I’m well because… …the nurse I had in the Emergency Room was so good to me. She and the doctor made me feel so relaxed and made me more at ease during my visit. —Terry Gray
I’m well because… UMass Memorial saved my life twice! First in 2011, after I sustained life threatening injuries in a cycling crash. The trauma team nursed me back to health and I came back to have my strongest cycling season ever. In October 2013, just months after competing in my first half Ironman, I was diagnosed with leukemia. I was admitted for immediate treatment and spent the entire month in the hospital. The hematology /oncology department saved my life. I endured six rounds of chemotherapy. The doctors, physician assistants and nursing staff were all incredible, and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for me!! —Karen Luchini
I’m well because… I had the best team of doctors. July 19, 2012, I flipped my truck 6 times on interstate 495. My leg went out the window three times. Five passengers and I were all taken to UMass Memorial. We were lucky to have had the best team of medical doctors to take care of our injuries. I received tremendous care over the last two and half years! —Shannon Morgan
My son is well because… My son is well because of the excellent emergency room staff and Dr. Kraus. On Valentine's Day 2012, I got the call every mother dreads: My beautiful 11-year-old boy had been hit while snowboarding and no one yet knew how bad it was. The 30 minutes it took me to get to UMass Memorial were the worst of my life. I was frantic when I got there but I was taken right to the pediatric emergency room and to a wonderful, calming nurse. My son was on a gurney with a very broken leg. The doctor explained what he thought was wrong, how he would treat it, and that it would be ok. The X-ray group gently took the films and confirmed a broken femur. I almost fainted in X-ray but the technologist talked to me and got me a chair. The doctor’s set my son’s leg for the night and planned surgery for the morning. He comforted me while I panicked and cried. I wish I remembered names of all the wonderful ER people. Dr. Krausthe came in the morning and did the first of two eventual surgeries. I have never been so scared and confident at the same time. Dr. Kraus was available for every dumb question, every little freak out I had. It took a year, four screws and a large purple rod to heal my son’s leg, but he has no lasting damage, other than a few scars and a scary story. I owe my son’s leg to the wonderful staff of UMass Memorial. Without them, my son could have been permanently damaged both physically and psychologically. One year later he got back on his snowboard with a smile. It was the best day, thanks to Dr. Kraus and the staff at UMass Memorial. “Thank you” could never cover what you did for us! —Jen Holzer
My husband is well because… My husband, Gary, was in a serious car accident two years ago and, due to head trauma, was sent to UMass Memorial Medical Center for treatment. I was working at the time at UMass Memorial in Auburn and received a phone call to come to the Emergency Room. My husband was hit in the passing lane on Route 20 by someone who was trying to switch lanes and did not see him. His truck flipped over several times and his head hit the road as the truck was flipping. His seatbelt kept him secured in the truck. The staff at UMass Memorial were quick and efficient in sending him for CT scans and X-rays and stabilizing him. The doctors did their best to stitch the back of his head; the trauma to the back of his head was intense. The doctors were professional and confident in their care. The plastic surgeon was excellent and the nurses were compassionate. Thanks to UMass Memorial’s prompt and efficient care, my husband made a full recovery. —Nancy Lindgren
I am well because‌ I'm well because the doctors in your emergency room saved my life in 1993. I was a scared 16year-old girl who had been going through months of debilitating chest pain. One of the emergency doctors there realized that I had been misdiagnosed with inflammation of my rib cage. In actuality, I had a dangerous amount of fluid compressing my heart that was causing it to be unable to pump. I needed emergency surgery to drain the fluid. I am almost positive that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the excellent care I received almost 21 years ago. Thank you! —Cheryl Flaherty
My son is well because… UMass Memorial provided all-star care for my son’s broken arm. My son’s town baseball championship was cut short when a hard pitch fractured his ulna. (His team was so supportive and ended up winning the championship.) The staff at UMass Memorial were so helpful and informative for the many weeks of recovery and cast changes. They even wrapped his cast to match colors of the team he was on. Even though his arm was broken there was a place for him on the All Star Team. They won that district championship, too. It was hard for Dante to sit in the dugout but no matter how hot out it was or rainy, he cheered his teammates on. Now my son is back on the field, ice and slopes as good as new because of the quality care UMass Memorial provided. —Natasha Colonero
My daughter is well because‌ In January 2013 our daughter, Reagan, was rushed by ambulance to UMass Memorial ER because she was retracting and having a lot of congestion. She was diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Doctors admitted her overnight on 5 East for observation due to her Down Syndrome. The nurses and doctors took such good care of her. She went home the very next day. The hospital staff couldn't get over how adorable she is! She's a little trooper and a huge blessing! —Tara Savage
My daughter is well because‌ My daughter went in to UMass Memorial late one night for severe breathing difficulties. Staff helped calm her down and once she fell asleep they were able to help her without her getting more worked up. They helped me to my car with all my things and the nurse was so kind and caring. —Rachel Darci
My son is well because‌
When my son was three months old he was brought to UMass Memorial by ambulance for a fever. Everyone treated us great. We were there for five days and didn't have one bad experience. Now he's a happy, healthy two year old. —Therese Smith
My son is well because‌ I love the pediatrics emergency department at UMass Memorial. They have been fabulous with my son both times he had to be seen for an emergency. They put my mind at ease and earned my trust that my child will be well cared for in the hands of these pediatric emergency doctors. Bonus: Our second visit was Christmas Night and they gave toys to their pediatric patients that were there on Christmas. How thoughtful! They're the best!! —Courtney Denis
We thank God every day for their dedication I am well because he is well...That is my son Corey. Not only was I a patient in the high risk OB office, but we spent one month in the NICU and two months in the PICU. With 52 hours in labor, I saw and was cared for by a large group of wonderful nurses and doctors across a variety of shifts. Corey was born with a TEF/AE and Dr. Pradeep Nazarey and the pediatric team repaired Corey's trachea on day four of life. The NICU staff was there encouraging us and supporting my pumping through the tough first month of Corey's life. Sadly, only two days at home brought us an emergency trip into the ER in the snow storm of 2013, where even the reception staff recognized the severity of Corey's status as we later learned he developed a chylothrorax collapsing his right lung. That ER team saved our son. The PICU team then took over and helped us get through the slow and tedious process of recovering from a chylothorax with chest tubs and medications. The pediatric floor was wiling to work with two parents who had really been through hell. We have worked with so many people at UMass Memorial and honestly, they treat us with such respect and understanding that even during our several return trips people come to visit and check on Corey. UMass Memorial is our go-to care team and we thank God every day for their dedication and willingness to understand that it is not just our son who needs their care, but also his parents who know their baby inside out and backwards. I am well because he is treated well by all those we meet at UMass Memorial. THANK YOU DOES NOT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE. — Taryn Barlow