HOSPITAL: There for this family

One month ago, my daughter took her new husband to the ER at Kootenai Health. Ex-pats living in New Zealand, Dani and Matt were at the beginning of a cross-continental three-week long U.S. holiday. They never made it farther than the hospital.

Though Matt was not feeling well, we were stunned when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloma Leukemia. These two big-hearted young professionals had many short- and long-term plans for their new lives together but cancer was definitely not one of them.

News like this is never easy, but Dani and Matt were surrounded by wonderful people who really helped them make it through those first couple of weeks. I am writing this letter to acknowledge those people because we are grateful to them. I am speaking of the kind and caring nurses, doctors and others at Kootenai Health (Krystal), those in the oncology ward and the ICU.

Dr. David Bartels, Matt’s oncologist, is exactly the type of doctor a person needs when receiving such a devastating diagnosis. The care he provided made all the difference to Matt and Dani. The nursing staff in the oncology ward does a great job of not only providing excellent nursing care, but also in educating the patient and the family, and in showing genuine care. Many times I arrived at the hospital to find my daughter embraced by a nurse, crying into her shoulder.

Thank you, Dr. Bartels and each and every wonderful nurse, CNA and support staff! You are so appreciated!

TERRI BOYD-DAVIS

Hayden