to see this scenario play out in real life. After the surgery was complete, we asked her, "When do you get off work?" at which time she said, "When all of my patients are taken care of. And now that J's surgery is complete and he is better I will go home to my own baby"". If no one has told Dr. Kabagambe lately, I would like to remind her of how truly special she was to my family that day and to thank her for the time she sacrificed with her own baby to make sure that mine was well taken care of. 

Alexandra Lohn - Post-op Discharge Nurse: Alex was great! She has an awesome personality, was talkative, and down to earth. Although she was getting off work (or likely past her shift) she took the time needed to explain discharge instructions, highlight important points, answer all of our questions and see my son through waking up from the anesthesia. Although she was at the tail end of her shift, she helped us leave in the exact same manner we were brought in: with kindness, care, and the utmost level of professionalism!

My son J was back at school this week and continues to have a strong recovery. A sincere THANK YOU to all named above! I couldn't be prouder of the care and compassion my family received, and to be a part of the UVA Health family.