It was the kind of news no one could ever prepare for...
When Robert Burke was transferred to Saint Joseph's Hospital for emergency surgery, his wife, Leah, had high hopes for a full recovery. But soon after the procedure, Leah's hopes were dashed when the surgeon told her that her husband's prognosis wasn't good. That evening one of our chaplains, Michael Bryant, sat down with Leah. The emotional and spiritual support he offered cut through her grief and sadness. Somehow she didn't feel so alone in the world. But his caring support didn't stop there. As Robert's health declined over the next two months, Chaplain Bryant was always there when Leah needed him - offering counsel and care through all the ups and downs of illness. He even checked in with her during his off hours.
Sadly as time passed, it became more apparent that Robert wasn't getting any better. In fact, continuing the treatment would only prolong his suffering. Naturally, this was hard for Leah to accept. Though the doctors explained the situation, she wanted Robert's treatment to continue in hopes of a recovery. Otherwise, she felt she would be responsible for his death. Understanding her pain and confusion, the team called in Alan Sanders, Ph.D., the hospital's ethicist. Dr. Sanders led a meeting with Leah and the physicians, explaining that no matter what decision Leah made, Robert's illness would be the sole cause of his death - not her.
Leah processed the information. And as she came to terms with her husband's prognosis, she realized that Robert would want to die at home, surrounded by the people he loved. Dr. Melissa Schepp and Laura Williams, RN, MBA, CHPN of Saint Joseph's skilled and compassionate Palliative Care Team helped Leah make all the arrangements for moving Robert back home, which required a very high level of expertise and much advanced planning. Leah was grateful for the Palliative Care staff and their ability to facilitate her wishes to keep Robert comfortable and pain-free, at home. They continued to answer Leah's questions after he went home, and were able to calm her fears about his required care and, eventually, his death.
In the end, Robert died peacefully with his wife at his side - just as he and she wanted. Throughout the process, Leah often spoke of the meaningful connection she'd developed with the staff at Saint Joseph's. She talked of the fact that the vital services she'd received were an added dimension of care, unlike that of any other Atlanta hospital. Of course, none of this would have been possible without help from generous friends in our community like you, who lend their financial support to Saint Joseph's Hospital. The support of these friends allows our Compassionate Care Program to offer so many vital services to hurting people - along with a superior level of care that cannot be covered by patient fees, insurance or Medicare.
May we count you among this special group today? If so, I hope you'll take a moment now to send the most generous tax-deductable gift you can to Saint Joseph's Mercy Foundation. Your gift of $25, $50 or $100 will go a long way to help people like Leah, who face circumstances more difficult than any they've ever imagined. By allowing us to provide them emotional, spiritual and practical support, your gift will help give courage and comfort - in addition to the highest quality care.
So please, respond generously today. And thank you so much for caring.
Gratefully yours,
Sister Valentina Sheridan, RSM
Director, Mission Integration
P.S. Leah continues to be grateful to the members of the St. Joseph Compassionate Care staff, who "were loving and compassionate enough to hold my spirit in their caring hearts and hands at one of the darkest moments in my life." Aren't you glad Saint Joseph's Hospital is here for you and your loved ones, too? Your support will help keep care strong and responsive for any health crisis you or a loved one may face. Thank you!
YES! I want to help deliver Compassionate Care to the patients at Saint Joseph's Hospital!
