KERRIE IS EVERYWHERE

Hello Kast Family,

So much has happened to so many the past days. Texas Pam and her family are ok, but a lot of cleanup and readjustment ahead for all of them. Pam emailed me and told me her hospital was badly damaged and is closed. I can’t imagine that happening here. That means work problems as well as difficulties in caring for the people who would have gone to that hospital. I understand that many of the damaged healthcare facilities in New Orleans are still closed. What a hardship for all.

I think I’ve told you all that I recently took a new job at a nearby hospital. I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying this job. It has given me more energy and motivation than I have felt in a long time. I keep running in to people I know, either from other organizations, meetings, etc. Many former North Oakland people are there and it’s always like a reunion.

Today I went to a breakfast for new employees and met with the Chief Nursing Officer, the COO and the HR Recruiter. They already feel like old friends. Sitting next to me was a young women (a Physical Therapist) and as we talked she mentioned having worked at NOMC. After the breakfast broke up I asked her when she had worked there. Part time over the past several years she said. We started talking about NOMC rehab, people , etc. And then I mentioned Kerrie being a patient on rehab and that she had leukemia. She looked startled and then told me about her small son who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4. I told her that I knew another PT whose son was in recovery and that there had been another rehab person whose son had the same disease. she said “Joan, that was me!”..I had gone to the bake sale that the rehab department had for them and supported their cause, but I had never met Tami until today. What a wonderful story. She had two children and when he son was diagnosed she was pregnant for number three. Her older child was not a match for a stem cell transplant for his brother. When the baby was born they stored the cord blood and when it became evident that the only chance for her sick boy was a transplant they tested the blood and it was a perfect match. Her son is now a year post transplant. He is going to school and doing very well.

We sat for some time and talked, cried a little, and hugged. I now have another friend at Crittenton. And the best part for me…….. I know now that I didn’t leave Kerrie behind at North Oakland. She was there with me today and she’ll be there everyday.
Welcome to Crittenton Kerrie, I’m so glad your here!

Love to all
Joan