Brigham and Women's respiratory therapist have done a wonderful job in a sometime challenging setting. Although always with grace and a smile on their face. It is Brenda Graham's second trip to Rwanda and Jane Bartholomew's first.
As we are about to admit the 12th case into the ICU, we can certainly recognize how much we take for granted. Coming from a major medical center and having everything at your fingertips...Let's just say we've learned to be creative. This years patients are finding a great deal of comfort from last year's patients as they visit, giving them support & hope for the future. We are anticipating our 1st discharge tomorrow, (exactly 1 wk. from Easter). The rwandan staff have been so helpful and eager to learn. We are grateful that they tolerate us varying from their customs. A big Thank-you to Ceeya & all the "behind the scenes people" for helping to pull it all together. Well Wishes to the angels in the step-down unit who will stay extra to get all the patients well on the road to recovery. We are proud to work alongside this entire team... You are truly an amazing group. Thank-you for allowing us the opportunity to "pay it forward". or as the rwandan's say.. "Mwakoze cyane"
Hi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for your dedication to Team Heart and just for doing all you can to save a life or should I say several lives. That is such a great opportunity and I'm glad you have been able to be a part of the mission for the second year now!!! So Proud of You!!
Brenda.. What can I say that I haven't already said to you... so proud of you and all that you do... just reading the words Jane and you wrote puts things in perspective!!!! Can't wait till you get home..Be safe and keep changing lives... we love you... kim and alex..
ReplyDeleteTeam Heart Rwanda 09- What a great group of Cardiac Surgery team led by Dr. Bolman, Dr. Shekar, Dr. Rawn, Dr Nascimben, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Connell, Dr Buckhman and many nurses like Sue and Sue Ellen and Kayla.... and RT like Brenda and Jane and PA surgeon Barry Shopnick, perfusionists Mike and Amy (most capable under pressure)these medical team and their colleagues are heroes in every way. Take heart and smile to the far reching places on earth. A land split by genocide 15 years ago is smiling because of medical team like yourselves and your teamates from Australia and Rwnada. What a great way to celebrate human spirit.
ReplyDeleteGo team heart. you are the best.
God bless you.
have a safe flight back to the USA.
Hi Jane and Brenda!! You are missed terribly and I am soo proud of you for all that you are doing and all that you have done! You both are an inspiration to me. I hope you are finding some time to your selves to explore... nice pic brenda (the gorilla) pretty crazy!!! I can't wait to see more and hear all about the trip!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Bethany, RRT